The Top 3 Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Eloping in Alaska is a dream come true for many couples.
Alaska is known for rugged and hard to reach places. But there are so many wonderful and easy to reach hideaways that can create your epic elopement. From wild beaches to jagged mountaintops you can pick the landscape that you most love.
The wide variety of landscapes available and relatively easy access were the reasons I chose these top 3 best places to elope in Alaska. You’ll find a glacier, an alpine mountain valley and an ocean beach from the top 3 options.
Read to the bottom to get some additional ideas for some unique and unconventional eloping ideas.
#1 Best Place to Elope in Alaska
Couple traversing a ridge in hatcher’s Pass. Elopement bouquet by Turnstone Farm. Photo by Echo Photo
Hatcher’s Pass made my #1 Best Place to Elope in Alaska.
It’s an hour and a half drive from Anchorage. Even the drive from Anchorage will blow your mind as you travel over glacial rivers and past high rocky peaks. You can stop in the quaint old farming town of Palmer, Alaska for a bite to eat or a beverage and even walk down to the rushing Matanuska River. Once on Hatcher’s Pass Road, you can drive all the way into the alpine (above tree line). The tundra covered mountains offer backdrops for stunning photos.
The rustic Hatcher’s Pass Lodge is above tree line in a valley that was once used for gold mining. Now it’s a hiking, skiing and berry picking destination. The lodge is a popular place for photos and a great place to base your elopement out of.
The road is paved all the way to the lodge. You can park there to access fabulous mountain backdrops or hike up the the now defunct mine or find any rocky mountaintop to make your destination.
Another fun adventure, is to drive up the unpaved road to Summit Lake. Get amazing vistas and spot a paraglider or two before you continue down the other side to Willow. Photo opportunities on the Willow side of the Hatcher’s Pass Road include rolling tundra and the picturesque Willow Creek.
See more photos from a Hatcher’s Pass Elopement here: Hatcher's Pass Elopement Blog
#2 Best Place to Elope in Alaska
This blue glacial ice makes for an impressive backdrop for your Alaskan elopement. Big and wild Turnstone Farm bouquet in the foreground. Photo by Lily of the Wild
The Knik Glacier made my #2 Best Place to Elope in Alaska.
The Knik Glacier is accessed via a quick and dramatic helicopter ride. Step right off onto the ice for a once in a lifetime experience.
You can also plan your trip in the fall to not only get glacial ice photos but also get stunning fall colors.
Helicopter tour companies include:
Alaska Helicopter Tours
Alpine Air Alaska
Greatland Adventuers
Walk on glacier ice for your magical Alaskan Elopement. Classic baby’s breath and rose bridal bouquet in the slightly wilt Turnstone Farm style. Photo by Henry Tieu
See more of this fall elopement on the Knik Glacier HERE.
#3 Best Place to Elope in Alaska
Couple on a remote beach in Resurrection Bay. Made possible by a sailboat. Dark and moody Turnstone Farm bouquet. Photo by Megan Freeman Photography
Resurrection Bay made my #3 Best Place to Elope in Alaska list.
This is the place to go for all you ocean lovers out there.
There are many options for your Resurrection Bay wedding ceremony. You could keep it simple with a beach ceremony and photos followed by an unbeatable and intimate dinner at The Cookery.
Or you could book a sailing excursion out of Resurrection Bay near Seward, Alaska
Sailing charters out of Seward, Alaska are a romantic and timeless way to explore and celebrate your marriage.
Resurrection Bay Sailing Charters is the only charter company at the time of this writing that I know of doing sailing charters.
Go here to see more photos from a sailboat elopement: Sailboat Elopement Blog
A sunny day at an Alaskan beach is every couple’s dream-come-true. This couple had their wedding ceremony on the beach near Miller’s Landing. The bride is holding a colorful Turnstone Farm bouquet. Photo by Erica Rose Photography
Other great things to do in Seward, Alaska include:
Eating at The Cookery (I just had to list this twice)
Grabbing a beer at Seward Brewing
Visiting the Sealife Center
Hiking the Caines Head trail to the beach and possibly beyond
Hiking up the legendary Mount Marathon
Planning your visit to coincide with the 4th of July for the annual Mount Marathon race and festivities
Hiking part of the Lost Lake Trail
Low clouds and sea weed make for a rustic tone to this quintessential Alaskan wedding. Elope on the beach near Seward, Alaska to experience the natural wonder of the ocean. Ombre bridal bouquet by Turnstone Farm. Photo by Kristian Irey
More Alaska Elopement Ideas
Rent Kayaks and explore a quiet beach outside of Whittier, AK.
