Some elopements start in the wilderness. This one began quietly, rooted in tradition.
Before taking to the air, the couple chose to be married inside Kunéix Hídi Northern Light United Church. The ceremony was intimate by design—just the two of them, myself as photographer and witness, and I Do Alaska wedding planner and officiant Linda Windeborn. Soft light filtered through the space as they exchanged vows, setting the tone for a day that felt intentional, grounded, and deeply personal.
The bride wore a dress she made herself, every detail thoughtful and expressive. That choice alone set the pace for the day—creative, meaningful, and unapologetically their own. I leaned into that energy throughout the coverage, weaving in film and vintage-inspired edits that echoed the texture of the day and complemented the timeless feel of her handmade gown. And then there was the ring. A pink diamond that felt equal parts heirloom and modern statement. Truly unforgettable.
After the ceremony, we stepped out of tradition and into adventure.
A seaplane carried us across the water toward Taku Glacier, where towering ice and open sky created a dramatic backdrop for portraits. As if the day hadn’t already offered enough magic, we happened upon a seagull nest tucked nearby. Tiny eggs resting quietly in place—a rare and fleeting moment that felt symbolic in all the right ways.
From there, the day continued to unfold naturally. We made our way to Mendenhall Glacier, stopping for photos with the glacier stretching across the horizon, before finishing at Nugget Falls. Water rushed down the rock face as they laughed, wandered, and took it all in together. No rush. No crowd. Just presence.
This was a full day shaped by intention—honoring tradition, embracing creativity, and letting Alaska do what it does best. From a quiet church ceremony to seaplane skies, glaciers, waterfalls, and film-inspired storytelling, every chapter felt connected.
An elopement that proves you don’t have to choose between reverence and adventure. You can have both.
A Seaplane Elopement That Began with Tradition and Ended in the Wild
