Elizabeth and Jesse were one of my first couples to question how the pandemic might affect their wedding plans. In early spring of 2020, covid was so new to us all and no one could predict how long everything was going to last. As time went on, I watched (and endeavored to support) these two as they navigated challenging waters – constantly trying to adapt their wedding plans to fit the ever-changing pandemic scene. In the end, they decided on a plan that met all of their needs and made them excited. They planned a cozy backyard wedding in October at their home – the first house they ever shared together.
The Bride Wore Black
When I showed up and saw her understated black gown, I couldn’t have imagined anything more perfect for the artistic soul that she is. Elizabeth & Jesse’s artistry coated every surface of their home, from the art on the walls to the furnishings on the floor. I always love photographing people in their spaces because the background is just as significant as the subject.
Girl Party
Another part of the afternoon I loved was watching Elizabeth get ready with all of her sisters. There were girls everywhere! Girls doing each other’s hair, girls doing each other’s makeup, mom giving hugs with one hand while curling hair with the other. It was the simultaneously chaotic and heartwarming stuff small family wedding are made of!
Trust & Stuff
One of my favorite things about working with Elizabeth & Jesse was the immense amount of trust they had in me. Working as a tattoo artist, Elizabeth is a highly creative individual who understands the artistic process. Because of this, both her and Jesse enthusiastically embraced every idea I had including shooting their bridal portraits at an unassuming section of landscape off Minnesota Bypass. I had driven by this little spot countless times and always wanted to take someone there to shoot. I love the mixture of urban and natural scenery at this spot and I love the photos we were able to make here.
Sixpence & You’re Richer!
Everyone knows the old wedding tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” But what is unknown to most (including me) is the old British ending to that rhyme the includes “and a sixpence in her shoe.” It’s a tradition where the father places a sixpence in the bride’s shoe to wish her prosperity in the marriage. You can read more about this tradition and other coin-related wedding customs here!
Wedding Ceremony at Chester Creek Trail
Elizabeth & Jesse’s neighborhood backs up to the Chester Creek Trail near downtown Anchorage. Having spent many a summer evenings and chilly winter afternoons on this trail with their beloved pup, they wanted it to be the place where they shared their first minutes as husband and wife. Everyone loaded their arms with what they could carry and we walked to the base of the bridge. Elizabeth, Jesse, and I actually scouted the area for an ideal wedding spot weeks before. The place we landed on was just perfect: quiet with sky high trees, a yellow brick road path of leaves, and gorgeous leading lines from the bridge they’d be standing on.
Holy Florals
Extra special shoutout to Turnstone Farm on Elizabeth’s wedding florals. Made from a mixture of dried and fresh florals, her bouquet was absolutely EXQUISITE – almost chandelier-like in its opulence!
A Cozy Backyard Wedding Reception
After the ceremony on the trail, everyone headed back to Elizabeth & Jesse’s house for a backyard wedding reception complete with cozy string lights and autumnal decorations galore.
They even had the most delicious wedding food of all time: pizza and beer from Moose’s Tooth, cupcakes from Babycakes, and wings from 907 Wingman. As a MASSIVE fan of wings, I will be forever grateful to E&J for introducing me to this wonderful restaurant where I satisfy my wing craving now almost weekly. š¤¤
God, I loved working with this couple so much. Sharing this day with them was a total dream. I was especially blessed by the love both them and their family showered on me. Three cheers for these magical souls and the lifetime of love ahead of them!
Also, be sure to give Elizabeth a follow on Instagram @elizabethdoestattoos. Her work is gorgeous. I’m especially fond of her #mushroomarmy!
Summer is booking up with weddings and I’m breathing a sigh of relief for all the couples out there who can hopefully plan a little more easily with the steady rollout of the vaccine. I’m excited to celebrate love all summer long. If you’re planning your wedding and would like to chat, I would for you to get in touch by submitting a contact form!
Cheers babies!
Elizabeth’s Dress: Christy Dawn / Elizabeth’s Ring: Mejuri / Florals: Turnstone Farm / Pizza & Beer: Moose’s Tooth / Wings: 907 Wingman / Cupcakes: Babycakes
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