Hike up into the Chugach State Park (a 15 minute drive from Anchorage) and take your pick of lakes (Rabbit Lake) , mountaintops (Flat Top or Near Point) or rushing creeks (McHugh or the Eagle River) for a super unique experience.
Head up to Denali National Park (a 4 hour drive from Anchorage) and day hike up the Mountain Vista trail, snap photos by Riley Creek, ride the bus as far as you can go for an extra remote and wild experience or bike ride into your choice of gorgeous locations.
Ride the Alaskan Railroad to Seward, Portage or Denali.
Plan a winer elopement to Alyeska on skis or explore the local resort town of Girdwood, Alaska on snowshoes.
Book a cabin at Kesugi Ken Campground and hike up Curry Ridge.
Book a cabin on Nancy Lake and rent a canoe from Tippecanoe.
Pick any beach: Miller’s Landing in Seward, Kincaid Beach in Anchorage, any local beach in Whittier, Anchor Point on the Kenai Peninsula, or Bishops Beach in Homer.
Helicopter tour from Talkeetna onto a glacier of Denali, our country’s tallest mountain.
Fall Elopement in Alaska on the Knik Glacier
Fall comes early in Alaska.
When deciding to elope in Alaska, think about which Alaskan backdrop you most desire.
From snowcapped peaks to bright fall colors. From lush greenery and bright fields of fireweed to moody and dramatic ocean cliffs. The choice is yours.
Moriah and Rodrigue chose a classic Alaskan elopement, a glacier landing. They timed it so that fall colors were just beginning to show.
Fall comes even earlier in areas surrounding glaciers and in the mountains so its not out of the question to get some fall colors in early September.
If you’re looking for more vibrant colors choosing a slightly later date will do the trick.
It’s a fine balance though, between fall and winter in Alaska. Unlike other locales, Alaskan falls can be quick, very cold and wintery. Be prepared for the weather.
Walking on a glacier may be a once in a lifetime experience.
Alaska will make you smile like this, guaranteed.
Glacial ice offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.
Moriah chose colors to go well with glacial ice: white, blue, sage green and soft pink.
The Bouquet.
Moriah wanted a blues and whites bouquet in a classic shape with dried flowers. White roses were special to her so I made sure to add some of those in too.
Most of the dried flowers I use either come from my cutting garden or from my favorite dried flower farm in Oregon.
When mixing dried flowers with fresh the challenge is to keep the fresh ones hydrated without getting the dried ones wet. So I usually send off the bouquet with fresh flowers in water tubes. The couple can then remove the tubes before pictures begin.
Look close at this bouquet and you will find: dried peonies and lavender!
The Boutonniere.
I used dried flowers to match the bridal bouquet including baby’s breath and lavender. And then made the focal point a stunning blue thistle.
Check out another Knik Glacier elopement here: https://www.turnstonefarmalaska.com/wedding-blog/knik-glacier-elopement-feb-2022
Big thanks to Henry Tieu Photography for sharing these stunning photos with me. Go here to check out more of his stunning work: https://www.henry-tieu.com
Alaska Destination Weddings
Alaska is a dream destination for weddings. Read about our varied destination wedding opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a large and luxurious event to a small intimate elopement, Alaska has it all.
A large percentage of my wedding clients are planning an Alaskan destination wedding.
Often the couple has a family tie to Alaska or it’s been on their traveling wish list and they are using their wedding as a reason to travel here.
As a lifelong Alaskan I cannot express in words the beauty of this landscape. You will be creating lifetime memories. Every penny you spend will with well worth the adventure for you and your guests.
Alaska is a wedding destination that offers unique and stunning wedding venues for adventurous couples looking to tie the knot in a picturesque setting. The rugged wilderness, sparkling glaciers, and dramatic landscapes make it a perfect location for a dreamy wedding.
Alaska destination wedding on the Knik Glacier with Turnstone Farm elopement flowers. Photo courtesy of Lily of the Wild. GO HERE to see more of this wedding.
In this blog, I’ll explore why Alaska is the premier choice for destination weddings and what makes it stand out from other wedding destinations.
First, let's talk about the stunning scenery. Alaska is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, including the towering mountains of Denali National Park, the vast expanse of glaciers, and the deep blue waters of the Inside Passage.
