Denali National Park Wedding
A can of bear spray evacuating a building wasn’t part of the plan, but getting married in Denali can be uniquely unpredictable, and now it’s a piece of the story of Adele and Ed’s micro-wedding!
The skies were dramatic, the Parks highway was wet with rain, and bright pink fireweed swept out on each side of us as we made the early morning drive to Denali National Park. Adele and Ed had originally thought to get married in Scotland, but after the pandemic pushed back wedding plans they had made while living in Canada, the pair decided on Alaska, where both families have deep ties. The rewards of this choice were abundant and started right away, as we were welcomed to the Park by mama moose with her two calves stepping delicately through the tundra just a hundred feet from our truck. But then, as we went to check in to the Park, we were directed away by friendly staff since a can of bear spray had just gone off inside the building– oh, Alaska!
The ceremony was situated overlooking the convergence of Savage River and Jenny Creek, where the two different colored waters merged together in the background as they exchanged vows. Wildflowers dotted the tundra, the rocky riverbed glistened and mountains rose up to surround them and their family during this intimate ceremony of just 12 guests. As the skies parted for the ceremony, Adele walked down a narrow path to the aisle with her dad Bill.
Adele and Ed met each other through mutual friends in middle school, but their love story began shortly after high school when they started dating. Throughout nearly 15 years together they have moved from Washington to Colorado, and added their dog Redford to the mix. After Ed survived a major health event earlier this year, they decided it was time to say their vows and get married with their most dear family present. The quiet, expansive setting was perfect for honoring their love and commitment.
The group made their way back the trail to the Savage River Campground where a delicious picnic awaited. The spread included fresh and dried fruit, artisan cheese and charcuterie, rustic bread, olives, a lemon zest speckled cake and specialty cupcakes. Family toasted to the newlyweds with champagne and shared memories of the couple’s early relationship as tulle-skirted nieces ran around, giggling and tumbling in the grass. Even Redford, their dog, was enjoying the festivities.
Adele and Ed’s next adventure as a married couple required changing out of their formal attire to raft a nearby river just an hour later! We are honored to have planned and photographed this gorgeous Denali wedding and help bring together these families to celebrate Adele and Ed.
PHOTOGRAPHY Corinne Graves with Outland Events | FLORALS Erin Weidner with Outland Events | RIBBON Silk and Willow | PEONIES Alaska Peony Cooperative | WEDDING GOWN bhldn | LOCATION Denali National Park and Preserve | CAKE AND CUPCAKES Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop | OFFICIANT Say Yes Alaska | HAIR Charlotte Rouge Hair Spa | CHARCUTERIE Fromagios Artisan Cheese
