Sarah Freije 3/3/17 Sarah Freije 3/3/17

Girdwood Wedding: Carmel + Kolbe

If this wedding is any indication of what 2017 is going to look like, then I’m in love. Heirloom touches, a beautiful couple, my favorite chapel, and the perfect falling snow.

Carmel arrived at our meeting place in the snowy meadow wearing her Grandmother’s wedding dress and boots she’d borrowed last minute from a friend. At the hotel, Kolbe gave his wedding ring a last minute size adjustment with a Leatherman while his groomsmen were still getting ready. They were so excited for their first look, that they didn't mind the cold. These are my kind of people.

Carmel and Kolbe took a quiet moment together during their day to say a prayer for their relationship. I love this.

This was our recreation of Carmel's Grandmother's wedding photo!

Vendors:

Venue:: Our Lady of the Snows

Cake:: Brittany Ledall

Hair:: Malia @ Girdwood Salon

Bride's Dress Alterations:: Celestial Designs

Groom's Attire:: Men's Warehouse

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Attire:: David's Bridal/Men's Warehouse

Sarah Freije 1/5/17 Sarah Freije 1/5/17

Lorraine & Henri's Wedding

Blueberry Hill Photography Alaska Wedding 1

Most married people have planned a wedding, and many of those people will probably remember it can be a tad stressful. Maybe your cake wasn't ready on time, you couldn't figure out who should get a plus-one, or your seating chart just wasn't coming together. But most of us never had to go to bed one night planning their dream wedding and wake up the next morning worried it might not be legal. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to many LGBT couples in America on November 8th.

Originally I met with Lorraine and Henri to plan their September 2017 wedding, but after this year's election outcome, they contacted to say they weren't taking any chances. They would move the timeline up and have a small ceremony to make it legal... but love trumps hate, so they'll still be having their epic party in September!

I love this photo because the woman on the left was getting her hair done and overheard it was Lorraine's wedding day. She came over to check out the "inspiration" picture and offer her congratulations. I love that weddings bring out such joy-- and … — I love this photo because the woman on the left was getting her hair done and overheard it was Lorraine's wedding day. She came over to check out the "inspiration" picture and offer her congratulations. I love that weddings bring out such joy-- and not just from those involved!

Henri and his best friend had their own little ceremony before the wedding. They've been friends for ages, and gave each other special Pokemon tie-tacks.

Their "First Look" was a special one. We were losing daylight fast (that'll happen during Alaska winter weddings!) and Lorraine mentioned she wanted to make Henri cry. First Looks are always a favorite part of the day because it often means getting your support system back on a hectic day. The looks are so genuine and full of emotion.