The breathtaking vistas create the perfect backdrop for wedding photos that will be cherished for your lifetime and beyond.
Please know that you don’t have to travel far from Anchorage to get breathtaking views and stunning, unforgettable wedding photos.
Here are some wedding and elopement options just an hour or two from Anchorage: Hatcher’s Pass, Sheep Mountain Lodge, Girdwood, Indian, Portage, Whittier, Seward and our literal backyard: the Chugach Mountains.
You don’t need a sunny day for gorgeous Alaskan Wedding Photos. This couple eloped in Hatcher’s Pass, which is a short drive from Anchorage and offers stunning mountain vistas. Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm elopement bouquet. GO HERE to see the full blog from this wedding Photo courtesy of Echo Photo.
One of the most popular locations for destination weddings in Alaska is the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park. It is known for its fjords, glaciers, and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect place for couples to exchange vows and wow your guests.
You can have your ceremony on a boat while surrounded by whales, sea lions, and other wildlife, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone.
Another option for couples is to get married on the beach in Homer or Seward, where the mountains meet the sea, offering a picturesque setting for your wedding. Couples can opt for a relaxed and casual ceremony or an upscale and luxurious event.
Read more about a real wedding in Seward, Alaska here: https://www.gardenwildfloral.com/wedding-blog/micro-wedding-at-salted-roots-cabins-in-seward-alaska
Caitlin and Nate got married on the beach at Miller’s Landing in Seward, AK. Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm wedding bouquet. Photo courtesy of Erica Rose.
You can also choose to get married at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, where you can incorporate traditional Native Alaskan culture into your wedding ceremony all very close to the heart of our biggest city.
Another factor that sets Alaska apart from other wedding destinations is the range of outdoor activities available for couples and guests.
If you and your partner love adventure, you can plan activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and even dog sledding for your guests.
The opportunity to explore the great outdoors will keep your guests entertained and create unforgettable memories.
If you want to make your wedding an intimate and romantic affair, you can opt for a cozy cabin in the woods for your venue. The serene and peaceful environment will allow you to have a private and intimate ceremony surrounded by nature. This option is perfect for couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
One of my favorite intimate Alaska destination wedding venues is the Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska.
Stunning rainforest background near California Creek at the intimate Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska. Turnstone Farm bridal bouquet. Photo courtesy of Joshua Veldstra. CLICK HERE to see more from this wedding.
This venue is perfect for micro-wedding with a real old time Alaska lodge feel.
See a fall wedding at Raven Glacier Lodge with Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm flowers here: https://www.gardenwildfloral.com/wedding-blog/wedding-at-raven-glacier-lodge-with-danielle-and-paul
Another thing that makes Alaska a perfect wedding destination is the variety of seasonal options.
The long summer days offer plenty of sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor ceremonies, while the winter months offer the chance to experience the stunning Northern Lights, creating a unique and magical experience for couples and guests alike.
Finally, let's talk about the people. Alaskans are known for their friendly, welcoming and adventurous nature, making them ideal hosts for your wedding.
You can expect a warm and hospitable welcome from locals who will go out of their way to ensure your wedding is a success.
In conclusion, Alaska is a destination that offers unique and unforgettable wedding experiences for adventurous couples.
From the stunning natural scenery to the range of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Alaska.
So if you're looking for a wedding destination that is both romantic and adventurous, Alaska should be at the top of your list.
June Wedding in Alaska: What to expect
Here’s a little of what to expect for you June Alaskan wedding.
What Local, Alaskan flowers are available for your June wedding?
It is my absolute joy to work with local Alaskan flowers both from my urban farm right here in Anchorage, and from other farmers in the Matanuska Valley and the Kenai Peninsula.
Here is a brief list of what may be available for your June wedding: tulips (early), peonies (late), ranunculus, columbine and stock.
June is still considered spring in Alaska, so please know that depending on our winter snowpack and spring weather we may have more or less than what’s listed above.
Honestly, flower variety is limited in June. But your wedding can still be amazing floral-wise. If there is not enough variety locally, I can order from other farmers in Washington, Oregon and California.
Below are all examples of flowers that may be available for your June wedding.
What’s the weather like in June in Alaska?
While we all hope your wedding day is the most magical day possible, weather can be unpredictable.
The last few summers have been warm and dry in the early part of our summer. But be prepared for hot sun or cool rain. If we are to get thunderstorms, they usually occur in the month of June.
