Arrival - Hiking Flattop Mountain

The celebration began long before the wedding day itself. The very first day I arrived in Anchorage, we tackled Flattop Mountain, a bucket list hike I’d dreamed of since childhood. From soaking my feet in Epsom salts in Grandpa’s legendary foot-soaking tub to watching my fingers swell from the sudden altitude gain, I had no idea what I was in for.

I imagined a simple hike, similar to Wallace Falls…oh, how wrong I was! Steps upon steps, then scrambling over rocks and ledges, hitting false peaks every few feet, only to finally be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Clouds parted just as I thought, “It’s about to clear,” and suddenly, Sleeping Lady Mountain, the water, and the city of Anchorage stretched out before us. Thirty of us climbed together—family and friends—making it the perfect kickoff to a wedding weekend.

Four people celebrating at a mountain summit next to an American flag in foggy misty weather conditions.

Large group of hikers posing together at a foggy mountain summit around an American flag pole.

Large group of hikers posing for a photo on a mountain overlook with scenic valley and coastline views below.

Lush green mountain slope with wildflowers, evergreen trees, and misty valley views in the background.

Rehearsal Duty & Pie

The next day was rehearsal and dinner, and the love in the air was tangible. Aunt Jen and Andy’s handmade arch, constructed from sticks and branches from our family cabin, blended perfectly with wildflowers from Grandma’s yard. Meeting friends from near and far, learning how they knew Jess and Will, and creating centerpieces together set the tone for the weekend.

I was assigned pie duty—specifically, the crust. Baking pies with my cousin CJ and Jessica brought back memories of making them with Grandma Marilyn (who my photography business honors). Grandma’s pies were iconic; her Key Lime Pie recipe from Key West is still legendary. That day, we baked nine pies in two ovens, filling the house with smoke, laughter, and a whole lot of love. Classic pie-baking chaos—but absolutely worth it.

Three people sitting together in a flower-filled meadow, seen through soft purple wildflowers in the foreground.

Assorted homemade pies displayed on a white tablecloth including pumpkin, fruit, and chocolate cream varieties.

Black and white photo of a woman applying eye makeup while looking in a bathroom mirror.

Wedding Day Magic

The wedding day itself was a whirlwind of preparation, laughter, and love. From steaming dresses and suits to loading Grandpa’s pickup with pies, flowers, and my camera gear, every detail mattered. My 1990’s carry-on suitcase doubled as the perfect camera bag—and it earned me more compliments than I could count.

Jessica looked like she stepped straight off a runway in her two-piece scalloped ivory gown with a cathedral veil. Tears threatened as she saw herself in the mirror for the first time, surrounded by friends and family who had traveled from London, Salamanca, and across the lower 48 to celebrate their love. I also learned what "Icing" is. From Google, "Icing" is a popular, often frat-culture-driven drinking prank where a person hides a bottle of Smirnoff Ice for a friend to find. Upon discovering the bottle, the target must immediately "take a knee" (kneel on one knee) and chug the entire 12-ounce beverage. The goal is to surprise someone with the sugary malt drink. Jessica "iced" all the groomsmen to reveal a first-look to them and to kick things off for the big celebration ahead.

Bride in white gown embracing a guest in black outfit at a wedding venue.

Black and white photo of bride in white gown and veil preparing in a dressing room mirror.

Bride in white gown being helped by bridesmaids with her veil in a bright wedding prep room.

Black and white photo of smiling bride holding a beaded clutch while getting ready with bridesmaid.

Ceremony & Celebration

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. Spencer, Will’s best man, also served as their officiant. From helping me build the photography timeline (yes, I may have been “promoted” to photographer just days before the wedding) to making sure every detail was perfect, he poured his heart into crafting a truly memorable day. He wrote the most heartfelt script for the ceremony, and as Jessica and Will exchanged their vows, it felt like time stood still.

Just before they were about to say “I Do,” a special surprise from our Aunt Angela stole the show. She had made a stool so Will could reach Jessica in her platform heels for that magical first kiss—bedazzled, of course! Jessica’s reaction was priceless: pure shock (and any bride’s natural concern), followed by laughter from all the guests once the secret was revealed. With that, the moment was perfect, and they could finally share that unforgettable first kiss.

Walking back down the aisle as newlyweds, Jessica and Will were met with hugs, laughter, and heartfelt congratulations. Friends and family found their seats while dinner preparations were underway—but not before the bride and groom, along with their closest friends, personally helped serve the meal. That’s not something you see every day, but for Jessica and Will, it was a way to connect with every guest who had traveled thousands of miles to celebrate their love.

During dinner, speeches filled the room with laughter and tears. Will’s friends shared stories that revealed his unique, vibrant personality—turns out, college scooters weren’t his only adventurous side! And Jessica’s lifelong friendships shone through, a testament to her incredible ability to nurture deep, lasting bonds.

After dinner came a highlight everyone had been waiting for: pie! Guests indulged in Marilyn’s famous Key Lime Pie, apple pies, and more, devouring each slice with delight. We all may have eaten our weight in pie that night.

Then came the first dance, and wow—Jessica and Will’s choreography was straight out of a movie. The elegance, synchronicity, and grace they displayed in front of over 100 guests was breathtaking. Will danced with his mom to Norah Jones, bringing tears to my eyes (I’m a huge fan, and it brought back such sweet memories). Andy and Jessica followed with another stunning performance that seemed almost unreal.

As the night went on, the energy only grew. The groomsmen showed off a mix of competitive dancing and breakdancing, and soon everyone was on the floor, celebrating with pure joy. And when the venue closed, the party wasn’t over. We continued the celebration at Asia Garden Restaurant, singing karaoke, ordering more food, and dancing until the very end.

This wedding was truly one for the books—an epic, joyful, and deeply meaningful celebration. It’s a day I will cherish for the rest of my life, filled with laughter, love, family traditions, and unforgettable memories.