Moody Intimate Elopement Day in Girdwood Alaska
Michael and Courtney are the perfect example of refusing to let the rain dampen their spirits on their elopement day in Girdwood, Alaska.
As the clouds rolled in, these two spent the morning together in their airbnb preparing for their day. Tiffannee from vibe artistry crafted Courtney’s hair and makeup as we all chatted about their time in Alaska so far. Once it was time to get dressed, the two separated into different rooms to “hide” until their first look.
We headed outside towards the trees outside of their airbnb where Michael was waiting to see Courtney in her wedding gown for the first time. I hid in the trees and let them have a beautiful moment together - the excitement is written all over Michael’s face.
As rain started to fall, we left for the private elopement ceremony site in the forests of Girdwood, Alaska. We’d hoped that the rain would hold off but when we realized that wasn’t going to happen, Courtney said “Nothing we can do, no use getting upset” and proceeded to embrace the adventure. That is MY kind of bride.
Michael may or may not have forgotten the rings at the airbnb - so he had to run back and grab them. Fortunately, everything in Girdwood AK is five minutes away so he returned to the forest in no time and it was finally time for them to say their vows.
Their ceremony was short, sweet, and heartfelt - the best ceremonies are the ones where the couple tears up, laughs, and has to interrupt vows for a quick kiss. Just look at the JOY on their faces in this photo! okay they were also probably a little afraid of the champagne bottle, but it’s also newly married joy. I love those first few moments of adrenaline after being pronounced husband and wife.
Madison from Wild Hearts Events performed their ceremony and also set up their beautiful picnic table for cake and snacks after the ceremony. It was the most serene location for their elopement, nestled into the alaska pine trees with mountain peaks in the distance.
They cut and ate the cake - Michael forgot to take the fork out of Courtney’s mouth. Probably distracted by how good the cake from Arctic Moon Bakery was.
We spent some leisurely time taking portraits after that. The bride and groom were stunning against the deep green alaska foliage. The rain gave our time a moody, romantic feel, and the tall trees in the forest gave the peaceful feeling of being surrounded by nature. More than anything, I was happy to have that time to give Courtney and Michael a moment to stare into each other’s eyes, kiss in the forest, and goof off together.
Like, come on. Only best friends in love look at each other like that. *crying internally*
I’m so honored to have photographed these two. On a personal note, this was my first elopement after maternity leave and I was swept right back up into the magic of these two. They described themselves as “wallflowers” in love and I’m so happy they chose Alaska to be the start of this new chapter of life for them.
If you are dreaming of saying your vows surrounded by nature and if these photos speak to you - I would LOVE the opportunity to photograph you on your elopement day and create magical images for you to walk away with.
