How We Planned a Beautiful Alaskan Wedding in Just One Month
As Seen On TLC
This wedding was unique for us, not only due to the tight schedule and film crews but also because the wedding would be held in Girdwood, Alaska, while we operate out of Fairbanks (400 miles south). Fortunately, we had the opportunity to collaborate with several talented and highly professional Anchorage-based vendors who helped us make Tatjana and T.C.’s day absolutely memorable. And, of course, it didn’t hurt that we had some beautiful winter weather that day.
A few years ago, Your Story Wedding & Event Planning was approached by TLC network
They gave us an exciting opportunity to plan the Alaska segment of the pilot episode for Extreme I Do’s, a reality show showcasing weddings in some of the most awe-inspiring and complex locations across the U.S.
The couple, Tatjana and T.C. Ward from Milwaukee, had never set foot in Alaska but dreamed of a mesmerizing winter wonderland wedding. Your Story Wedding & Event Planning was tasked with bringing this dream to life in just one month.
We love a good challenge!
Their Big Day
After a moving ceremony on top of the world (okay, a mountain), it was time to get guests inside, warm up, and start the party! The reception took place immediately after the ceremony at Kahiltna Court, a ballroom at the resort that was accentuated with silver taffeta linens, ice twigs, and candlelight. Five Star Entertainment created a spectacular ambiance with beautiful lighting, transforming the ballroom into a cozy, elegant mountain retreat.
At the end of the night, everyone was smiling. The joy it brought to Tatjana and T.C. was priceless. The couple expressed their gratitude, stating, “In essence, you didn't just give us the day we dreamed of, you surpassed it by leaps and bounds. Everything was perfect, and for that, we are eternally grateful.”
This wedding was a peek into the world of “reality” TV for us. We got to see how different storytellers use their creativity to tell a story they believe will captivate their viewers—even if it isn’t always how things actually happen. But despite some moments that were more planned than in the moment, the magic and emotion of Tatjana and T.C.'s wedding day was one thing that could not be fabricated.
Ultimately, we were able to help tell two stories that night, one for the producers and, more importantly, one of the bride and groom’s love for each other. We’re proud to say we exceeded the bride and groom's expectations by giving them their dream wedding and with everything perfectly on schedule.
A cozy mountain retreat reception
Beginning with a breathtaking first look atop a glacier, Tatjana and T.C. were flown in separate helicopters by Alpine Air. Joe Connelly from Chugach Peaks Photography captured every moment beautifully, creating stunning memories that the couple will cherish forever.
Turning Heads Kennel took the couple on an exhilarating sled dog ride. This was a unique experience that added an extra dash of adventure to their special day before they prepared for the ceremony.
The ceremony was held atop the mountain at Alyeska—a first for winter at the resort. Ski patrollers escorted the wedding party from the tram’s roundhouse to where guests were seated, overlooking the majestic peaks.
Tatjana and T.C. wore fur and snow boots over their wedding attire, embracing the winter wonderland theme wholeheartedly. Tatjana’s bouquet featured sparkling crystals and the aisle of snow was scattered with rose petals, just a few of the elegant touches provided by Alaska Bouquet & Events.
Their first look was only the start of their adventurous wedding day
We wanted to send a personal thank you Erin for making our wedding at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood an incredible success. Planning a wedding in itself has to be challenging, but adding in the challenge of it being on about a month's notice, with a television network involved, and doing much of the planning over the phone and email, you were faced with a number of challenges.
With all of those challenges in mind, you blew the doors off of anything we expected. With every challenge we faced, from budgets to "red roses", you were polite, professional, and always kept our wishes in mind as we moved through the process. We would never have imagined that doing a reveal on top of a glacier was something that was even possible, and you made that happen. Everything from the décor, to the music, to the menu was taken care of, along with a detailed schedule and "game-day management" that made the entire day a huge success- for that we are grateful.
From a guy's perspective, TC never really thought a whole lot about what that day would mean to him. He thought that as long as Tatjana was happy, that he would be as well. Well he was wrong. Your attention to every detail from the moment the day began made it simply amazing. You didn't just take care of Tatjana at the wedding, you took care of our guests, and you even looked out for TC (making sure he was where he needed to be when he needed to be there).
While we are thrilled to have shared in such a beautiful experience, in a sense it's sad. Your passion and attention to our day will be missed, and we feel as though it's bittersweet that you were such a big part of our day and we won't have you as our wedding planner anymore!
If anyone ever asks us who we'd recommend as a wedding planner, we would send them to you in a heartbeat. The day that you delivered us was simply magical, and even if the couple wasn't getting married in your "Alaskan Backyard", we have no doubt you could deliver an incredible day for them. We hope to see you again one day planning one of our friends' weddings, wherever it may be!
"Put simply, you didn’t just give us the day we dreamed of, you exceeded it by leaps and bounds. Everything was perfect, and for that we are eternally grateful."
Love,
Mr. & Mrs. Ward
