Sophie & David’s fantastic romantic Alaskan wedding

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#Real Weddings: Western US#alaska#birdcage veil#blue dress#bridesmaids#fans

You've seen this fashionable photo from this wedding before, now get the whole scoop!

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The Offbeat Bride: Sophie, University Peer Advisor (aka. OBT “SophieStradley.”

Her Offbeat Partner: David, Economics Intern

Location & date of wedding: Centennial Hall Convention Center in Juneau, Alaska — August 23, 2008

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What made our wedding offbeat: We took advantage of the whole ‘once-in-a-lifetime' bit and made an event that was truly memorable for us and all of our friends and family. We decided that our budget wasn't going to get in the way, so most of our decorations were hand-made to save money.

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We did splurge with food and an open bar, and friends helped us cut costs by volunteering to make cakes, DJ, and take photos. Sophie's dad officiated the wedding.

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Our biggest challenge: Living in Alaska!! The area we live in is virtually devoid of traditional wedding industry vendors, so we had to be flexible. We had to rely on the internet for a lot of our shopping, which posed many challenges in itself!

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Sophie's dress arrived two weeks before the wedding in the wrong style and size. We had to emergency order a new gown that was finished just two hours before the wedding!

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My favorite moment: The best thing that happened all day was right after the recessional. We had just left the ballroom, and we were holding each other close, kissing, laughing, and crying. Neither of us realized that all 185 guests had spilled out of the ballroom and were surrounding us just watching and smiling. We were in our own bubble for at least five minutes.

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My advice for other offbeat brides: For us, it was really important to include our families in the planning process. A lot of couples go for the ‘Do what you want no matter what anyone else says', but we found that the support of our friends and family, as well as their ideas, effort, and advice, was what really made the day magical.

And don't underestimate the value of a trusted friend's comments about how hideous a particular accessory is. If you've chosen your friends well, she's got your back. LISTEN.

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Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?: www.romanticthreads.com — I can't say enough about how amazing Belinda is! She really pulled through in my hour of need and made it her business to help a perfect stranger. She was totally flexible and helpful, and didn't take advantage of our situation by charging us an exorbitant amount. Thanks again, Belinda!!

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About the Author: Offbeat Weditors

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Comments on Sophie & David’s fantastic romantic Alaskan wedding

  2. I love it! Colorful weddings are the best! And the pictures are just lovely- everyone looks so happy. Congratulations!

  4. What inspired the period costumes?

    And what’s going on with the belly dancers?

    • The costumes ended up being a totally last-minute thing. The original gown I ordered was traditional ivory strapless, but when it arrived, it was the wrong style and size. Belinda at http://www.romanticthreads.com made me this one, and I LOVED IT!!!
      As for the belly dancers, dancing is a hobby of mine, and my friends were kind enough to come and put on a show!

  7. Yay for Alaskan brides! We can be beautiful AND resourceful! I’m so excited to see this wedding featured – everything is gorgeous and the soft Juneau weather only makes for even better photos.

  8. The thought of you two hugging, laughing, and crying with everyone around you brings tears to my eyes. Congrats, you two!

  11. Amazing! My first choice for a dress was a rococo gown like that one, too. Sadly the budget got in the way, but I still will have a pretty dramatic dress.

    But your wedding was just stunning! The bridesmaids hair and dresses and accessories were just too too fantastic!

    Congrats on such a spectacular event!

  13. i love yr hair! do you have any close ups of it for inspiration? what kind of style is that?

  14. The whole wedding is very colorful and beautiful as well!! love the dresses..and the idea of all the bridesmaid wore a short colored veil,fan and bouquets. Great times!

  15. If you’ve got any outdoor wedding photographs, please put them up, I bet they are great. How do youy organise a wedding in Alaska, just getting 185 people to the wedding location must have been a complete nightmare! Well done and congratulations.

    • Unfortunately, only a few photos were taken outside. The wedding itself took place indoors.

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