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Umeko & Ryan

We hope that everyone had a lovely Labor Day Weekend! To get back into the swing of things, join us in swooning over Umeko's wedding on a remote island in Alaska- full of breathtaking scenery and rustic romance. She looks like an ethereal goddess in her HB6365 dress and we absolutely love the way it moves with the ocean breeze. Thank you so much to Lindsey Bolling for the truly inspired set of images. 

Saja: How did you meet?
Umeko: We met as freshmen at the California Maritime Academy in 2003, both of us trying to get our USCG licenses. I was a Cali girl, and was very curious about this quiet red head from Alaska. Saja: How did he propose? 

Umeko: Ryan proposed on the downtown Seattle ferris wheel with his grandmothers beautiful antique engagement ring on Valentines Day, even though our trip to Seattle was so that he could do some USCG testing. I was surprised, and called my grandmother who loves him, right away.
Saja: Where did the wedding take place? What made you choose there?

Umeko: We chose Loring, AK- a remote community outside of Ketchikan. Kethchikan is already on an island but we wanted an even more private location. The historic significance and scenic beauty of Loring was just perfect, all guests had to take a 40 minute boat ride- which they loved!
Saja: What was your favorite part of the day? 

Umeko: All of it. Hitting the dock and realizing all the planning had come together. Looking up into the sky and thanking the clouds for keeping their rain in. Porpoises were jumping, eagles were everywhere and dogs were running free off the leash. With my wonderful guests all working to put it together, it was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. 
Saja: Is there anything you can point out about your pictures that we might not have noticed?

Umeko: Everything in the wedding was brought to the site by boat, and carried up the docks, and set up by every guest there. Our families made all the food, the decorations, the flowers, the arbor. A true Alaskan wedding where everyone does what they can. No caterers, just love. 

Saja: Which of the photos is your favorite? Why?

Umeko: They are all favorites, but the one I will get printed the largest frame is probably the one of our backs, on the rocks looking over the ocean. That photo captures the timeless landscape and the ocean that we both work, play and live on. Its a photo that I can easily see, in this giant universe, I am exactly where I need to be. 

Umeko said, "Neither a destination wedding, nor an adventure wedding- it was truly our unique Alaskan wedding. Our special guests were the 89 year old grandparents on both sides, who had to take planes from Iowa and Cali and boat rides, and walk up slippery docks and steep hills to be here in our special location with us. I will always be grateful that they made the trip."

Congratulations to such a lovely bride and groom! We thank you for everything you do for our country and truly wish you all the best~ 

 

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