There were so many fun elements that made Lauren and Dan’s waterfront wedding in Soldotna, Alaska such an incredible celebration. From the family lodge setting to the vibrant colors, this rainy day was one to remember. Plus, rain on your wedding day is good luck, right? As a wedding planner in Alaska, I am accustomed to working with quick weather changes and honestly? Ceremonies happen in all conditions in this great state.

The Wedding Planning Process

Lauren and Dan chose my most simple wedding planning service, my Day Of Coordination Package. Contrary to popular belief, a day-of coordinator for your wedding is MUCH more than just showing up on the day-of. Our work usually starts 2-3 months prior to your wedding day! When I first met Lauren, her adorable son came along on our consultation at Crema Coffee House– a local favorite for meeting with my couples in the Matsu Valley! As a wedding planner, something that is so important to me is that I can really connect with my couples- and visiting with Lauren felt like visiting with a friend! She joked about her disorganization (that was actually more organized than most people!) and I knew we were a good fit.

The Venue | A Riverfront Wedding Venue in Soldotna, Alaska

Lauren and Dan chose Cusack’s on the Kenai to host their wedding. This makes a great venue for a full wedding weekend experience because you can host your families and bridal party AT the lodge. This way the festivities last a couple of days! The Kenai River Fishing Lodge can lodge up to 25 guests and has a full kitchen, with a walk-in refrigerator and freezer. They also offer a clear 40×60 event tent with lighting, a 15×15 dance floor on a turf included in their wedding packages. This is a game changer for unpredictable weather and late spring/early summer weddings (hello breakup, if you know you know!).

The Wedding Day

Lauren and Dan’s Waterfront Wedding in Soldotna Alaska in early-June was just that: an unpredictable weather situation. Alaska had a really late spring in 2023. The turf and clear event tent saved us from a muddy, still thawing lawn! It sprinkled on and off all day. We hoped for enough of a break in the rain for a riverfront wedding ceremony. Lauren and Dan’s ceremony was so sweet. Mid-Ceremony, their toddler climbed out of Grandma’s arms to join his parents. They shared their first kiss with their baby in their arms and the “awwwws” filled the chairs in that moment.

The Party

Lauren and Dan had a laid-back reception with a delicious appetizer spread taco bar from The Hearth Eatery . The charcuterie-style appetizers were a hit! The dance floor stayed busy with Lauren and Dan’s son keeping everyone entertained. They had a DIY Polaroid Photo Booth, and a wall-hanging to use as their guest book. A colorful array of cupcakes was the desert for the evening and Lauren and Dan shared their first task as husband and wife- the cake cutting was filled with laughs, just the way it should be.

Lauren and Dan’s Waterfront Wedding in Soldotna Alaska | Full Vendor List

Wedding Photographer: Last Frontier Photo Co.

Venue: Cusack’s on the Kenai

Coordinator: Wild Rose Weddings and Events

Florals: Wild Blossom Design

Catering: The Hearth Eatery

Bridal Gown: Miosa Bride

As a Wedding Planner in Alaska, I have the great honor of working with so many different couples throughout the wedding planning process. While it is a business relationship, I walk away from many of these weddings with lasting friends. I love to end these blog posts with a photo of the Bride because this whole day was a labor of love that Lauren made happen. Her radiance, the way you can see the genuine love behind her smile just make my wedding planner heart sing. At the end of it all, I want you to sit back and know that you got to be TRULY present on your wedding day because I was there to take care of everything else. Plus, how gorgeous is this colorful wedding bouquet?

–with love, Dylan