Real Bride Friday | Meghan and Zachary

Wedding Date: July 9th, 2021

Gown Designer: Private Label from Bateau Bridal

Photographer: Meagan Woods

Videographer: Josh Vassar

Hair and Makeup: Brittany Hunziker

The best part of the venue: “We absolutely loved the intimate setting surrounded by Alaska’s vast beauty!”

Why did you pick your venue: “We wanted our pictures to showcase our love for the state and our adventurous attitude! So why not pick somewhere remote with no cell reception!”

Favorite part of your gown: “The dress! Wow, I loved it the second I saw it. The sleeves and lace details blew me away and it truly made me feel like a bride.”

Three words to describe your day: “Intimate, hopeful and calm”

How they proposed: “Zachary and I love to hike! One day in January (one of the coldest months of the year) he decided he wanted to take me on a surprise hike! We drove out to Healy from Fairbanks where we got bundled up and hiked down a frozen river through a ravine and back up a hillside. On the way back he suggested we stop and take a few pictures and set up his camera on the tripod and began to dance with me on this ice-covered rock. He carefully got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! It truly was such a special day I will remember forever! We got to have the two-hour car ride back just full of excitement back into town to tell our families the good news!”

Any other fun memories/moments from the day: “I remember feeling so calm the night before and so at peace knowing that I was about to marry my best friend! The day of the wedding was no different. I was just overwhelmed with joy and excitement! No hiccup could detour my day, including when we forgot my dress and had to wait for someone to leave the wedding sight and go back into town to retrieve it. My wedding day was an absolutely blissful experience and we are so fortunate to have found one another!”

Real Bride Friday | Rebecca and Arnold

Wedding Date: May, 16th 2021

Gown Designer: Stella York

Venue: Copper River Country Club, Fresno, CA

Photographer: Capture Life Events, Inc

Menswear: Men's Wearhouse

Makeup: Beauty By Corin (Corin Pacheco Stull)

Tailor: Yu Tailor Alterations

Cake: Made with love by Rebecca’s Nana

The best part of the venue: “All the natural greenery and flowers that surrounded the pergola where we said "I do".”

Why did you pick your venue: “The beautiful greenery that surrounds the Spanish style banquet hall really stole our hearts. Not to mention the staff at Copper River were very nice and easy to work with while trying to plan a wedding from a different state.”

Favorite part of your gown: “My favorite part of my dress were all the tiny details! From the lace sleeves, to the buttons up my back, to the open back, and beautiful v shaped neckline. It was the perfect combination of sexy, yet classy.”

Why did you pick your dress: “It was the only dress I tried on. I instantly felt like a bride. I knew it was the one.”

Three words to describe your day: “Romantic, Magical, and Elegant”

How you met: Arnold and I met while attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks. We were both involved in the accounting club. So yes, we are both number nerds haha.”

How they proposed: “Arnold surprised me by filling my apartment with roses. When I walked in, he was down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. I said yes, of course!!”

Any other fun memories/moments from the day: “My nana made my wedding bouquet and our wedding cake. I felt so blessed to have her there and be able to play such a big part in our wedding day. It made both my bouquet and cake very sentimental pieces.”

Vendor Spotlight | Captured by Jami

—  Captured by Jami  —

Jami Aafedt

Captured Gallery

jami.aafedt@gmail.com

@capturedbyjami

907.242.2426

Captured by Jami focuses on light and airy portrait photography and is located in Anchorage, Alaska. Jami loves helping Alaskans preserve life’s biggest moments with bright, bold, and genuine images.

A little bit about Captured by Jami and her inspiration:

Jami is a born and raised Alaskan, youngest of three, and an absolute Disney fanatic. She is married to a wonderful man named Bridger, and they have one spoiled rotten excuse for a dog named Copper. Her favorite thing about photography is sharing in the excitement of life changing moments, she find so much joy in helping people preserve those memories for a lifetime. Jami believes an image has the ability to transport you back to the past, it has the power to bring back the emotions you felt, and to keep the things and people you love safe.

We’re engaged! Now what?

Once you’re ready to start the planning process, take a second and make a list of your top 3-5 things that’s your want to incorporate at your wedding, then compare and meld your lists. Once you’ve got your list, reach out to your top vendors to see what date they have available. This way you make sure you and your fiancé are on the same page and you can check off your most important factors first.

