A preview into some of Anchorage Alaska’s most infamous venues mixed with some epic photo backdrops off the beaten path and down alleyways. Jaeden and Troiane walked and posed all over Downtown Anchorage as I captured their love in this iconic cityscape before revealing the big secret of a beautiful surprise proposal.
The Set Up
This was originally planned only as a cutie model photoshoot, or so Troiane thought, but Jaeden and I had schemed another plan. She had reached out about capturing her surprise proposal in Anchorage, and we discussed logistics.
The entire day was as staged as it was free-flowing and easygoing. We had a blast romping from shoot location to the next all the while anticipation brewing and Troiane being blissfully unaware. There was an agreed-upon signal for when the time and place felt perfect, and until then, we simply capitalized on loving vibes and pretended they were only there for a regular couple’s photoshoot.
Cocktails at Sullivans
First stop was happy hour at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, an Anchorage icon, where cocktails broke the ice and loosened the models up as we talked about places to go for great pictures and what they wanted out of their couple photoshoot. I also learned a bit more about them and could immediately tell how handsy and in love they were and how fun and easy they would be to photograph. I loved this couple, their passion for life, each other, and how they help others as foster parents just made me root for their happy ending even more.
Once outside, we captured the gals kissing while Jaeden embraced her lover near the 50’s diner-style steakhouse sign and walked to the steps of the 5th Avenue Mall for a few laughs and more snuggles. They were the perfect models, and I knew this was just the start to a truly memorable day with a crescendo moment steadily approaching that was going to change their lives forever, and I’m here for it!
Glam Meets Grunge: A SAGA OF DOWNTOWN ANCHORAGE
When we talk about finding the best photo op location, it’s not always the most famous or notable in bougie magazines or off social media, especially in a city shoot like this. In some cases, a plain and simple monochromatic black wall or a dilapidated industrial building with rusted barred windows weeping red stains down pale blue bricks off a main street adjacent old alley is imperfectly, perfect.
The contrast of these gorgeous women, Troiane in a white fluffy faux-fur overcoat and platform boots, was the perfect glam to maximize the contrast of the old buildings, chipped paint, grunge street art, and rugged alleyways we played around in.
The juxtaposition of beauties in front of a beastly old building offered some of my favorite shots of the day. We leaned heavily into the glam of the models; posing with popped hips and twirling their hair working the camera like divas do. All the while, paint cracked, and the wall behind them retreated deeper into the depths of what many know Downtown Anchorage to truly look like behind the façade which we see curbside off Fourth Avenue.
SNOWY CITYSCAPES AND SUNSET DATES
We emerged from the alleyways and barred windowed underbelly of imperfect backdrops and cardboard boxes spilling from dumpsters and we ventured under whimsical street lamps with a halogen glow. The Alaskan winter’s early sunset cast the perfect grey sky to contrast the outfit change from a white overcoat to a black one. Jaeden switched out of her flannel, and we moved into the up-kept part of the street that felt as more like Rockefeller center than it does Anchorage with one of our few notable skyrise buildings glistening in the background. The couple, now fully warmed to the camera, snuggled and posed in a snowy downtown park with warm white Christmas lights wrapping a few far-off trees.
They walked for a while hand in hand, kissing and smiling as I eagerly awaited our secret signal. Jaeden decided this was not the place for the proposal, but it was perfect for an evening photo opportunity as the sun quickly set.
She said YES!
Finally, Jaeden gave me the signal and I kept shooting to capture her go down on one knee and the surprise and shock in Troiane’s face. She popped the big questions and Troiane said yes!
Those moments happen so fast that I feel it’s really important to hire a professional photographer to capture something as special as your surprise proposal. Having the camera acts as a buffer for by standards to give you that moment of pause, as well as the camera and skill to make sure that quick moment, usually before the tears and kissing, can be captured… and then of course the of all kissing and happy tears that come after! We nailed it all.
WHISKY & RAMEN: ALASKA’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER RESERVATION
Whisky & Ramen at twilight was the location that changed their lives forever, and of all the places we set up, one might wonder why in front of a restaurant?
Not just any restaurant, as Alaskan foodies know. At 436 W. 4th Ave. sits a historic building, renovated and opened in 2022 as Whisky & Ramen, one of Anchorage’s most brag-worthy eateries. This Anchorage gem now has a (more than) two-month wait list, and it’s evident as to why.
With a craft cocktail menu out of this world and delicious, heartwarming, reasonably priced food in a sustainably renovated 6,000sq foot building with local artists’ influences in every aspect of the design space, it is gorgeous! This building features recycled bricks from a Portland firehouse, wallpaper designed by local artists, and a tree in the middle of the dining room. With hundreds of whiskies and other spirits to choose from and an approachable menu of share plates, ramen (of course) and Alaskan seafood. No wonder it was featured in Condé Nast Traveler magazine in an article about coming to Alaska in the winter, just for the food… and now for proposals too I suppose!
Engagement shoot anyone?!
Before wrapping up my time with the newly engaged couple, I was able to photograph the big feelings! The energy of the shoot went from cutie poses to showing off that ring and the relief of finally spilling the secret. The excitement as to what just happened was palatable and the rest of the photos truly showed that.
These are my favorites; after dark, after a long evening, Troiane had the surprise of her life, and I was able to capture it. The final bout of photos have an entirely renewed energy as we go from seeing them change from girlfriend to fiancé before the lens of my camera.
The rest of the evening, as all proposal shoots go, this indescribable switch happens in the energy where we begin to announce their engagement together. Being in the city, passer-byers heard the couple going on about how excited they were! As the line at Whisky & Ramen filed in, we showed off the ring and dive into just a few more city shots in the dark before being seated for dinner.
Thank you so much Jaeden and Troiane for allowing me to be there for the beginning of all that comes next. It’s truly my honor!
Let me help keep your big secret and capture the moment
Surprise proposal photoshoots are such a vibe. Not only do you get to have the memory preserved, but the entire day becomes an event.
Having any opportunity to dress up and pick some of your favorite places with your partner is always wonderful, but also having a photographer and a planned session adds something truly special that makes the occasion bigger than any other date night. It can also ease any nerves and offers a bit of back-up to help keep the secret and make the entire day about your love and not about the pressure of when and how to ask.
I will follow you on any adventure whether it’s a whimsical city shoot or off into the backcountry. I’ll be your go-to adventure third wheel to make you and your partner feel like celebs and to celebrate the two of you… and when the time is right, I’ll capture the big moment!
CHELSA JAY | ALASKA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
I hope this inspires you to plan the perfect surprise proposal. We can keep it a secret while I create photos that highlight your love and favorite things about one another. Then you can ask this big question and know that I am here to help you cherish the memory for years to come! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. I can’t wait to hear from you and your idea for staging a surprise proposal!
