Madison + Taner

Story: Maria Brezny - Photos: Britany Moser Photography

An Interview with Madison:

Tell us a little bit about your love story and how you two met?

“We met through mutual friends when we were both in college. Taner was in Rapid City for an internship, and I was just visiting.  One of my best friends, she was actually one of my bridesmaids, she was like, ‘You have to meet Taner.’ So I met everyone that night, and that's how we met.  We were inseparable ever since.”

Where did you guys get married and why did you choose that venue?

“We got married at The Barn at Aspen Acres, and that's in Spearfish, South Dakota. There was just something about it. We toured a few in town, and most of them had more of a rustic vibe to them, and that's just so not us.  We wanted something really elevated and a blank slate, something you could do anything with. I'd seen pictures of The Barn and I was like, oh, my gosh, that is just absolutely beautiful. Once I saw it in person, I was like, okay, this is a no brainer. I walked in and right away, you see the huge windows all the way down the whole reception area, and it was just stunning. I was like, I'm not going to find anything better.”

What was something in your wedding that you knew you couldn't live without?

“It was probably our living champagne wall. We were keeping it a secret and hyping it up to all of our guests so much. We were like, "Guys, we have a surprise.”  It’s funny because everybody thought it was amazing, but in our heads it was the coolest thing ever. And it really was because it lived up to the hype. It was so much fun.  It was so unique. I can't believe how well it turned out. It was so cute. That was the one thing where I was like, oh, yeah, no matter what, we’re doing this.”

What was something that you really splurged on?

“The living champagne wall. It was custom made. I didn't even care what the price was because I wanted it so bad.  Second thing would probably be my dress. From the start, I wanted to do an overskirt that once when I'm walking into the reception, I could take it off. Then, I tried this on, and I'm going through my dress fittings, and I was like, there is no way I'm taking this off. This is too gorgeous. So I decided to do a bustle just in case.  But I did end up taking it off. Towards the very, very end. I was going back and forth between that or a second dress, like a reception dress, but I knew that there would be one I would like more than the other, just naturally. So that's why I was like, the overskirt is just genius. That way I can still wear my dress all night.”

What was your something old?

“My something old was my great-grandma's wedding ring. It was so special.  It was so simple and dainty, just a gold band is all it was. But for as simple as it was, it was absolutely gorgeous.”

What was your first dance song?

“I Was Born to Love You by Ray LaMontagne.”

What was the detail that made it your wedding?

“Definitely the champagne wall is a big one, and then also we incorporated feathers in our flower arrangements which was really fun and unique. I wanted to do something very unique with the decor, and it turned out amazing. I think it's starting to become more popular now, but it gives old Hollywood glam, old money, that kind of vibe.  

Did Taner cry?

“Yes, he did as I was walking down the aisle, right away. I think he was emotional even before as he was seating guests, which was so cute.  Looking back at pictures, you can see, it's adorable.”

Which of your vendors went above and beyond?

“Hands down Wynter from Created by Wyn. She was our wedding planner, and we did the full planning with her. I'm actually to this day completely blown away by how I don't think my wedding would be nearly as organized without her. Even just to the littlest things. I remember I did my final meet with my venue who is also amazing. She was asking me detail questions, like which table linens and stuff that I'm like, “Oh, crap, I don't remember." And she knew it right off the bat.  No matter what. It was just amazing. Every wedding has little things that maybe didn't go as planned.  There actually wasn't one thing at ours.  It was crazy. She was next level. Same thing with The Barn, the owner Tia, she is also amazing.  She helped me throughout the whole entire process, a lot of the linens came from her and everything, and she was so nice and friendly. I did brainstorming with those two even, like on decor, because I feel like they had amazing style, so they were able to brainstorm with me. She was super involved with the living champagne wall too, which was awesome.  Getting that set up and the staff for that. It was just amazing.Those two were over and beyond what I was expecting.”

What is some advice you would give to couples getting married?

“Definitely enjoy every second of it. Even during the planning, where the anticipation leading up to getting married is stressful, just enjoy every second, because once it's over, you'll miss it. I loved that anticipation and just the excitement, so just enjoy every second during it.  Even the stressful parts.”