When Should our brides book their photographer?

I’ve booked weddings as far as 18 months in advance to just one month. My advice is, reach out as soon as you have a date! Weekends fill up fast and far in advance. There is nothing worse then having turn someone away because you’re already booked.

Let’s talk pricing

My peak season wedding packages begin at $2475 and I offer custom packages for intimate weddings and elopements.

Favorite Wedding Tradition

First Dance. I cry every time and they will never get old.

Wedding Tradition you could live without

Bouquet/Garter Toss. There is often times a very small number of people who join in and it really puts your guests on the spot.

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“Bateau Tip: Not doing a garter toss? That’s okay!
A garter can be something special between you and your husband and makes a great wedding keepsake! ”

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Final Thoughts

Make sure to meet with your vendors before booking. You want to make sure that they are 1. Professional and 2. The right fit for you. Using experienced professionals means you’ll have access to their knowledge and you will benefit from their expertise. Having a team that you trust is the only way you’ll be able to relax and enjoy.

Real Bride Friday | Philippa and Sean

Wedding Date: September 2nd, 2021

Gown Designer: Essense of Australia

Venue: Jacuzzi Vineyards, Sonoma CA

Photographer: Amy Little Photography

Wedding Planner or Coordinator: Lauren Miller Events

DJ: Aykut Events

Florist: Bertoli Bridal

Hair: The Powder Room

Menswear: Custom tailor in Thailand

Cake: Rassasy Cakes

Tailor: Yu Tailor

The best part of the venue: “We loved the Tuscan feel and the sweeping vineyards.”

Favorite part of your gown: “The back of the dress is everything!”

Your inspiration for the wedding: “European sophistication meets California chill.”

How you met: “We met at a mutual friend’s Halloween party.”

How they proposed: “Sean proposed at the Wine in the Woods event at the Alaska Botanical Gardens.”

Any other fun memories / moments from the day: “It was so amazing to finally get to celebrate our special day with our closest friends and family (stateside and internationally) after changing our wedding date 3 times due to Covid.”

Real Bride Friday | Kathleen and Kevin Jay

Wedding Date: September 24th, 2021

Gown Designer: Essense of Australia

Veil Designer: Bel Aire Bridal

Venue: Raven Glacier Lodge

Photographer: Donna Marie Photography

DJ: Fernando with 907 Entertainment

Florist: The Teal Door

Menswear: Men's Warehouse

Catering: Raven Glacier Lodge

Cake: My sister Katie

The best part of the venue: “That is a tough one to answer... Being enchanted by Girdwoods beauty, the canopy to keep us dry, the food, the dance floor, the creek and pond, the crew...Everything!”

Why did you pick your venue: “We knew wanted a romantic and whimsical outdoor space for family and friends to cherish. And better yet Cathy has a welcoming and cozy interior that our guests could go to relax and warm up in next to all her candles and multiple fireplaces (since it snowed the night before)! We also knew we wanted a host and venue that had all the amenities and perks (chairs, tables, cutlery, plates, etc.). We only had to show up with ourselves, attire and choices of adult beverages. Cathy and her crew had everything covered, it created such a relaxing and fun day.”

Favorite part of your gown: “The many beautiful, detailed layers and it felt flattering.”

Why did you pick your dress: “It was the first and tenth dress I tried on! Each time my heart felt more full and happy than ever before. I felt like a beautiful bride to be.”

Three words to describe your day: “Blissful, Devotion, & Magical.”

Your inspiration for the wedding: “Alaska! We wanted to spend our day glamorously living it up in the trees.”

How you met: “Good ole work!”

How they proposed: “Kevin surprised me last minute by joining a friends B-day weekend in Homer. While on a beautiful sunny saturday September beach walk talking about future fun and plans... he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him....while holding a ring-pop (No Joke. A blue raspberry ring-pop). I thought he was pulling my leg but when I had turned back to look at him, BAM, there was his handsome face with a gorgeous smile, a nervous "will you be my wife?" and a ring!”

