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

Man oh man this was a DAY for the books!! This intimate wedding at Seward Windsong Lodge was long awaited!!

So, backstory: we took Bao and Bianca's engagement photos in February of 2020. YEP. Riiiight before COVID started, and then their wedding was rescheduled TWICE. They were such good sports about it, but I felt bad for them (and all my COVID couples!)

But these two finally made it up to Alaska in their van with their two pups! And their friends and family joined them too. It was so much fun to FINALLY get to celebrate with them. And it was all the more meaningful knowing how much they had been through to make this day happen!

On the wedding day itself, Seward completely surprised us with a HOT sunny Summer day as opposed to the usually cloudy/rainy/pnw vibe weather and we embraced it. Their ceremony was bright and cheerful, and matched their happy vibe so well to be honest.

They had an amazing vendor team and wedding party - everything came off so beautifully and it was so special and fun to watch them finally celebrate each other with their loved ones. And the Seward Windsong Lodge was literally the perfect venue for their big day. After the outdoor ceremony, the spent the afternoon dancing with their friends and family. And it was so freaking joyful to watch!

Keep your eyes peeled for their glacier adventure session the day after!! Bao & Bianca, thank you for choosing me to be your intimate Alaska wedding photographer.

Details for an intimate elopement at Seward Windsong Lodge

Woman getting makeup applied for her big day by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Gown hanging on a tree in the forest by Rachel Struve Photography

Wedding rings on a pink velvet box for celebration at Seward Windsong Lodge

Groom and groomsmen having a pillow fight before ceremony by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Groom tying his shoes before his ceremony by Rachel Struve Photography

Bride getting her dress zipped up before her big day at Seward Windsong Lodge

Bride standing on balcony at venue before first look by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Bride approaching groom for first look in the woods by Rachel Struve Photography

Bride and groom kissing in the forest at Seward Windsong Lodge

Tearful bride approaching her groom in the woods by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Couple kissing in the woods holding a bouquet of flowers by Rachel Struve Photography

Bride and groom walking in the forests around Seward Windsong Lodge

Man twirling woman around in the woods by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Wedding Party in pink and gray outside in the forest by Rachel Struve Photography

Bridesmaids in rose pink dresses outside Seward Windsong Lodge

Groomsmen outside of a lodge before the ceremony by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Two dogs with floral decorations on by Rachel Struve Photography

Outdoor ceremony set up on the lawn at Seward Windsong Lodge

Groom watching his bride walk down the aisle at outdoor ceremony by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Tearful bride during ceremony under a triangle arch with a mountain in the background by Rachel Struve Photography

Bride and groom in traditional ceremony at Seward Windsong Lodge

Outdoor ceremony with triangle arch and mountains in the background by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Newlyweds hugging their two dogs in the woods by Rachel Struve Photography

Wedding party celebrating with a mountain in the background at Seward Windsong Lodge

Cake bar at reception with lots of treats by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Newlyweds sharing a first dance at their fun reception by Rachel Struve Photography

Reception celebrations with friends and family at Seward Windsong Lodge

Newlyweds cutting white cake at reception by Alaska Intimate Wedding Photographer

Newlyweds dancing with their guests at their reception by Rachel Struve Photography

Bride dancing with her bridesmaids at Seward Windsong Lodge reception

Vendors:
HMUA: @hairbyjennak
Planner: I Do Events
Video: Jake Elko
Venue: Seward Windsong Lodge
Rentals: Classy Elegant Events
Florals: Bloomsbury Blooms
Cake: Ardy Cakes
DJ: APE
Stationary: Little Green Paper Shop
Gown: Essence of Australia

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?!