Guest Post: a modern Alaska wedding with Yup’ik details

By Erin Velander

Amanda and Dominique’s wedding was a great example of how to incorporate Alaska cultural elements into an event. Amanda grew up in the small Yup’ik village of Akiachak in Southwest Alaska and Dominique grew up in Moss Bluff Louisiana.  They creatively encapsulated both of their cultures into their wedding this summer at the Sunset View Resort in Big Lake.

Amanda and Dominique met while in college at the University of Oregon.  They both earned their Bachelor in Science.  His in Political Science and hers in Accounting. On their first date, Amanda challenged Dominique to a few games of basketball and they’ve been inseparable ever since. The couple resides in Anchorage where Amanda works as an Auditor with BDO and Dominique is an Outside Sales Rep. for The Berry Company.

This wedding was so meaningful because the couple included so much of themselves in the event.  Bloomsbury Blooms incorporated local rustic flowers in purples, creams and white to reflect their favorite colors.  During the ceremony, Amanda’s father said the Lord’s Prayer in Yup’ik and her mother ended the ceremony saying a blessing over their marriage in Yup’ik. Amanda wore a hair piece handcrafted by a local artist made of porcupine quills and beads. She gave her bridesmaids ulu or “uluaq” earrings made from the same ivory of their traditional knives. The ring bearers wore kuspuks or “qaspeqs” that were hand sewn by the bride’s sister-in-Law. The bride’s parents even made akutaq (Eskimo ice cream) for the family to enjoy in the days leading to the celebration.

Meanwhile, Dominique’s family brought twelve pounds of Boudin all the way up from Louisiana because it wouldn’t have been a celebration without it.  He also wore seal-skin cufflinks that were given to him as a gift.  Their wedding, captured by Blue Iris Photography, was a beautiful illustration of melding cultures, celebrating one another and honoring traditions. 

Photography:  Blue Iris Photography  Floral: Bloomsbury Blooms

Blogger Erin Velander owns Blomma Designs, a local wedding and event planning company based in Anchorage.  She has a passion for Alaska, pretty things and organization. Contact her for more information about the details of this wedding.