If you or your guests are traveling, please pack layers for warmth. Can you find a shawl to wear over your dress? Can guests pack a light jacket if your event is outdoors?
What are the best wedding venues in Alaska?
While there is no best wedding venue, there are so many amazing ones.
I’d pick a location that best represents the feeling you most desire. Mountain resort, seaside cottage, river lodge, city hotel or forest hideaway. Alaska has them all!
A mountain elopement is doable in July, just be prepared for hiking through snow. Seaside or sailboat elopements could be perfect this time of year.
See our full blog on the best Alaska Destination Wedding Venues HERE.
Below is a sailboat elopement at the end of June 2022. Bride has a Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bouquet. Photo courtesy of Megan Rai Freeman, planning by Alaska Wild Hearts and sailboat charter by Rez Bay Sailing.
Read the full blog on this sailboat elopement HERE.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst:
The most majestic locations in Alaska can be made challenging by relentless mosquitos. Don’t overlook this when planning your wedding. Offer screened-in areas and natural bug repellents if you’re getting married during mosquito season ( roughly late-May through mid-August).
Here are a couple of natural bug repellents I love: All Terrain Herbal Armor, Murphy’s Naturals, Natrapel, Off Botanicals and Greenways Organic to name a few. You could order a few of these and have them handy for your guests to use.
In June, be prepared for unrelenting sun. The sun in Alaska can feel extra intense due to its lower angle in the sky.
I recommend that folks have adequate shade just in case there is a hot spell, especially for those that are more sensitive to heat. Don’t forget your sun bock if you’re outdoors.
Keep your flowers out of the sun, unless you’re actively taking photos. If your arch flowers or other floral installations are sitting in the sun, have a spray bottle and mist them periodically with water.
The couple below lucked out with their weather on the top of Mt. Alyeska. When I delivered flowers for this couple at the Alyeska Hotel the wind and rain was intense.
The clouds lifted and the rain thankfully let up for their ceremony. Just to cover their bases, they had a back up plan in place for their ceremony and umbrellas for the guests.
Photo courtesy of Corrine Graves. Bright and cheery Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bouquet with yellow ranunculus, stock and campanula.
Wildfire smoke can be a bummer. Wildfires can happen any time during the summer.
Most of our state is covered in dense forests and smoke can travel hundreds of miles in any direction. Every handful of years we will get a major smoke event in the area. Be aware that this could occur. Have a back up plan for individuals that are sensitive or elderly.
If there’s smoke near your venue, have masks on hand for those that are more sensitive and/or be prepared to move your event indoors.
By the off chance that there is a wildfire near your venue, be alert to local weather and travel information. Occasionally traffic can be stalled or blocked if a wildfire is in the area.
This is not meant to scare you! I just want you to be aware so you are not surprised or caught off guard. If you prepare your mind ahead of time, nothing will ruffle you.
Now that you know what to expect, you can prepare for and envision your perfect day. Because no matter what happens, your day will be perfect. You got this!
Want to find out what your wedding flowers may cost? Go here to read all about it: What Do Wedding Flowers Cost?
Alaskan Elopement in the Chugach Mountains
Jess and Eric eloped in Alaska in the Chugach Mountains which are minutes from downtown Anchorage.
Jess and Eric eloped in Alaska in early March 2022 in the foothills of the Chugach Mountains.
The Chugach mountains are minutes from downtown Anchorage and offer a wild backdrop for the nature-loving couple.
This Alaskan elopement was especially amazing because of the simplicity of planning - getting to their ceremony location was fairly easy.
Although you do have to be up for a winter adventure on skis or snowshoes, it’s close to Anchorage and inexpensive to get there.
And with the wildness of the photos, you would never know! It seems like they are miles into the wilderness.
Jess’s choice of colors for her flowers contrasted the landscape so perfectly. The bright and bold bouquet looks amazing with her winter white landscape.
Plus, how lucky they were to have this sunshine!
The great thing about bright and bold colors is that they come to life in any weather situation. If it had been a cloudy or even foggy day, they would have popped even more.
Special thanks to the Alaska wedding photographer at Chugach Peaks Photography for these amazing photos.
The Alaska wedding photographers that make up Chugach Peaks have a bright, crisp and clear quality to their work that is exemplified in Jess and Eric’s photos.
Wanting to elope in or around Anchorage Alaska? We would LOVE to create your elopement bouquet with our signature style using seasonal blooms.
