The Alaska Tapes

Kate Okenatez-Mahoney
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Real Insight for Wild, Intentional Alaska Elopements Thinking about eloping or traveling in Alaska? The landscape is big, and the options are endless, which, can feel a little overwhelming at first. The Alaska Tapes are here to help with that. Each session is a curiosity-led conversation with people who know and love Alaska deeply. You’ll hear from adventure creators, helicopter pilots, specialty lodging hosts, wedding creatives, and more who share adventure-earned insights that make this vast state feel more knowable. Their stories bring the details to life, giving you real tips on how things work, what to expect, and how to make decisions that support the experience you want to have. The series is hosted by Kate Okenatez-Mahoney, luxury elopement designer and photographer, and founder of Soul & Sky Weddings, who brings these voices together to help couples understand Alaska more deeply and plan with confidence.

Episodes

  1. Alaska Elopement Flowers: What Works, What Travels & What to Know

    12/16/2025

    Alaska Elopement Flowers: What Works, What Travels & What to Know

    Alaska elopement wedding flowers benefit from a unique floral design mindset, not just following traditional wedding flower ideas. In this episode of Alaska Tapes, Kate Okenatez-Mahoney sits down with Natasha Price of Paper Peony Alaska to talk through what she keeps in mind as a floral pro when designing wedding florals for adventure and glacier elopements. Natasha shares expert insight on which flowers travel well, how to think about durability in Alaska’s conditions, when wildflowers are in season, and how to plan flower pickup and storage when distance and weather are real factors. They also explore creative ways to use florals—like garlands and wearable pieces—to add beauty while your elopement adventures keep you on the move. This episode is a practical, grounded guide for couples planning an Alaska elopement who are thinking about what to do for elopement florals that are intentional, beautiful, and built with adventures in mind. Learn more about Paper Peony Alaska: https://paperpeonyalaska.com/ Flower Talk Alaska Explore The Alaska Tapes + additional episodes: https://field-notes.soulandskyweddings.com/ In This Conversation We Cover -- 00:00 Intro: Meet Natasha of Paper Peony Alaska 01:17 Full Weddings to Elopements: How COVID Changed Floral Design in Alaska 03:58 Do Elopements Really Need Flowers? (+ What to Do With Your Hands) 06:03 Elopement Floral Options Beyond the Bouquet 08:03 Designing for Helicopters, Glaciers & Easy Movement 09:58 Flower Crowns vs Bouquets: When (and Why) Each Works Best 12:50 Wearable Florals, Lapel Pieces & Pocket Squares: What Holds Up on an Adventure 14:55 Why Multi-Day Elopements Need Backup Boutonnieres 16:49 Pinterest vs Reality: How Wedding Flowers Actually Get to Alaska (and Why That Matters) 21:40 Glacier & Adventure Elopement Flowers: What to Know Before You Choose 29:56 Can You Use Alaska Wildflowers in an Elopement? (Seasonality & Reality) 32:02 Keeping Elopement Flowers Fresh in Alaska: Storage, Travel & Weather Tips 34:15 Flower Pickup, Distance & Arrival Logistics: How to Make Your Elopement Prep Smooth 40:31 What People Underestimate About Alaska Elopements (and the Mindset That Helps) 45:35 Rapid Fire: Natasha’s Alaska Favorites & Travel Must-Haves 52:57 Thank You + Where to Find Natasha

    54 min
  2. Seward’s Wild Heart: Glaciers, Helicopters & Quiet Adventure with Seward Heli

    11/26/2025

    Seward’s Wild Heart: Glaciers, Helicopters & Quiet Adventure with Seward Heli

    Elise Cevetello of Seward Helicopter Tours joins Kate for this Alaska Tapes conversation. Elise has spent the last decade working in tourism across Alaska and now manages helicopter operations in Seward. We talk about what makes Seward such a rare place for adventure—where mountains, ocean, glaciers, and temperate rainforest all meet—and how couples can build meaningful experiences here. 00:00 Welcome to Seward Heli and Alaska’s Beauty02:23 Exploring Seward: A Unique Coastal Experience04:48 Glaciers and Their Unique Characteristics07:07 Adventure Activities: Kayaking and Dog Sledding08:27 Creating Intimate Experiences for Couples10:29 Glacier Landings and Scenic Views14:43 Mountain Landing Experiences15:45 Travel Recommendations for Couples in Alaska17:42 Planning Your Alaskan Elopement18:03 Maximizing Your Alaskan Experience18:20 Alaska Internet Break18:27 Weather in Seward: Embracing the Elements20:36 Bear Glacier Glamping – A Unique Experience24:39 Dog Sledding: A Unique Summer Experience25:36 Why Seward is a Unicorn Elopement Location26:27 How to Build an Elopement by Feeling27:41 Get to Know Elise31:56 THE Item to Pack for Seward Travel33:36 Planning for Success with Alaska Travel This episode is perfect for couples dreaming of an immersive Alaska elopement or anyone curious about experiencing Seward by helicopter, dogsled, kayaking or more! Explore Resources Mentioned in This Conversation: Seward Helicopter – Custom Heli Tours & Alaska Experience provider, including heli hiking, iceberg kayaking, and dogsledding Seward Helicopter Bear Glacier Lagoon — Kayaking, icebergs, overnight "glamping" yurt camp;Seward Heli is your host. Bear Glacier Lagoon — Kayaking, icebergs, overnight "glamping" yurt camp Godwin Glacier + Dogsledding — Snowfield glacier used for dogsledding Godwin Glacier + Dogsledding Kenai Fjords National Park— Tidewater glaciers Kenai Fjords National Park Temperate Rainforest Trails in Seward— Moss, canopy, quiet walks Temperate Rainforest Trails in Seward Two Day-Dogsledding & Glamping Overnight Elopement- the Soul & Sky elopement Kate mentioned that had an image awarded by Junebug Weddings. Two Day-Dogsledding & Glamping Overnight Elopement Learn more about Alaska elopements:https://soulandskyweddings.com/alaska/ --Adventure Always-- Kate

    38 min

  3. 11/16/2025

    Pulling the Thread: A Welcome to The Alaska Tapes

    Alaska holds endless possibility for elopements, adventure & romantic travel—and that’s exactly why I created The Alaska Tapes. In this welcome episode, I share what inspired this project and why I wanted a place that goes deeper than a typical blog roundup. You’ll hear how this series brings you closer to the guides, creatives, and experience-makers who help shape elopements and intimate celebrations across Alaska. This is a space to explore what’s possible and follow the questions that matter most as you imagine your own Alaska experience. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s pull the thread together. Intro/Outro Melody: Coastline Dream by Wild Sky, license # DSTFEWG2PG8QFDQB

    4 min

Trailer

About

Real Insight for Wild, Intentional Alaska Elopements Thinking about eloping or traveling in Alaska? The landscape is big, and the options are endless, which, can feel a little overwhelming at first. The Alaska Tapes are here to help with that. Each session is a curiosity-led conversation with people who know and love Alaska deeply. You’ll hear from adventure creators, helicopter pilots, specialty lodging hosts, wedding creatives, and more who share adventure-earned insights that make this vast state feel more knowable. Their stories bring the details to life, giving you real tips on how things work, what to expect, and how to make decisions that support the experience you want to have. The series is hosted by Kate Okenatez-Mahoney, luxury elopement designer and photographer, and founder of Soul & Sky Weddings, who brings these voices together to help couples understand Alaska more deeply and plan with confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Okenatez-Mahoney
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kate Okenatez-Mahoney
  • Show Website
    The Alaska Tapes