Stevens Wedding

Arthur and Michon are married! And they did it in the most spectacular and beautiful way.  I’ll remember this one and will be telling about it for years! Michon and Arthur’s love for each other shone like the blazing sun, but the thing that was so striking to me was how their very beings paid honor and respect for their heritage, upbringing and values with every step and choice and word.  It was a culture of honor, and that is a great way to start a marriage.

The person that means the very most to Arthur has been his very sweet son, Christian.

 

 

You can tell they are such good friends!

 

Arthur was all polished up, waiting for his bride.

And then he came! You can see by that look, he is excited!

And then he turns around and she was into his arms.

I’d say this is my favorite series of the day… but wait. There is so much more goodness to come if you keep on scrolling!

Michon’s ladies were so much fun!

… and she got to have her adorable little sister for her flower girl!

Don’t look Christian!

  I bet you can guess that this little family has a lotta love and affection for each other!

 And that was the moment… when she marked her territory.  Christian had the best lip kiss on his cheek for the rest of the day!



 I think he was a little proud of it, don’t you?

 Arthur and his gents were certainly a good looking crew!

About then, family and friends were gathering for the wedding of the year!

  The sun was out and it was a hot one. (OK not technically hot, but we Alaskan’s thought so.)


When Michon walked down the aisle, she surprised all her guests with a traditional, white leather, native gown with custom beading that was handmade just for her. It was quite possibly the most beautiful gown I have ever seen.

There were so many moments where they just laughed out loud. The officiant spoke many blessings in different languages and it was touching and beautiful.

And then, they were married.  They kissed…

and went in for the best hug.  Check out Arthur’s expression. Oh my, does he have the hots for her.

It took me a minute to wind through the crowd to find them and when I did, this was what I found.  So sweet.

Those moccasins were all beaded by Michon! She did many hundreds of beading pieces for her big day. I can’t imagine how many hours she spent carefully making these!

Arthur’s vest and her hair were also adorned. It was spectacular!

While these two smootched, we got down to business.

What do you use when you don’t have a table to sign the marriage license? A boulder.

There they are, a complete family.  So sweet!





   This officiant was a real treat! Loved her heart for this couple!

   Michon is blessed with two dads to love!



 After family went back to the reception and enjoyed smores with the rest of the guests, we took a few moments with just the couple.

This one is smouldering…

Oh my, she is a beauty.

  It was such a private and sweet moment.

We had to do a photo under the whale jaw bone arches… these bones are traditionally placed  in many Alaskan villages as a gateway.    You can see how massive they are!

Oh that ring is so lovely, and so unique!

Many in Arthur’s family catch their salmon with a subsistance fish wheel like this one. (Only quite a bit bigger)   Using the current of the river as propulsion, the baskets scoop up those Copper River Red Salmon and dump them in the box. A self propelled fishing machine!  This one caught something a bit out of the ordinary!

 About 10 minutes before this, we could hear the drumming begin! Arthur was just itching to get back to his friend to join in the celebration dancing and drumming!

And then they began their impromptu first dance as man and wife!

  I don’t remember when he said it, but Arthur said that he always dances really hard so that she will be impressed.  I think it worked!

Click here for a very quick video clip I took with my cell phone of the dance: >>>>>> IMG_5058<<<<<<

When we got to the reception, we could see the fruition of hours and hours of Michon’s hard work. All the furs and beading were so beautifully done.

The fur flowers were made by various members of the wedding party, but Bridesmaid Liz Rexford led the charge and taught everyone how to do them! They are so creative!



  Laura from LaBoum Events did such a good job organizing all the decoration and being sure that the reception was ready! She was a fantastic day of coordinator!

The dessert table was so gorgeously displayed!

After toasts, Arthur and Michon began one of the sexiest first dances I have ever seen! You can tell they practiced really hard, because they had all the steps down.  But all I can see is the way Arthur looks at her.  He is in love.



 And then he swooped her in his arms and spun her around and ended with a kiss.

 You can tell that Arthur’s mom is proud!



 And then everyone got in on the dancing.

 Michon’s side of the family has a lot of Polynesianm so there were many beautiful performances!

 This little guest watched every move and mimicked it.  I think he is going to be a great dancer!







  And then all the men came onto the stage to dance the Haka, The Haka is a traditional warrior dance.  It was pounding feet and men chanting in time! Oh I wish I had a video of it.

And then Laura brought out the cake.

All the guests were yelling out advice to Arthur… and it just made Michon giggle.





 And then he dabbed her with a tiny bit of frosting.  I love a playful couple!

Then they played the shoe game.  If you don’t know what the shoe game is, google it.  It is a great way to get everyone to laugh at your reception!

 And then They got out the skin drums.  Arthur and his buddies, Sonny Luke, and  Norman Carlo know every word and step to these songs and they sing them with true feeling.

  Everyone joined in!

And then there were the father daughter dances….

And then Arthur danced with his Mama!

For the getaway, the guests formed a blessing tunnel!   Michon’s flower girl wanted in on it, but she was just too tiny to reach!

And there was a sweet sadness to Michon’s parents as they said good bye to their daughter on her wedding night.

Michon and Arthur! We wish you a beautiful marriage to match your photos, good luck when you fish, and lots and lots of love!

>>>Click here to see the rest of the gorgeous photos of the day!   <<<<

 

Here are a few of the amazing people that helped to make Michon’s dreams come true for her wedding!

White gown – Maggie Sottero
Native gown and vest – Adeline Potts
Hair & MU – Kyli Vay Erickson
DJ – DJ Handkerchief (Hank West)
Catering – Kansha Japanese Restaurant
Cakes – Walmart
Cupcakes – Nalani Fomai
Linens – Ak Event Services

Polynesian Dancers- Bride’s Family

And last but not least…

Event Cooordinator- Laura with LaBoum