An Alaskan Wedding
Photos & Story by Kyla
When you think of a destination wedding, you may think of tropical locations such as Hawaii and Mexico, or perhaps the exciting lights of Las Vegas. For my best friend Rachel, an Alaskan grown gal who left the state right after high school, Alaska was the only place in which she could imagine saying "I do."
Rachel's parents had recently acquired an old trapping cabin on Trapper Lake, a lake north of Wasilla with no road access, and coincidentally, a beautiful setting for a wedding. In order to get twenty close family and friends to the cabin, several float plane trips from Regal Air were commissioned. The men in the party flew out to the cabin the day before and spent the evening fishing for Northern pike and bonding.
The next morning, we arrived at Regal Air and boarded one of their DeHavilland Beavers. We took off from Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base, and even though I am prone to flying anxiety, the incredible scenery kept my attention the whole way. We flew across Knik Arm and then followed along the Susitna River at about 1,000 to 1,500 feet up. I was close enough to see a big bull moose walking through the woods, but high up enough to see for miles.
After about forty minutes later, Rachel's mom pointed out Trapper Lake to me. The floatplane made a hard left, seemed to drop out of the air, and yet somehow it was the smoothest landing ever. I imagined the water would slow us dramatically, with a jerk and big spray, but it was like landing on a pillow. As we pulled up, you could see a garden arch decorated with fireweed and ferns, tiki torches, and a smoking campfire, all surrounding a beautiful rustic cabin. After settling in, it was time to get the bride in her dress (a family heirloom) and the corsages pinned. With her father officiating, Rachel and Ross were married on the edge of the lake right as the sun popped through the clouds.
After a round of pictures and several celebratory cannon shots fired by neighbors, the bride, groom, and ring boy were taken for a ride around the lake in the fishing boat by the bride’s father. This was followed by mimosas, deep fried pike, smoked salmon, and hugs. There was more fishing and lounging, and soon the floatplanes arrived to carry us back to Anchorage for the reception. The bride’s father is building a workshop, so the planes had to be unloaded with the lumber they brought before they could be boarded. These floatplanes are invaluable for those who live in the Bush because it can be the only way to get supplies.
On the ride back, I noticed areas burned by past forest fires, boats floating on meandering streams, and the expansive mudflats along the Anchorage coastline. Our approach to Lake Hood was fascinating, and once again, an impeccable landing. I know Rachel’s new in-laws (from England) had an incredible experience in Alaska, but so did I, and I'm a lifelong Alaskan. It was a beautiful day and lovely ceremony, and I wish the newlyweds years of incredible Alaskan memories.