Rachel and Dylan invited 20 of their closest friends and family to their intimate destination wedding near Anchorage, Alaska. Nestled in the lush forests of Girdwood, Raven Glacier Lodge was the perfect unique setting for their Twilight-inspired micro-wedding. While they were hoping for rain to finish setting the scene of their moody vision, the weather ended up being the most perfect fall Alaskan day: 50 degrees and sunny.

They kicked off their wedding week with dinner in Anchorage and a cruise in Seward, Alaska aboard the Glacier Express with Major Marine Tours. On the four-hour cruise, we saw 4 Orcas (aka killer whales). The captain said it was rare to see that many so late in the season so it was quite the treat.

On wedding day, Rachel, who is a hair and makeup artist in DFW, got ready in her airbnb. Everyone did each other’s hair and makeup, made cocktails and enjoyed breakfast together.

Afterwards, we made our way to Raven Glacier Lodge. Tucked away in the forest, this cozy, intimate venue makes quite the statement.

Rachel and Dylan chose not to see each other before the ceremony, so as you can see from the photos, Dylan was a blubbering mess when he saw her walk down the lodge steps and down the aisle in her stunning modern-meets-vintage wedding gown. Rachel’s father officiated the ceremony and each of them had written their own vows to each other. There was not a dry eye in attendance.

We had a blast exploring the property afterwards, taking some fun portraits and letting the two of them enjoy some one-on-one time. And peep that gorgeous bouquet from The Teal Door florist!

Cathy, Raven Glacier Lodge’s owner, prepared an incredible feast of exotic foods and local meats. Fresh salmon dip, curried moose meatballs, all sorts of noodles and barbecued meat. It was truly a culinary experience. Desserts included creme brulee, fresh berry cobbler, key lime pie and more- all homemade. They served french press coffee and espresso martinis (Rachel and Dylan’s fave).

There is something to be said for stripping away all the unnecessary elements of a wedding day and focusing solely on what has meaning to you. Their wedding was such a beautiful adventure in one of their favorite places with their absolute favorite people.

If you’re struggling with planning an authentic wedding day and overwhelmed by all the noise and opinions on how you’re “supposed to” have your wedding, shoot me an email and let’s make it happen!

I am your advocate and ally in gently steering away from unnecessary expectations from well-meaning friends and family. It’s all about finding the sweet spot between honoring tradition and embracing the new. Let’s preserve the traditions that hold sentimental value, discard those that don’t resonate, and create new, meaningful rituals that mark the genesis of your unique family story.

For more information on documentary wedding photography packages, click HERE.

Considering eloping? Check out my elopement packages HERE.

Hey! I'm Rachel, but you can call me Rae!

I’m an Army veteran who has been photographing and planning weddings across the country for 10 years. 

 

I’ve seen all the crazy, the tears and drama and I’ve learned how to anticipate the chaos so when you hire me, you can sit back and relax knowing your wedding day is handled. Period.

Say NO to cookie-cutter and YES to intention.

Let's preserve the traditions that hold sentimental value, discard those that don't resonate, and create new, meaningful rituals that mark the genesis of your unique family story.

I am your advocate and ally in gently steering away from unnecessary expectations from well-meaning friends and family. It’s all about finding the sweet spot between honoring tradition and embracing the new