Jessie + Austin. The sweetest couple you’ve ever met. No, seriously. It is not often that you find a wedding where both sides of the family are so connected and wonderful.

Jessie and Austin were married in an intimate celebration with their closest friends and family at Government Peak Chalet in Palmer, Alaska. Both Jessie and Austin’s family members traveled from all over the Lower 48 to come celebrate in our little corner of the world.

Government Peak Chalet, operated by Sierra Hunsaker, is a perfect venue for an intimate celebration. The Chalet offers a variety of different wedding packages, including staffing and decor items, to fit the needs of the couple. I really enjoyed working with Sierra for this wedding!

While this wedding seemed to have the perfect family to accompany it, Jessie’s father passed away in early 2022. Honoring him and bringing him into her wedding was really important to Jessie, but also to her Mom and Austin’s parents. My hope is that we were able to honor him in a way that felt special to Jessie, her sisters and her Mom. Jessie’s Dad loved to snowmachine. This is his jacket. I’m so glad she was able to have this sweet momento on her special day.

The Look

A beautiful Stella York gown from Bateau Bridal Boutique in Anchorage, Alaska. Elegant full length floral lace sleeves, with a beautiful train. Jessie’s Bridal Bouquet was simple, yet elegant white flowers with greenery, and pinecone accents.

MUA: Lipstick and Bobby Pins, Kelsey Urrea

Hair: Hannah Styles Hair, Hannah Millar

Bridal Bouquet and Hair Comb: The Teal Door, Kasara Bertels

Jessie’s two sisters were her bridesmaids and were dressed in a deep, rich green. Because it was December in Alaska and this was a chilly, windy winter wedding, the ladies donned matching furs for outdoor photos.

The Decor

Jessie and Austin’s sweetheart table was set with a wintery garland, on top of a rich, gold linen. A neon sign with their last name hung behind them for a cozy, intimate setup. A winter wedding the day after the Winter Solstice in Alaska means that this was nearly the shortest day of the year, so it was completely dark by the time the reception started which made the twinkle lights in the Chalet and the neon sign that much better. The beautiful floral arrangement on the arbor was designed and created by the incredibly talented Kasara, from The Teal Door. Statement floral arrangements are one of my favorite ways to decorate a wedding!

The Details

After their ceremony, Jessie and Austin ventured up to Hatcher Pass, which is a popular elopement destination for their private photos. They shared sweet moments together in Hatcher Pass Lodge and caught those last few moments of daylight before re-joining their family and friends at the Chalet.

Jessie wanted to have a gourmet, homemade Hot Cocoa Bar at her reception, which turned out amazing! Her favors to her guests were custom aluminum mugs, which were SO cute.

Catering: North Star Bakery

In Loving Memory of Jessie’s Father, Keith. He is so missed.

A couple of things Jessie incorporated to honor her dad:

Reese’s in the hot chocolate bar, as his favorite candy.
Snickerdoodles for desert, also a favorite.
The bear sitting next to Jessie’s Mom was made from one of his shirts.
Jessie also played his favorite song during their reception.

This sweet wedding left me all in the feels, and it was an honor to be a part of their special day.

Jessie and Austin booked a Day-Of Coordination package with me. You can read more about my packages and services here.

All photography credits go to Julia Wallace Photography.