Any other fun memories / moments from the day: “A crazy snow storm the night before, leading to a long power-outage and property damage at the Venue. It ended up being the best part of the whole weekend. We stayed up late with friends and flashlights. A few vendors had to cancel due to road conditions and we were just excited to marry each other with our closest people around, we were happy to improvise and simplify. It was fun and playful. Chilly for our guests but oh so memorable.”

Vendor Spotlight | Events By Ayla

When / why did you start your business?

 After graduating from UAA with my Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, I started dreaming of a way I could help people and add purpose to their lives while also incorporating what I love– and in 2019, that’s when Events by Ayla, LLC was founded. My passion has always been planning weddings – I adore the personalization, details, and creativity involved. Although I will always adore a solid plan with beautiful details, nothing gives more life to me than people gathering together. This brings a deeper sense of purpose and happiness to what I do!

You’re engaged! Now what?

 Such an exciting time! The first thing I always suggest is to truly relax and enjoy your engagement for at least a few weeks or so before you dive into the planning process. Once you start planning, determine your budget, then make a list of vendors you love - search Google, The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Instagram (hashtags, search bar, etc.) Next, inquire and send them your date/venue to see if they’re available. Finally, book with them! I’m sure I can speak for other wedding vendors when I say our schedules are filling up insanely fast.

Recommendation for budget

No one likes to talk about budgets - especially when it comes to your wedding. However, it’s a very important element to discuss together as a couple when you first start your wedding planning journey.

Want to ensure you stick to your budget? Actually set a budget (that you are both comfortable with)  before you start planning your wedding! I suggest breaking your total wedding budget into categories + figuring out what percentages to devote to each. What I love about using percentages for your budget, is it’s easy to reallocate an element if it’s not necessary. Does your venue provide tables, chairs, and linens, and do you have no need for any additional rentals? Move that 4% rental percentage somewhere else that you are wanting a bigger budget for; maybe drinks or hair/makeup? Up to you!

 According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is $35,329 (and that doesn’t even include your honeymoon) I bet some of you are ready to elope after reading that!

Your wedding is one of the best days of your life, so you may feel pressure to plan an elaborate celebration. BUT don’t forget what your wedding is truly about – your marriage! Starting off your marriage with the love of your life in a ton of debt (over just one day) will add a lot of stress to your relationship and is a recipe for disaster.

What is one wedding trend you love?

Couples doing whatever the HECK they want. I definitely feel after covid, it gave couples the excuse to not have super large weddings if that’s not what they truly wanted deep down in their hearts. Don’t get me wrong, I love big weddings and I know they will always be around - but they aren’t for everyone and that’s ok!

I have found that couples often find themselves needing 'permission' to do things untraditionally. You as a couple can (+ should!) call all the shots on your wedding day - period.

Feel like cutting cake + feeding it to each other is super awkward? Skip it! Don’t want to invite great-aunt Helga three times removed who you’ve never even met because it might offend her? Sorry, love ya, but didn’t make the cut! Think doing a garter toss is super cringe? Don’t do it!

Don’t forget: it’s your wedding. Be kind, but it’s ok if you don’t end up pleasing everyone. You can still want to create a great experience for your guests, while also making your day meaningful + enjoyable for yourselves!

What’s one wedding trend you could live without? 

Photobooths. Sorry, had to say it - don’t love them.

What is your favorite moment during a wedding?

 Watching the groom’s reaction when his bride walks down the aisle. Also being a mom of two boys, the mother-son dance gets me every time!

Photographers: Theresa McDonald Photography, Donna Marie Photography, North Photography LLC, and Jenna D Photography

Real Bride Friday | Mel and Matt

Wedding Date: July 24th, 2021

Gown Designer: Stella York

Venue: The Gathering Place

Photographer: Juliana Renee Photography

Wedding Planner: Women Warriors Event Planning

DJ: DJ Lefty

Florist: Arise Floral Co.

Why did you pick your venue: “It was a beautiful space that we got to enjoy all weekend.”

Favorite part of your gown: “My favorite part about the dress was the illusion straps!”

Why did you pick your dress: “I chose the dress because it was simple, naturally gorgeous and within budget— whoop whoop!”

Three words to describe your day: “Super fun banger!”

How you met: “Matt and I are college sweethearts that met in 2014 at a UAF anatomy class. He was studying to become a medic and I was studying to be a nurse.”

