When I tell couples to do what makes them happy, include their most supportive people, and be themselves on the day they get married, this is what I’m talking about.
Chris and Moriah (and their adventure pup, Rhubarb) gathered their 8 closest people in Valdez, Alaska for their elopement day and set out on a beautiful adventure together. Every detail of their day was intentional and meaningful and they savored it.
The day started getting ready at the Valdez Totem Hotel. The bride’s mother helped her get dressed and watched as she did final touches on her hair. On the drive over to the harbor, they played a song in the car that they used to listen to together in high school and I could barely hold it together - especially when she saw her dad at the bottom of the ramp to the harbor, holding a go pro and proud as can be.
Her groom was waiting at the end of the dock for their first look. Tears were shed and moms took photos on their iPhones.
We went up to the deck of her father’s boat to take some portraits before heading to the ceremony location. The bow was covered in peonies that her mother grew in her garden as they stood in their xtra tuffs in front of the fog in the harbor.
I found their wedding date scribbled on an unassuming notebook in the wheelhouse and had to get a shot of the rings there. The bride and groom snuggled their pup and we took a few more portraits as we set out to our destination, a private, remote ceremony location.
When we arrived at the ceremony location, the rain stopped and a RAINBOW graced the skies in front of the mountains right before the ceremony. It was breathtaking.
The bride’s brother performed their ceremony on the bow of the boat and there was not a dry eye in sight. They had each of their guests put a rock in a jar with their wishes for their marriage and then put their own vows into it - it was so special.
After the ceremony, we took some more photos and then went on a little kayaking adventure around the cove!! One of the coolest elopement day experiences I’ve ever had the opportunity to photograph.
They had their first dance and mother/son + father/daughter dances in the tiny kitchen of the boat before cutting and eating the most delicious carrot cake I’ve ever had. Bride and groom popped champagne before heading back to the harbor.
From the peonies to the carrot cake, the rocks and the vows, the private ceremony in front of the mountains overlooking the ocean - this was a day to remember. Chris and Moriah and their loved ones were so full of love and joy and I was struck by the beauty of them enjoying each other. I’m so honored I got to photograph these special moments.
If intentionality, beauty, honesty, adventure and fun are what you’re hoping for the day you get married and the images you take away from it - I’d love to make that happen for you.
Inquire about your alaska adventure elopement HERE. ♡ Can’t wait to talk!
