Brenda & Brian: A themed wedding at The Silver Knot

What began as a chance encounter in July of 2016, grew into a love that neither Brenda or Brian anticipated. Brian, an aerial firefighter for Neptune Aviation and Brenda, a graduate student in social work at Walla Walla University, were both well established in their busy Missoula lives and left little time for romance, that is until they met. Their combined ridiculous sense of humor, shared trivial knowledge, tandem view of life, commitment of faith, love of dogs, barbecuing and enjoying fine foods sparked the embers of a fiery love.

Kelly Kirksey Photography; The Silver Knot

Their Story

August 29, 2017 was a typical late summer day in western Montana, it was hot and the air was thick with smoke from the multiple forest fires that were raging in the region. Brian determined that this would be the perfect day for a memorable proposal. A spontaneous trip to the Kootenai National Forest near Libby, Montana, would make the perfect backdrop for such an event. After a quick hike among the magnificent giant cedars in Ross Creek and a surprise meeting with a black bear, they made their way to the spectacular Kootenai Falls. Brian got down on one knee and proposed to Brenda with a beautiful Montana sapphire engagement ring.

As if the day couldn’t get any better, it ended near the wooden tower at the Libby Helibase watching helicopters return from fighting fires against the beautiful mountainous sunset. The tower was built for the tanker base in the 1989 Steven Spielberg movie “Always.” The movie is a romantic drama about aerial firefighters and parts of it were filmed in and around Libby. Hence the obvious theme for Brenda and Brian’s wedding would become, “Always.”

Brenda and Brian chose The Silver Knot as their wedding venue because of the sweeping view of the Mission Mountains and the amazing positive energy of the location. The couple planned the wedding décor, focusing on incorporating the “Always” theme by balancing aviation and natural elements while keeping a classic rustic Montana feel. September 22nd, 2018, will always be the best day ever!