There’s something really special about a couple who chooses their venue not just because it made logistical sense, but because it already meant something. Q’emlin Park has been a part of Ari and Jarred’s story since early on — she’d hiked and paddleboarded here long before they met, and somewhere between their first few dates, they sat here and admitted to each other that yes, this was actually something. So when it came time to get married, having a Trailhead Event Center wedding wasn’t just about finding a venue that fit the budget. It was the place.
How They Got Here
These two found each other on Bumble, had their first date at Crafted Taphouse in Coeur d’Alene, and spent hours afterward on a bench overlooking the lake talking about everything. Ari noticed his flip flops. Jarred noticed her smile. From that very first moment, the future Trailhead Event Center wedding started to unfold, even if they didn’t know it yet. The dates never stopped after that.
The proposal happened the way the best ones do — somewhere that already mattered. An alpine lake in the Colorado mountains, a backpacking trip they’d done before, just the two of them and a drone Jarred used to capture the moment. Ari had a hunch, but it was still the kind of surprise you immediately want to tell everyone about. They hiked back to town and got margaritas. Eventually, those adventures led them to planning their wedding at Trailhead Event Center.
The Day
On their wedding day, Ari said she was most looking forward to a new chapter she could profess to the world in a place she loves — and to remembering how Jarred looked when she walked down the aisle. Jarred said he was most looking forward to that same moment, and the first dance. I love when couples answer that question and it turns out they were thinking about the exact same thing.
If you’re newly engaged and curious what working together looks like, I’d love to hear from you: http://www.archandelm.com/contact Maybe your Trailhead Event Center wedding will be the next one I get to share.
And if you’re still figuring out what kind of photography you actually want, this might help: What Is Documentary Wedding Photography? (And Is It Right for You?)
Vendor credits
- Linen Rental: Event Rents
- Photography: Kristina | Arch & Elm Photography
- Venue: Trailhead Event Center at Q’emlin Park, Post Falls, Idaho
- Catering, Bar & Coordination: Gathered — Stacie W
- DJ, Draping & Lighting: Epic Vibe — Ryan Gerard @epicvibedj
- Hair & Makeup: Baddie Beauty Bridal — Cesley Dodge @baddiebeauty.ces
- Dessert: Birdie’s Pie Shop @birdiespieshop
