Alaska wedding photographer — Real Alaskan Weddings — Rachel Struve Photography | Anchorage, Alaska Based Intimate Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Connor and Alissa chose Whittier Alaska, their 12ish favorite people and their pups to create the perfect elopement day adventure for the two of them. Everyone got ready in a big cabin in Girdwood before making the drive to the overlook of their dreams in Whittier.

We all hiked down to the most serene little beach spot; Alissa got dressed on the beach and hid in a cove while the groom skipped rocks and the rest of the crew set up their ceremony in front of a stream running into the ocean.

Their ceremony (performed by their dear friend) was sweet and emotional. I never want couples to feel any pressure to “force emotion” during wedding day moments, but I DO want them to feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe to have the space to be authentically themselves and in their feels on their big day.

We raced against the tide to take some one of a kind portraits by the ocean before hiking back up to a perfect snack spread on the picnic tables. We took photos with the crew, drank whisky, and frolicked around in a field.

Thank you to Connor and Alissa for choosing me to document this day that they did their way!

The shots of them out on the rocks in the ocean are maybe some of the most epic photos I’ve ever taken, enjoyyyyy

Whittier Alaska Intimate Elopement Photography by Rachel Struve

Planning your own epic but personal adventure elopement and need it photographed?! click here, let’s talk!

Kind Words

“She’s amazing to work with, so talented, and a genuinely great human being. I’m so glad that I found her and had the opportunity to work with her. I can honestly say we found a friend through her and can’t wait until we get to visit Alaska again so we can catch up with her!”

— Bao & Bianca

Have you ever thought about the importance of having the same photographer from engagements to wedding?

I recommend an engagement shoot to ALL of my elopement and wedding clients. Not only do you get special, unique to you photos of the engagement season without the timeline pressure of the wedding day, but it allows US to get to know each other.

Engagement sessions give you the opportunity to get comfortable in front of my camera BEFORE the wedding. You will spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than any other vendor, so it really helps if you’re not meeting for the first time ON your wedding day, ya know? I much prefer having already made memories with my couples heading into it!!

Let me introduce you to Caleb & Kenzie! They hired me as their photographer from their engagement to wedding, and I wanted to share their experience here so you get an idea of what it’s like!

Couples snowy engagement photos in Anchorage

When I chatted with Caleb and Kenzie on the phone for their initial planning call, after we talked through all of the wedding details, they asked "can we be friends?" to which I promptly replied YES.
This is how you should feel right off the bat! Please please please, click with your photographer. “Can we be friends!?” should be a question you want to ask them!

Even if you only get to hang out while shooting, it should feel organic and natural and fun to hang out together!

Couple embracing against a snowy backdrop for their Alaska engagement session

Couple wrapped up in a blanket with hot cocoa for their engagement photos in Anchorage

You can see their full engagement session on the blog HERE.

Couple playing in the snow by by Rachel Struve who was their photographer from engagements to wedding

For their engagement session we shot in winter on the frozen Eklutna lake. We attempted to start a fire, unsuccessfully because of the wind, but it was a good story for later lol.

Their wedding was the exact opposite - full sun in the middle of June and we were all TOASTY. We took full advantage of the noon sun and created dreamy frolic-through-the-field-of-flowers photos! I love their unique alaskan boho vibe - their whole look and the wedding decor came together perfectly.

Shout out to The Teal Door AK for the amazing florals!

Wedding details at a Summer Alaska boho wedding

Bride getting into her dress the woods for Alaska elopement

First look at Summer wedding by Rachel Struve, who was their photographer From Engagements to Wedding

Bride and groom kissing in the woods for their Alaska Summer boho wedding

Bride and groom walking through field of flowers in Palmer, AK

Caleb and Kenzie are BEST. FRIENDS.

They are so excited about life together it, made you feel SO excited for them. Their wedding was such a fun celebration of both of their journeys to each other and the beginning of their journey together. Apparently all their friends saw it coming for YEARS so there were a lot of cheers of "FINALLY."

Groom and bride spinning in a field of flowers

Couple on their wedding day by Rachel Struve who shot them From Engagements to Wedding

Groomsmen for boho wedding in Palmer, AK

Bridesmaids with bride for her Summer wedding in Alaska

Bride walking down the aisle for her Summer Alaskan wedding outside

Outdoor Alaska ceremony by Rachel Struve who shot them from Engagements to Wedding

Newlyweds showing off their wedding rings and wedding tattoos

Beautiful Alaska bride at her boho Summer outdoor wedding

Reception details at an outdoor Alaska summer wedding

Newlyweds sharing a first dance by Rachel Struve who shot them From Engagements to Wedding

Newlyweds cutting their cake at outdoor Alaska reception

Bride and groom sitting in camping chairs for their relaxed wedding reception

Guest dancing in a field at an outdoor wedding reception

Guests dancing at an outdoor wedding reception in Palmer, Alaska

Being able to walk with them from their engagement season to their wedding day was amazing and brought so much depth and happy feelings to the day of the wedding. I would call them friends to this day.

The better you know your photographer, the more comfortable you'll be with them and it creates an intimacy and comfortable feeling in photos that's hard to create otherwise.