adventure wedding — 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

when Raven shared with me that she and her high school sweetheart were planning on eloping new year’s eve, I was THRILLED. not only did I love the fact that we had chosen the same day to get married (my husband and I got married that afternoon!), but I’ve shot with Raven and Wyatt before - they are adventurous, kind to others and to each other, and as you’ll see in these photos - so very in love. We met and hiked out to Thunderbird falls for the ceremony. Raven wore her grandmother’s fur coat and Wyatt wore his nice sneakers, and they both laughed and radiated love the entire morning.

Raven was beaming as she barreled past me to her groom.

since I had some leftover flowers from my bouquet I threw a couple together as a gift for Raven - she hid behind them for most of the ceremony because she was crying so much haha!

Wyatt made fun of her after the ceremony for blubbering during their vows, but we have proof that he was JUST as emotional as she was.

they had a short, sweet ceremony officiated by a friend with a few other close friends in attendance, and went out to lunch afterward.

JUST MARRIED LIKE WHAAT?!

there was a windstorm the night before so we had some obstacles getting to and from the location at Thunderbird Falls, but honestly, that just added to the excitement of it.

ALSO WE RAN INTO THIS PUPPY

also guys - he VOLUNTEERED to take his socks and shoes off, walk through ice cold rocky stream, and take his bride closer to the frozen waterfall for photos. can we say groom goals?!