North Idaho couple creates dream weddings in Cocolalla By Jillian Chandler | Photo by Weston Cederblöm of Weston C Photo
Set on 20 wooded acres in Cocolalla, nestled among the trees, is where you will find Firebrand LLC, an outdoor only wedding and event venue. The vision is that of husband-and-wife Cruz and Teira Bruner. The secluded and private setting offers the bride and groom, and their guests, serenity and peace, and respite from the hustle and bustle. “It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced,” smiles Teira.
It was after losing their first home to a fire that would spark change—and inspiration—in Cruz and Teira’s life and lead them on the path to Firebrand. “I loved teaching. I loved the students, the families, the community, but we could sense a change in the education world and knew it wasn’t where I was supposed to be,” recalls Teira, who has a degree in education and taught at Lakeland High School for eight years. “I took the plunge and retired from teaching in spring 2019—just before the pandemic. God had a plan. We rebuilt our home (Cruz has been in the construction industry for two decades) and sold it, then went searching for the perfect property. We knew we needed to create something unique and that couples in the Inland Northwest were looking for.”
Throughout her teaching career, Teira was the prom advisor for seven years, student council advisor for four years, and taught Resort Academy at the Coeur d’Alene Resort for four years. She also worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for 10 years total. “With all of this experience in hosting large-scale events and organizing activities, I was excited to [help create a truly memorable experience] for couples—on my very own property.”
The first wedding held on the land was their own on August 7, 2021. They would use their wedding photos to help build their business website and social media pages. Less than a year later, on June 4, 2022, they would host their first clients’ wedding. “We hosted 12 weddings total in the 2022 season, and we already have 21 weddings booked for 2023,” says Teira excitedly.
The unique land offers separate spaces for the ceremony and reception. Tiered levels were created in both spaces to allow for every guest, no matter where they are seated, to witness all the events easily. Crushed granite pathways ensure guests have a path to walk with ease, and there are turnarounds for guests to drive those hard of walking up to the ceremony site, as well as for vendors to easily move about the property. The bridal suite has plenty of light for getting ready and for photographers to capture the moment. Each wedding suite tent has air conditioning.
They host weddings May through September, offering Saturday rates, Sunday rates, and Monday through Friday rates. Their 2023 schedule is filling up fast, with availability Sunday through Friday only, as all Saturdays are booked. They are booking for 2024. Venue packages include: use of the property for 12 hours the day of event; table, chair and linen rental, setup, teardown for up to 200 guests (a charge for guest counts over 200 may be added); trash removal; use of any décor items in Firebrand’s inventory; use of wedding party suites; two portable restrooms (one standard, one handicap); 15-by-18-foot dance floor; one parking attendant one hour prior to event start time; use of property for engagement photos (scheduled time required); up to two-hour scheduled rehearsal; and final walk-through planning appointment.
“We are a part of one of the most important days of our couples’ lives. We get to see families and friends come together to pour their love into our couples, and it is truly moving,” shares Teira, who makes it a point to be in the ceremony area for every “I do.” “It means so much to us that our couples love our land as we do, and the fact that we get to share it with them is a dream come true.”
The Bruners are truly thankful to the couples, their families and their own family for sharing their dream with them. “To the couples and families who got married here already, thank you for trusting in our vision. To our family, thank you for helping with the land and working tirelessly to prepare for our wedding and future weddings. This wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
If you’re looking for an enchanted venue to host your dream wedding or event, let Teira and Cruz of Firebrand help bring your vision to life in the beauty of the North Idaho forest.
Firebrand Cocolalla 257 Roop Road Cocolalla, Idaho 208.755.1857 FirebrandCocolalla.com
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