alaska

Noah + Laurel’s Portraits In The Mountains

Capturing Noah and Laurel's relationship in the mountains of Alaska was such a special experience! Every moment spent with them gave me a beautiful peek into their fun, steady love.

We began the shoot against the backdrop of the Glen Alps, with the mountainside foliage starting the change to autumn colors. Their casual outfits added an inviting, relaxed feeling to the photos. We hiked around the mountains, playing card games, frolicking in the wildflowers, drinking beer, and sharing sticky notes with something they love about each other written on them. I absolutely loved crafting a session for them that felt just like their relationship; because your photos are about YOU.

Our day ended with the golden October sun setting behind the majestic Alaskan mountains, casting an magical glow that beautifully illuminated Noah and Laurel's beaming smiles. Seeing them be themselves — goofy, in love, and live in the moment — made every photo genuinely special. Your photos should reflect your personality and bond as a couple, and I loved helping Noah and Laurel create this experience!

Keep scrolling to see their magical session in the mountains!

To book your own personalized magical session with me, click here!


Kind Words

“Rachel is an absolutely amazing photographer!! She goes above and beyond to help make your day special and continues to make us feel special even after the wedding us over. She truly has a heart for the people she gets to work with. You will not be disappointed if you choose her to be your photographer!” -Kody

Cooper Landing Alaska Wedding Day | Elijah + Olivia

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Cooper Landing is a hidden gem that offers some of the most breathtaking backdrops for a wedding. When Elijah and Olivia decided to tie the knot, this pristine location was their number one choice. Cooper Landing, situated along the banks of the Kenai River, is a picturesque paradise surrounded by lush forests, glistening waters, and towering mountains. As their photographer, capturing their wedding was both an honor and an adventure. Here’s a peek into their sweet fall wedding day.

The day began with Olivia and her bridesmaids getting ready in a cozy A-frame cabin with large windows letting in soft, natural light. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement, real life moments. Olivia’s wedding dress, an ethereal lace gown with intricate detailing, hung perfectly against the backdrop of pine trees outside. Elijah and his groomsmen got ready in a rustic log cabin elsewhere on the property. The groom wore a navy blue suit, complemented by a boutonniere featuring native wildflowers!

Elijah and Olivia had their first look in front of the river and took the moment to read each other private vows. This is always one of my favorite things that couples do; taking a moment for themselves without an audience to soak in the day and their promises.

Friends and family watched with joy as Elijah and Olivia became husband and wife in front of the mountains and the river. We frolicked around the venue taking photos, swinging from a tree, walking out onto the dock on the river, and making the most of Cooper Landing, AK in the fall.

After the portrait session it was time for the party! The reception was full of personal touches, heartfelt speeches from loved ones, and really good cake.

Congratulations to Elijah and Olivia!

Cooper Landing Alaska Fall Wedding Photography by Rachel Struve

If you’re liking what you’re seeing and are looking for a photographer to capture your day in all its glory, click here!


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

Jade + Nick in Hatcher Pass // Alaska Elopement Photographer

Jade + Nick’s Hatcher Pass Elopement // Alaska Elopement Photographer

This love story started with a heated conversation (argument?) about aliens, and other important things.

Jade and Nick recounted the details of their first long conversation in the vows they shared during an epic, windy ceremony in Hatcher Pass. After photographing these two for their engagement session and now their elopement, all I could think when I walked away was “They REALLY like each other.” 

From the way they teased each other to the way they kissed, their love and relationship was so strong and beautiful and I was so honored to be their elopement photographer.

Their day felt peaceful and relaxed from start to finish, and Hatcher Pass was of course stunning. Alaska brought all of her wild glory with the sun and wind, and the view from their ceremony felt like you were on top of the world. There’s a reason Hatcher Pass is such a popular elopement location in Alaska. I love photographing there because even though it’s always beautiful, the light and the atmosphere are always different, like much of Alaska - you never know what you’re going to get.

Here are just a few images (oh yes, there are so many more) from their elopement day - getting ready moments, first look feels, hanging out before the ceremony, windy vows, exploring around the mountains, and champagne toasts by the river later.

the ending