Get more inspiration for your winter elopement in Alaska by going here: Winter Elopement on the Knik Glacier
See a summer elopement in the Chugach Mountains HERE!
Click below to take the first step in booking your flowers with Gardenwild Floral.
Elope in Alaska on the Knik Glacier
A Knik Glacier elopement in Alaska offers a magical experience and stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.
Leanne and Peter eloped in Alaska in late February on the Knik Glacier.
Leanne requested a very large “Ice Queen” bouquet and I was absolutely thrilled at the idea of creating such a piece!
If there’s one thing I LOVE to make, it’s a big and wild bouquet.
Bouquets transform an experience and no one tells you how fun they are to hold.
Their aroma fills your experience with an additional sensual pleasure that helps to imprint this magical and life-changing event in your mind forever.
If there’s one thing that you don’t want to skimp on, it’s your bridal bouquet.
I was so thankful to work with Alaskan wedding planner, Wild Hearts Events based in Anchorage, AK and Lily of the Wild Photography to help this couple create an amazing, beautiful and memorable event.
When choosing the flowers for this bouquet, I was looking for “icy” tones of blue, blush, white, and frosty green.
I found some amazing white to blush butterfly ranunculus, heavenly smelling white & purple stock, veronica, blue hydrangea, and eucalyptus.
Looking for more inspiration for your elopement in Alaska? Go here to view another Alaskan winter elopement: Alaskan Elopement in the Chugach Mountains
Looking for flowers for your event?
Read what Leanne had to say about working with me:
“Greta was amazing when creating my wedding bouquet.
I honestly did not know exactly what I wanted but I gave her my vision and she went above and beyond.
I was so happy with the way they turned out. Not only were they everything I could’ve dreamt of, they were beautiful and smelt amazing.
”
Check out another Knik Glacier elopement here: https://www.gardenwildfloral.com/wedding-blog/fall-elopement-in-alaska-on-the-knik-glacier-2023
I invite you to book a free call with me to talk about your wedding flower vision!
MaryAlice Beauty - Interview with an Anchorage hair and makeup artist.
I first met MaryAlice in a photoshoot I organized for my business, Turnstone Farm.
After my last shoot I learned a lot: get a haircut the day before, hire a professional to do my makeup.
Because, seriously it is quite possible that you will break out the day of your photoshoot, wedding or other special event. Plan ahead!
After working with MaryAlice, I knew I wanted to work with her again and refer all my clients to her.
She is warm-hearted, calming and has a soothing way about her that puts everyone at ease.
Her energy is just a perfect fit for a hectic wedding day.
I was so thrilled to talk with her more in depth about her business and more importantly, beauty.
Click here to book Mary Alice: https://www.instagram.com/maryalice.beauty/
MaryAlice is the star in this Alaskan Wedding Flowers photoshoot. Flowers by Turnstone Farm. Photo by Lauren Roberts.
How long has she been in business?
MaryAlice has been in business doing hair and makeup for over 10 years. She’s always had a passion for it and has completely fallen in love with the power of the beauty industry.
How long does it take to get someone ready (do their hair and makeup)?
Set up can vary based on the type of wedding.
Elopements are more relaxed and can take less prep time depending on the look.
For large wedding parties, she often starts at 7:00 or 7:30 am to make sure the whole wedding party has time to be prepped.
Even without a big wedding party, couples often do first looks which can take an hour and a half of time with a photographer. So it’s best to plan for plenty of time to get ready.
Does she have any advice to couples getting married?
MaryAlice wants to encourage you to get really clear about the vision for your wedding. In fact she offers Creative Strategy Sessions for couples wishing to nail down their dream vision.
She’s noticed that the people who are the clearest about their vision are the happiest. MaryAlice’s interdisciplinary career has given her opportunity to build a lot of skill as a creative problem solver.
As a start, ask yourself why - why are we doing this? How do we want people to experience this? There is no right or wrong answer. It’s just important to be clear. With clarity, all the decisions you need to make will become easier.
What exactly is a Creative Strategy Session?
It’s a conversation without a custom end goal for each person. It’s a process of guiding and reflecting back the vision that is emerging and being heard to create clarity for everyone involved. It’s finding patterns in your thoughts. It’s finding your why for your event and most importantly creating space for what you actually want.
Having a guide to help you figure out what you want can be incredibly powerful.
