Alaska Elopement: Madalina + Dorian

In December of 2017, I received the sweetest email from a woman in Germany. She told me she and her fiancé were coming to Alaska in May 2018 to get married and she attached a pdf file to the email of nine photos from my own website that showed what she was looking for. (I loved her from that moment!)

Over the next few months, we’d email and check in. The spring in Alaska was shaping up to be a pretty cold one and all of the places we’d talked about as options for photos were still covered in snow, which wasn’t the look they were going for. Then finally after a scouting session, lots of internet photos, and emails back and forth, we settled on Eklutna Lake for their intimate elopement.

I met Madalina and Dorian at a coffee shop downtown two days before their wedding, and I instantly fell in love with them. They were so sweet to my son, Tommy, and cooed over him while we visited. They brought us gifts from Germany, including amazing chocolates, soap, and a puzzle for Tommy.

Capturing their wedding was an amazing way to kick-off my 2018 wedding season, and had so many things that I loved. It was the first wedding I’ve ever photographed where I couldn’t understand the vows, but even so, could feel the love intensely radiating in those promises. The sun popped out during their ceremony, and I love the shot of Madalina looking towards the light, smiling. They were also wildly adventurous and fun-loving, which makes my job so easy and enjoyable. I also loved that my whole family got to be a part of their ceremony, since my husband and I acted as their witnesses (which is something I’m absolutely honored to do!) My son also came along, and Madalina let him smell her beautiful bouquet (from Bloomsbury Blooms) as many times as he asked.

There’s something else I just love about Elopements: when they are this small and intimate, only the photographs will be able to paint the picture for the friends and loved ones who weren’t there. To be trusted with that is something I never take lightly.

These two reminded me why I love taking photos for people and I’m so excited for them. I hope our paths cross again one day because they definitely became dear friends during our time together, and I’m so glad they got to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer on their honeymoon.

Flowers: Bloomsbury Blooms
Officiant: Dorothy, Castle Ministries
Venue: Eklutna Lake, Alaska

Sullivan + Cavan: Eklutna Elopement

When I arrived at Eklutna Lake, Sulley was standing next to his car arranging a stunning bouquet. He lined the stems with hand warmers in case Cavan got cold, and masterfully wrapped it all up with two rounds of ribbon. (Or like his friend Zak said, "Wrap it like a hockey stick." Have I mentioned I love Alaskans?)

While we were waiting for Cavan to arrive, I asked about Sulley's nerves. He wasn't nervous at all. How could you be when you are finally marrying the woman you've been in love with since you were thirteen?! Yeah, that's right-- these two have loved each other since they were teenagers. And there is something about seeing them together that makes you realize you are witnessing two people who have FOUND their person. It sounds cheesy, but they really do come alive when they are together.

Their small ceremony was absolutely perfect: a stunning location (that was covered in snow just days before!), a hyper and adorable ring-bearing dog, and so many adorable moments of Cavan and Sulley wiping lipstick off of each other. My favorite moment though was watching them "tie the knot" during their ceremony. It turned into a quick came of tug-of-war, and it was clear that these two will be able to face whatever comes their way with a great sense of humor and a fierce love for the other. Sullivan and Cavan-- I wish you only the best!