The Big Day

The Big Day

The big day started with another “divide and conquer” mission to Seward: Mike and Joe headed to city hall, where Joe was officially “ordained” for the day.  The girls accompanied Sara to get her hair done and then began the hunt for suitable wild flowers for a homemade wedding bouquet.  Safe Way’s sun flowers provided the base for a bouquet of Alaskan wildflowers--complete with daisies (Sara’s favorite).  

While most of the party relaxed on the deck watching float planes land on the mountain lake across the street, the Sara(h)s headed over to Tern Lake Inn to begin getting ready.  Admittedly, this turned out to be a bit awkward as the photographer attempted to stage many photos of Sara putting on her makeup.  We also rigged up a clever pulley system to suspend the dress (without Sara in it) from the balcony.  Really though, the photographer was a very energetic and creative man who was fun to work with.  

Because Mike’s quest for a haircut  at Butch’s Seaside Cuts was not fruitful, it was up to Joe to give Mike a quick clean-up trim.  Fifteen minutes later they were in the dilapidated, borrowed truck headed to the ceremony.  Turns out, we all clean up pretty well. 

Greg walked his daughter down a meandering path, over a bridge and out onto an open green space (which also serves as a golf green and landing strip) surrounded by pines and snow covered mountains with Butterfly’s Day Out (by Yo-Yo Ma) playing in the background.  Adam read “It’s You I Like” by Mr. Rogers, and Sarah read the lyrics to “I Will” (by Paul McCartney).  Joe read a Native American wedding blessing, but more importantly gave a heartfelt talk that captured the unique and “extraordinary qualities” of Mike and Sara.  After exchanging vows, Sara gave her characteristic “yes!” hand pump and they spontaneously danced across the lawn.  

Following the traditional (and a few not so traditional) group and family photos, Mike and Sara set out on a picture-taking adventure with their photographer.  The goal was to capture both the essence of Alaska and their out-doorsy personalities.  Rumor has it they may have taken photos wearing hiking boots and/or fishing.  They took advantage of the tent air-drying on the lawn by capturing a few photos in their home-away-from-home. 

At 7:00 the group reconvened at Tern Lake Inn for hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner of macadamia-crusted halibut with mango chutney, asparagus and red potatoes.  Decorated with fresh pansies, the wedding cake highlighted the season’s fresh raspberries.  The intimate home-like setting and panoramic view of the surrounding mountains provided the perfect atmosphere for the evening.  

It was the perfect day!