After Ruvim and I got engaged, the weeks flew by. My daily journal turned into a wedding planner with checkmarks and side-notes all over it (which I totally loved), and my favorite part about that was to see the progress.
I’m a planner and love all things organized, but I also know things won’t always go my way. And I’ve learned they don’t have to. Being in a relationship with God is like that, flexibility and trust is essential. Instead of always “sticking to my plan,” I learned how to rely on God’s plan! Maybe that sounds sappy, but let me tell you… it’s better that way.
11 He has made everything appropriate (or beautiful) in its time… Ecclesiastes 3:11.
We started planning our wedding pretty quickly and listed our highest priorities first, starting with the wedding date, location, and who to involve.
We had a few dates listed before we landed on October 7, 2017. The decision came hand in hand with the wedding venue. We looked at several places before coming across it. Each time either the date or the pricing was an issue. When we looked at Arrowhead Golf Course in Roxborough, Colorado, it just felt right.
Growing up, I knew I wouldn’t get married in Alaska. It could be someone from there, but I didn’t want a wedding there. Despite being particular in that, I wanted to get married by or in the mountains. So, when we visited Arrowhead, a spark lit up! We talked details with the venue coordinator and learned the prices would drop once the “wedding season” was over. October 7 was available, and it was outside of the wedding season, so we saved some money by going with it.
12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Ecclesiastes 4:12.
We prayed about whom to involve in our wedding, from the bridal party, our MC’s, and all in between! Though I would’ve loved to have more people in our bridal party, three seemed to be a reasonable number at the time (hence, the verse). I wish I could’ve had ALL my friends be a bridesmaid, but some advice I got was to involve them in other ways. Like makeup or getting ready, organizing specifics, etc.
My bridesmaids were Lily, Sophia, and Karinna.
Lily is my way-back friend. She came into my life in 2013 and was a big catalyst to my relationship with God and my parents. I learned how to value family and friendships through her, and also how to take it easy. The older I got in high school, the more serious I became, so she helped me loosen up a little. She taught me how to be joyful, pure, and honest in all circumstances. I always say everyone needs a Lily in their life. For us, our relationship is like that of David and Jonathan.
Sophia is the little sister I never had. She is just a tad bit younger than my twin brothers, and we’ve known her since their diaper days. I lived with her family when I moved to Colorado, so reuniting and reigniting our friendship was super meaningful to me! We had our disagreements, but our relationship showed me what it’s like to have a sister. Something many people say I missed out on. With her in my life, I don’t think I missed much ❤
Karinna is my shoulder to lean on. I met her in Bible school in 2015, and we both had the same impression of each other firsthand – we would not like each other. Safe to say that never happened, and we became close within a few weeks by rooming. Honest, real, and raw. We always pick up where we left off, no matter how much time passes by and despite the distance between us. Aside from leaning on each other’s shoulders, there’s a lifelong connection that can’t get lost.
I could write on and on about the rest of the individuals who took part in making our wedding a dream come true, but that’d have to be in a different post (or comment if you’d like to know more & subscribe to see future posts). Every single person involved is valuable to us, and words wouldn’t be enough to show how grateful we are. God truly can do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, especially through people!
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think… Ephesians 3:20.
Next to the bridal party we found an amazing photographer, wonderful DJ company, and the best MC-hosts – Lily and Vadim! Our wedding would be primarily Russian/American, so we were ecstatic when Lily and Vadim said yes to hosting our wedding. They’re the perfect Russian-English duo with ideas out of this world. Their creativity and enthusiasm definitely marked the day!
My sweet parents are wedding designers, so we were all set with decorations and floral arrangements. My mom and I made a few trips to L.A. to buy some specific decor pieces and wedding dress materials (she’s got connections like everywhere!). We also found bridesmaids and flower girl dresses there.
Aside from all the “busy” details, Ruvim and I focused on spending time together. Not only did we grow closer, but this helped us stay on the same page about all decisions. The biggest thing I learned during our premarital season was to not get overwhelmed by the details, but to enjoy every fleeting moment. You can’t plan everything to the T, so it’s important to stay flexible, trusting, and adventurous in everything.
22 I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will occur after him? Ecclesiastes 3:22.
tanyaremkiv 
Still can’t believe we didn’t make it to each other’s weddings 😭😭😭 your wedding was so beautiful 😍🤍
Miss you!!
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Likewise! So sad about that! But thank you, yours was, too!! ❤
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