Family, friends and fireworks will be highlights of July 4 wedding

Family, friends and fireworks will be at the heart of a July 4 celebration of love between Jacqueline Marie Monaghan and Justin DeVere Blakeman. Jacque and Justin, both registered nurses, met while working at Kootenai Health Emergency Department in Coeur d’Alene. They were fast friends. “In a highly stressful, emotional job, you have an almost instant bond,” explains Jacque. “You understand things you can’t talk to other people about.” She also says Justin taught her everything there is to know about being a good nurse. Some would say Justin also knows a thing or two about being a gentleman and a romantic. In the spring of 2014, he secretly met with Jacque’s parents before taking her on a special birthday trip to Ireland. Tucked away in his suitcase was her grandmother’s engagement ring from 1899. The couple spent St. Patrick’s Day – Jacque’s birthday – in Dublin. The streets were loud and crazy and lit up green. “It was like Las Vegas on steroids,” she jokes. Looking for an escape from the massive crowds, they wandered inside the gates of Dublin Palace and found themselves almost entirely alone. Justin approached a woman standing nearby and asked if she’d take their picture. While she captured the moment, Justin captured Jacque’s heart. On one knee, he presented the cherished ring and asked for her hand in marriage. Justin and Jacque will be married on Independence Day this year in Hayden, Idaho. Justin chose the date for the wedding– July 4 has always been a day of celebration for both families. His grandmother was born on the second, his granddad on the sixth, so every year they’d have a big party on the 4th. And this year it will be even more special. Jacqueline (Jacque) is the daughter of David and Mary Monaghan of Colfax, Wash. Justin is the son of Harry and Toni George of Medicine Bow, Wyo. Family is what matters most to Jacqueline and Justin. This includes families from their pasts, loved ones families who will surround and support them on their wedding day, and the family they hope to start soon after they’re married. Guests will be coming from across the U.S. and beyond to be part of the couple’s special weekend – some from across Washington, as others from Ohio, New York, Texas, Wyoming, South Carolina and Arizona. One friend is flying in from Peru. “A lot of people are coming from far away, making this a priority and that says a lot,” says Justin. “Many of them are meeting for the first time. We’re planning an intimate get together barbeque two nights before the wedding, where they can come and get to know each other and we can celebrate all of us being one big family. We thought it would be a nice way to celebrate our families, as well as remember those – like our grandparents and great-grandparents – who can’t be here but are still very big parts of our lives.” Justin and Jacque will honor their grandparents in various ways at the wedding. In addition to her grandmother’s ring, Jacque will carry one of her grandmother’s handkerchiefs. Justin will wear her grandfather’s cufflinks. Jacque’s mother has own mother’s wedding dress, and hopes to somehow use it for Jacque and her sister. Both Justin and Jacque’s families have rich military histories. They want to steer clear of traditional red, white and blue, but they do want to pay tribute to their families’ proud tradition of patriotism. Much of the décor will be in muted red, white and blue tones, and will include vintage photos of their grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ weddings. Jacque’s father and her brother will both give her away. Her brother, who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy, will be dressed in uniform. Friends are helping to make the day special – and are relieving the bride and groom of some of the work. The celebration will be held in the backyard of a close friend of the groom. The evening ceremony will be complete with a long tree-lined driveway, manicured lawns, hanging lights, fire pit and seating area. A different friend will help build the dance floor, another will be the DJ. Jacque’s boss is catering and another coworker is serving as the wedding planner. There are also several friends who are firefighters who will be in attendance – which may be helpful later in the evening. The first thing the couple did to get ready for the big day was stock up on fireworks last July 5. Justin says he’s planning “a small display, but only if there are no burn restrictions.” Jacque and Justin are excited about introducing their families and friends to the Inland Northwest, and to eating, drinking, dancing and spending time with their guests. They’re also looking forward to some downtime. After the wedding weekend they’ll spend 11 days at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun. They say there are all kinds of things they’d like to do on their honeymoon, but they’ll be okay if they just lay on the beach. When they get back, they will be ready to start growing their family. “We’ve been together for a few years, we’re at a good age, we have solid careers, and we have a great support system,” says Justin. “We’re very fortunate, and we’re very excited.”