By Chelsa Jay | Alaska Wedding Photographer
When a backyard wedding meets mullets, matching leopard print button-ups, and a tattoo booth, you know the bride and groom are going to be a riot. Danielle and Jake brought their laid-back style and unapologetic flair to every inch of their wedding day. As an Alaska wedding photographer, I live for days like this—where the love is real, the laughs are loud, and the memories are wild.
Expectations
Danielle first reached out over the phone, and her fun, edgy energy was immediately clear. She casually mentioned how they once watched Yellowstone and decided to move to Montana on a whim. That kind of spontaneity defined their whole day. They chose Soldotna, Alaska for their backyard wedding, held at her grandparents’ house where she grew up. Their wedding vibe? Do-whatever-you-want, zero-pressure, and totally authentic. It was an honor to capture it all through my lens.
Tons of Character
As an Alaska wedding photographer, I’ve been around plenty of couples, and let me tell you—Danielle and Jake are the real deal. These two didn’t follow the traditional script. They laughed hard, wore exactly what they wanted, and didn’t take themselves too seriously. Their Alaskan backyard wedding was bursting with personality and unfiltered love.
Getting Ready
Forget silk robes and Pinterest-perfect prep. Danielle rocked an oversized tee, one bridesmaid wore a sombrero, and deodorant was applied to kneecaps. The vibe? Chill, hilarious, and unforgettable. Her glam gown brought a touch of tradition, but the energy was anything but typical—and that’s what made it so good.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
We moved to the lawn for some bridesmaid magic. The girls were decked out in mis-matched black boho dresses, giving major coven energy as they hyped up their star—Danielle in her champagne gown. These bridal party photos were less about poses and more about pure, unfiltered joy.
Bridal Party Photoshoot
Next up, the guys joined in—wearing matching blue leopard print shirts and tennis shoes. What followed was a full-on backyard bash: group shots on a trampoline, drinks in hand, and genuine moments that told their story. I captured both the goofy and the golden, just as it unfolded.
Ceremony
The backyard ceremony was sweet and simple—white chairs, floral altar, and a heartfelt exchange of vows. Their senior pup wandered down the aisle for pets, adding the perfect touch of fuzzy charm. This part of the day leaned a little more traditional, offering a beautiful pause for the weight of their commitment.
The Backyard Wedding Reception
This is where the magic hit full throttle. Dogs ran around the yard, dinner was served, and the dance floor got wild. Danielle changed into a short white baby doll dress, the crowd turned up, and the laughter never stopped. This was the definition of a backyard wedding party done right.
Couple Photoshoot
After the outfit change, I pulled the couple aside for some iconic wedding portraits. Think: cheeky poses, heartfelt kisses, and one incredible wheelbarrow photo that still makes me laugh. These two were effortlessly themselves in front of the camera—and that always makes for the best images.
Tattoo Booth + A Lifelong Commitment
Yes, you read that right. There was a tattoo artist on-site offering flash tattoos all night long. Danielle and Jake didn’t just commit to each other—so did a few guests! This was the ultimate non-traditional wedding favor, and easily one of the most unforgettable moments I’ve ever photographed as an Alaska wedding photographer.
Be Uniquely You
There’s nothing I love more than couples who break the mold. Forget the rules and lean into your vibe—whether that’s a whiskey toast, a tattoo tent, or a trampoline flip. Sure, tradition has its place, but the best photos always come from the moments that are real, raw, and truly you.
Danielle and Jake are proof that a backyard wedding in Alaska can be just as epic and unforgettable as any luxury venue. What matters most is celebrating your love—your way.
Let’s Make It Yours
I’m Chelsa Jay, an Alaska wedding photographer who loves photographing the real, the wild, and the weird (in the best way). If you’re planning a quirky backyard wedding or an offbeat elopement, I’d love to help capture it. Want to chat ideas or learn more about my style? Click here and let’s plan something unforgettable.