MaryAlice loves weddings because they are already a creative endeavor. Artful gatherings, traditions, logistics and a ton of emotional meaning are always involved in weddings. Design sprints. Creative process. Disguised in different names: sprints, accelerators. Merge the two to support people creating their vision. Helping people have a creative vision who can bring that together. Having a crystal clear vision. There’s a thousand different ways they can go.
MaryAlice in a beautiful Bateau Boutique wedding gown with Alaskan grown floral install by Turnstone Farm.
How far out do people need to book her for a wedding?
People start booking around December for summer weddings. Each wedding party gets a custom quote for pricing as it varies depending on time, size of groups and desired looks.
To determine this custom quote you can fill out an inquiry on her website in order to find out more. GO HERE to do that: https://www.instagram.com/maryalice.beauty/
I have my own story about why to outsource makeup and hair! But I wanted to know in her words… why should someone hire MaryAlice and not just DIY it?
Makeup is such a felt sense, wearing it's a sensory experience.
A professional can use makeup to transform you into many different moods. If the tool is not used in a way that supports your desired feeling, it can become an experience that doesn’t honor your goal. It’s really all about an experience.
Hiring a professional can also create a buffer between relationships. If your best friend offers to do your makeup, yes this may save you money but if you are not happy with the end result or the process it may create added relational tension. No one wants this added stress on their wedding day.
MaryAlice has heard so many stories of this happening and it makes sense to give yourself clear boundaries with important wedding details.
You tie things to people and you want to enjoy each moment and boundaries are a great way to keep it uncomplicated. There is so much psychology in the art of beauty.
She strongly recommends doing a trial run for folks that aren’t used to wearing makeup. It can feel weird, whether you’re wearing fake lashes for the first time or just putting on a thin layer of lip gloss. Everyone has a different comfort level for makeup.
To some people it can feel dramatic like putting on a costume. The most important thing is making sure you feel comfortable with your choices so that you don’t have extra discomfort during an already energetically charged social situation.
I always like hearing about other wedding vendors. What vendors does she like working with?
MaryAlice loves Lauren Roberts and Megan Freeman for videography and photography.
As for planners, she says there are so many great options. We both agreed that communication style and personality really matters when hiring a planner. If you have the chance to interview a few by all means do it!
On another note, MaryAlice gets excited when people find ways to use more small businesses for the in-between experiences/gatherings that happen around weddings.
Is there a way to incorporate some of our favorite small businesses into your special day or weekend?
Like Wild Scoops, Fire Island Bakeshop, Cynosure Brewing (or any other brewery in town). The Spa at Alyeska, etc. Get creative!
There are so many options for creating fun and new experiences for friends, family and guests who visit Alaska to be a part of your day.
MaryAlice with Alaskan Grown Wedding flowers by Turnstone Farm. Photo by Lauren Roberts.
I love giving my clients cool ways to wow their guests, and transform their event.
Is there a story that stands out in her mind of a couple going above and beyond?
She loves when families personalize their weddings. One couple canned their family’s smoked salmon and gave it to guests. Those small personal touches make events so special.
She remembers one of her first wedding experiences as a teenager of attending a beautiful pre-reception night. It was an elegant backyard party an evening before her cousin’s wedding.
Most of the guests were invited to this casual and classy dinner. People told stories about their relationships with the bride and groom and gave toasts.
An event like this makes the actual wedding day so much more cohesive. People have already had the chance to meet and to put each other in context. This allows everyone to feel more involved in the many different connections.
It also gives your most beloved people the chance for friendships and new relationships to spark. What an awesome gift.
I wanted to know what one goal MaryAlice has for her business this year or next?
She says she is really excited to launch her new website.
And as always, she is excited to do more weddings. MaryAlice loves being a part of weddings. She likes being a part of intimate moments and joy while helping people feel their best.
At a wedding you are part of a collaboration and that group energy is contagious. She gets super energized with all the love that is shared and learning about families and how all the relationships were born.
It can be such an intimate experience with people. She loves hearing stories and hearing about all the different ways people come together in life.
I wanted to know the one thing MaryAlice wants her soon to be clients to know?
MaryAlice likes to make people feel comfortable being seen in these special moments.
She wants you to know that your vision is unique and there is no one right way to be a “bride”, there can be a lot of societal stories that come pouring in once you start planning a wedding.
She wants to help build a vision with you that you’ll love.
Click here to learn more about Mary Alice: https://www.instagram.com/maryalice.beauty/
MaryAlice. Photo by Lauren Roberts.
