Guitars, Trains, ice Caves and Helis: A Multi-Day Alaska Elopement


Margot and Diana’s multi-day adventure in Alaska was stupid.

Stupid meaningful. Stupid beautiful. Stupid kismet.

Scroll to watch this day unfold…

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Let’s create a day for you that’s wild, bold, and full of fun in a dramatic landscape!


sam@samstarns.com @samstarns

We started the day getting ready at their cozy cabin fit for two outside of Seward, AK. Diana and Margot wanted mountain views, glaciers and green. And if that’s what you’re wanting, Seward delivers.

Getting Ready, First Look, & Details

Both of them wanted Diana to be surprised when she saw Margot’s dress. And for good reason. Margot customized a dress with bell sleeves from another dress design and made her gown completely her own. I’m a sucker for sleeves and knew that Diana would be knocked backwards after seeing Margot for the first time:

We are just so excited to have this moment. Seriously, once we decided to elope it felt like everything just started falling into place. Being able to do this is exactly what we are wanting and looking forward to. I cannot wait to wake up on the day of my wedding, drink some coffee, and just chat about what our day is going to look like before experiencing one of the most exciting adventure days of our lives. I’m excited to be out of my element and be able to live that day with my best friend.

Helicopters, Mountaintops and “I Do”

After their relaxing morning, which was exactly what M&D were desiring, the two lovebirds and I set off for higher heights.

With love fit to burst the helicopter cabin, we ascended to the mountain peaks outside of Seward, Alaska, to find a place for Diana and Margot to say their vows. As we decided where to land and explored the alpine meadow, we were treated with sights of fellow helicopters, mountain goats, and other breathtaking wildlife.

A beautiful thing about Alaska – the landscape is ever-changing. After the two said their vows and were pronounced married (by me), we leapfrogged across mountain saddles and found the mouth of an ice cave carved by the raging glacial melt running through it. Glaciers are constantly carving their way, destroying or leaving things in their wake, and it was likely we’d be one of the only humans to ever see this particular ice cave. Ever.

A Serenade

Our last stop of our helicopter flight was high above Resurrection Bay. We were so far up, the clouds were below us.

Yeah – we climbed above a cloud inversion and witnessed the slip of clouds over mountain ranges like a waterfall.

With that as our backdrop and the helicopter sitting nearby, Diana sat Margot down and the sound that filled the space was that of angels. To be honest, I don’t remember if Margot cried because I was too busy trying to keep my eyes from tearing up.

Day 2 – Riding the Rails

Margot and Diana couldn’t narrow down their adventures to just one day, so they booked my most popular collection – 1.5 days of coverage. They weren’t sure what they wanted to do, they just knew they wanted adventure. I suggested they hop the rails to an iceberg lake.

“We’re in!”

The panoramic vista on the train allowed us to experience the scenery without focusing on driving (not that our stop is accessible by car). We spent about 4 hours altogether taking the train, hiking to the lake, exploring ice fragments and marveling at the glacier off in the distance.

BONUS: On the way back, a grizzly bear was using the tracks as its own highway (remember, we’re on their turf!), so the train was forced to slow and slowly chug along until it decided to head off in another direction. Not that we were complaining! More time to relax and soak in the peaks that seemingly engulfed the valley.

“Sam, we did NOT realize how epic Alaska is. Also how diverse! This has been one of the best trips of our lives… we will definitely be back.”

Vendors


MAKEUP/HAIR: Rooted Rose
OFFICIANT: Sam Starns
GOWN: Kate’s Bridal Cottage
SUIT: Men’s Wearhouse

If you’re dreaming of a day like this, full of intention and connection with a splash of “epic” thrown in, reach out, and let’s co-create an adventure together reflective of YOU…