Blazing midnight sun, a couple so in love it seemed the entire world was rooting for them on this day, a posh farmhouse venue, and a ton of fun! Let me introduce you to Cameron and Tyler and their beautiful Alaskan wedding… What an honor to be their wedding photographer for such a beautiful day. Summer in Alaska is the best for weddings .

PLANNING A DREAM WEDDING

Cameron and I had a thorough consultation. She was incredibly communicative with her vision and needs for a wedding photographer. We got along great upon first talking. Not only did she contract me for her wedding day, I was also fortunate enough to meet the couple beforehand, for their wild Alaskan engagement session on snowmachines with some peanut butter whisky and a good time! 

We became quick friends. To photograph their wedding became the highlight of my summer! Getting all of Cameron’s details and planning ready was as easy going as the couple is, but come the day, it was a busy one. Here’s how it went…

GETTING READY: It’s all in the details

These are the moments when everyone is buzzing the most. My presence is kind of in and out, so I can capture the many sentimental details of the day as well as the getting ready shots in more of a documentary style. Also, it allows that special time with their wedding party and family.

There is a delicate balance between being there to capture the most raw and candid moments, yet allowing the bride space to breathe before being paraded in front of dozens of family and friends for the entire rest of the day. This is when I typically float around and take detail shots such as: the gorgeous venue itself, flowers, signs and décor, the dining room with plates and centerpieces, the wedding arch, photos of the vows, the dress, suit, and shoes etc.

The barn venue was adorned with elegant vintage touches and delicate china. Mirrored signs for an art deco aesthetic, and vibrant rainbow flowers boasted a classy chic vibe that elevated the venue beyond simply farmhouse. This brought Cameron and Tyler’s vision to life. 

For Cameron, she wanted some fun pictures of the gal-side of the bridal party in their silk robes. Of course, plenty of candid shots of the hair and make-up process as well. I was also able to make it to the Groom-Room for a similar supportive wedding party atmosphere while the guys toasted and sipped some whisky. The most notable detail shot with the men would be the bolo tie which I found out Cameron hand-made for her husband! Soon enough the ties were straightened and Cameron was zipped into her dress for the day. 

FIRST TOUCH + FIRST SHOT

Cameron and Tyler read each other their vows in an intimate wooded area as the high sun filtered through the birch tree canopy. Here they could have the time and space to share this special moment together, uninterrupted. For the first time on their wedding day, we captured the first touch when they stood back-to-back without yet seeing the other dressed as they shared vows. They had written each other a sentiment of their love. I was there for the reading of each heartfelt confession before we moved on to spend some time with the couple getting pictures of just the two of them before the guests poured in. 

THE I DO’S

Cameron and Tyler were married at a venue called At The Barn in Wasilla, Alaska. Being a wedding photographer in Alaska- I cab safely say that this is one of the best venues we have in the Valley. There were cute little cows in far off fields. The upscaled farmhouse vibes were perfect for a blazing hot summer day! I spent the late morning capturing as many pictures as possible of the bride, groom, wedding party, and family as other guests began to arrive. Then, it was time to position myself at the end of the aisle and watch the procession begin. 

The altar was a rustic birchwood arch with a vibrant summer colored floral arrangement matching Cameron’s bustling bouquet and the multi-colored bridesmaid dresses. When she walked arm in arm with her father, an addition of a floor length veil was added to her look as she and Tyler met in front of family and friends to say their I do’s. 

After a kiss sealed the deal, Tyler walked his now bride down the aisle. They did one final dip and kiss before they left the lawn for another moment together to sign their marriage certificate and make it official. Then they entered the reception as husband and wife to a roaring crowd.

TIME TO PARTY + THE BEST THING ABOUT ALASKA IN SUMMER

Alaskan summer is the most dreamy time to photograph a farmhouse wedding because the sun literally never sets. The days feel endless. Weddings have so much going on. With perceived extra time, the reception begins relatively early and can last a while. After some more photos with the family, we got to the planned events. 

Dinner, speeches, cake cutting, dances and on to the party! One of the stand-out moments of the wedding reception would definitely be hearing the stories, speeches and well wishes that others had for Cameron and Tyler.

I learned that they had met on Tinder (like many of my couples do) and spent some time in a long distance relationship before giving into a very obvious destiny that meant they needed to be together full-time. The confidence that they share a once in a lifetime, storybook love was reinforced over and over throughout the day. From their own vows to the words and speeches of others, the room was filled with teary eyes and laughs alike.  

WRAP UP THE SPECIAL DAY 

It was an electric and unanimous feeling. Everyone in attendance knew that Cameron and Tyler are truly in love and meant for each other. It is profoundly obvious that they share the kind of love that others root for and will continue to do so. It was the most perfect dream wedding, wrapped up by capturing the candid and unscripted dance party photos. 

Lastly, at the end of the night our newly married couple went to their rental house and jumped into the pool, fully clothed! That sums up the kinship and the laughter we saw all day. It will likely be carried through their entire life together. Thanks Cameron and Tyler for the trust and allowing me to watch you blossom in this next stage of life. It was truly a gorgeous day! 

CHELSA JAY | ALASKA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER 

I would love for these photos to inspire you to lean into the process and communicate exactly what you want for the wedding you’ve always imagined. Let’s create the photos to cherish for a lifetime. I would be more than happy to help capture all of those beautiful moments for you! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. I cannot wait to hear from you and the vision you have for your dream wedding!

Alaska Wedding + Elopement Photographer

Documenting epic love stories for adventurous humans

Chelsa Jay is a wedding and elopement photographer based in Palmer, Alaska. Servicing the local areas of Anchorage, Palmer and the surrounding areas from North of the Matanuska Valley to Seward, Homer and everywhere in-between. Often providing services for weddings across the U.S. and worldwide. Chelsa Jay Specializes in capturing artistic and editorial portraits paired with a photojournalistic approach to produce beautiful, emotional wedding photography.