How they proposed: “Matt proposed in 2019 while we were on our first big vacation in Asia with an empty ring box. I cried from laughing because I always knew I’d marry him but we had never talked about rings so he didn’t know what kind I would like or what size I was.”

Let's talk tailoring!

Photographers: Grace Upon Grace Photography, Jonah Moose Photography, Amy Little Photography, Ivory Keep Photography

Why do I need alterations?

Alterations are how you get your wedding gown custom fit to your body. This will allow the gown to hug all the right places and fall in the perfect way to compliment your shape.

We do not offer in house alterations - however, we do provide a list of recommendations for each of our brides with trusted tailors throughout our great state.

Timeline

2022 is projected to be one of the busiest wedding seasons ever! With that being said, we recommend reaching out to your tailor as soon as you purchase your gown. Let them know your wedding date, when your gown is expected to arrive, and then they will provide you with an ideal timeline and get your first fitting booked! Ideally we suggest starting tailoring around 6 weeks prior to your wedding date - but this is a general recommendation so talking with your tailor will be best!

Financial Commitment

When budgeting for your attire, don’t forget to include tailoring. Depending on your needs, the gown, and timeline the costs can vary. We usually say that wedding gowns average $300-$600. This is just a rough estimate, be sure to talk with your tailor personally about what they project for your total.

Real Bride Friday | Amanda and Shilo

Wedding Date: September 22nd, 2021

Gown Designer: Essense of Australia

Accessories: Poppy Lane Bridal

Venue: StarHill Farms - New Ulm, Texas

Photographer: The One Awaits

Florist: Teal Truck Flowers

Hair and Makeup: Mimosa Salon

Cake: Jamie’s Sweet Eats

Tailor: Bella and Beyond

The best part of the venue: “All the cows and the beautiful secluded rustic county living.”

Why did you pick your venue: “Our families are from Texas!”

Favorite part of your gown: “I loved how the ivory graphic lace stood out so well against the rum colored skirt.”

Why did you pick your dress: “I felt like a queen the moment that I put it on!”

Three words to describe your day: “Rustic, fairytale, and lights.”

Your inspiration for the wedding: “All the pink and Zelda came from my husband.”

How you met: “We met at a mutual friend’s party one night and spent the evening talking about how we were aware of each other in high school.”

Any other fun memories / moments from the day: “We had a lot of wine, were surrounded by cows, and all things Zelda!”

Vendor Spotlight | The Teal Door

—  THE TEAL DOOR  —

Kasara Bertels | Owner and Lead Floral Designer

www.thetealdooralaska.com

thetealdoorak@outlook.com

@thetealdoor_ak

907.441.4458

The Teal Door is Alaska’s premier, bohemian-inspired florist! She creates custom florals out of her home studio in Sutton, Alaska. She works exclusively with their brides to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

A little about your design inspiration:

I enjoy using a blend of local foliage and specialty stems to create bohemian-inspired arrangements for my couples. As an artist, color pallets are the best tool when creating florals. I can take colors and match them to flowers that clients may have never heard of and create something a little wild, yet completely romantic. I want my couples to really lean into who they are and what they want.

Favorite wedding trend:

Larger-than-life flower installs of course! I want full arches, flower photo booths, ceiling installations, organically shaped arrangements in front of the sweetheart table. I love when it looks like you walked into a perfectly curated garden.

One trend that you could live without:

Bouquet toss… Why spend money on florals to throw them in the air? Instead, gift your guests with a flower bar to take home their own arrangement as a gift.

Dream color pallet:

Bright and bold with lots of texture. So many flowers come in naturally bold colors. As a designer, it really allows for a more unique design because there is so much we can do when there is a wider selection of colors to choose from.

Tips for the timeline:

Create a timeline that gives your vendors plenty of time to give you their best work. Plan for photos to happen after the personal florals are delivered and the wedding arch is complete so your photos will be filled with beautiful florals.

Budget-friendly options:

When Covid happened I decided to create an option for my brides who were ballin’ on a budget, so I came up with DIY floral packages. I offer custom packages as well as the size and color-specific options so that every bride can have their dream florals no matter the budget. I even provide step-by-step instructions on how to create every arrangement so there is no confusion on what to do when it comes to creating beautiful florals.