Alaskan Sailboat Elopement
Alaska is a premier destination for couples wishing to elope.
Pristine mountain vistas, gorgeous backdrops of woods or tundra and water - lots of it.
This couple chose to embark on a sailboat adventure with a Turnstone Farm bouquet in hand.
And although I’d like to say that the weather they had is typical, you really never know what you’ll get. These folks completely lucked out with a gorgeous day on a sailboat with Resurrection Bay Sailing charters.
In late June the flower garden at Turnstone Farm is just beginning to open up into bloom. I chose these exquisite, delicate columbine, dried black albion pods, dark purple anemones to add some interest. Alaskan Grown peonies and dark, moody carnations set the foundation for this big and full bouquet.
Thanks to Wild Hearts Events and Megan Freeman Photography for coordinating this gorgeous event!
5 Things to Consider When Planning your Wedding Flowers
Wedding planning can be A LOT!
Especially since for most of us mortals, the biggest thing we've organized is a dinner party.
Just the sheer number of decisions to make can be daunting.
So just to get you prepped for ONE (but one very important) part of your wedding, YOUR FLOWERS, here's a few things to start mulling over in order to get exactly what you want.
And while you're thinking these things through, remember that YOUR FLOWERS WILL BE MEMORIALIZED IN YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS FOREVER!
It is for this reason that while the experience of your wedding is so important. People remember what you do and how you make them feel…
Your attire and flowers are right up at the top of the list for importance.
So here are 5 things to consider when planning your wedding flowers.
1) Size.
Size does matter! But it's all dependent on what you want.
Big, small - YOU decide! Sometimes size can match your body size but mostly I tell people just to go with what feels good.
Do you want your flowers to make a statement? Go bigger.
Do you like small and dainty? Go smaller.
Do you want to communicate abundance? Go bigger.
Leanne is holding the quintessential Turnstone Farm bouquet: it is big and wild and reminiscent of holding a garden in your hands.
2) Shape.
Cascade, upright, vertical, loose, tight. What kind of shape do you like?
Hop on google and peek around - get a sense of what you like! If you're looking for trends, here's what's hot right now: loose, wild-flower like, slightly cascading, or vertically sprawling (and I'm loving it). But honestly, you don't need to give a crap about what other people like. This is YOUR FREAKING wedding.
Elizabeth wanted a large and wild-flower like bouquet. Most of my large bouquets can be held in such a way as to create a slight draping cascade.
3) Color.
Often when folks come to me, they have already decided on a color palate. I just match my seasonal blooms with their attire and other decorations. But if you're not sure yet, peek around on Google. See what you like. Ask yourself why you like something.
Color can be fun!
Let it be fun!
And after designing and seeing hundreds of wedding photos, the most colorful bouquets look the best in photographs.
Fun fact: I used to be scared of color. As an artist, I felt like there were just too many options.
That's why I've always loved black and white photography and printmaking. You can keep it simple!
But since flowers came into my life it's fair to say that I"m color-obsessed. If you're stuck on color - I'm here to help.
Rebekah and her bridesmaids are holding bright and cheerful fall bouquets which really pop against the woodland backdrop.
4) Varieties.
Here’s what I would recommend - be open to having lots of different varieties in you floral designs! Roses and carnations don't have to be boring. Wildflowers don't have to be boho. But they can be!
I say if you're obsessed with a variety and it's in season let's make it happen! But if not, there are so many amazing flowers.
I want to fill your bouquet and arrangements with as many varieties as possible. Because you know what's in right now? Texture. How do you get texture? Lots of variety!
Marielle holds a farmed and foraged bouquet of Alaskan Grown flowers and foliage.
5) Floral pieces.
Maybe I should have started with this one. But I think deciding what you need to have is so dependent on the following.
What do you want your wedding to FEEL like?
What is most important to you?
These answers may help guide your decision as to whether you need a full floral arch or want to give bouquets to the moms (which is an idea I honestly LOVE - as a mom, I will be a joyful, tearful mess if I get a bouquet from my kids on their wedding day).
For Rosalyn, the most important floral pieces were her bridal bouquet and her full floral arch.
And finally, I'm here for you. Comment below if you have any questions about planning your flowers!
Then click the button below to schedule your wedding flower discovery call, if you haven’t done so already.
Cannot wait to hear from you!
Thank you to Lilly of the Wild Photography, Echo Photo, Chugach Peaks Photography, Lauren Roberts Photography and Joshua Veldstra Photography.