Storms, Peonies, and the Wildness of Love
Getting Ready at the Edge of the World
The day began at the very end of the Homer Spit, in a cozy Airbnb surrounded by water and blooming fireweed—those vibrant purple stalks that line Alaskan beaches, mountains, and trails like nature’s confetti. Inside, the mood was uplifting and steady—quiet but electric. Friends and family buzzed around with breakfast plates, curling irons, and make up brushes while laughter echoed through the rooms and Sarah got ready with her people by her side.
Her sister helped fasten the last buttons on her dress while Sarah’s hands fidgeted gently, full of anticipation. Outside, Nolan waited on the rocky beach, back turned, heart racing, waiting for their First Look. We got them into position and they stood back to back, breathing in the salt air and the moment—until the signal came. They turned… and everything softened. They knew without a doubt that their hearts were home.
A Ceremony Etched Between Sea and Sky
From the rocky beaches of the famous Homer Spit to a mountaintop peony farm 1,200 feet above sea level, Nolan and Sarah chased love across landscapes as wild and untamed as their hearts. Joslyn Peony Farm offered panoramic views of Kachemak Bay and the Lower Cook Inlet, framed by snow-capped peaks and passing boats.
As guests gathered among the blooms, the skies began to shift. The rain arrived early—gentle at first, then steady and insistent. But no one flinched. Guests grabbed umbrellas, jackets, and even giant rhubarb leaves to shield themselves. Adults and children alike stood proudly and boldly by Nolan and Sarah’s side, soaked in joy, laughter, and of course… Alaskan rain. It wasn’t quite exactly what they envisioned, but it was perfect. Perfect Homer weather, someone said, smiling through the mist.
Family, First Dances, and Forever Moments
The rain didn’t dampen the emotion one bit. Nolan’s three children each gave heartfelt speeches, welcoming Sarah into their newly formed family with open arms and teary eyes. Later, Nolan and Sarah swayed together for their first dance as husband and wife—wrapped in mist, music, and the kind of quiet joy that settles deep in your bones.
Then came the dances that said even more than words could. Nolan twirled his two daughters beneath string lights and soft skies, their laughter rising like steam from the rain-soaked ground. Sarah held her father close, their steps slow and steady, a tender rhythm of love and legacy.
The celebration that followed was everything a wedding should be—unfiltered, unforgettable, and full of heart. Peonies bloomed around them, laughter spilled into the night, and the mountains stood witness to a story that felt both intimate and epic.
Post-Wedding Wanderings on the Homer Spit
The day before the wedding, while staying at our Homer Airbnb, we wandered through the little shops along the Spit—each one with its own charm and character. Amanda even picked up a pair of XtraTufs from the local supply store (because Alaska fashion is practical and iconic), but her favorite stop was Lula’s by the Sea. The owners are incredible—warm, welcoming, and full of stories—and we left with a few trinkets and a full heart.
After the wedding, we wandered back down the Spit and stopped at the iconic Salty Dawg Saloon—a quirky, historic bar with dollar bills pinned to every inch of the walls and ceiling. It’s tradition: visitors leave notes, names, and memories behind, and we added one to the mix, too. Our message? “DO THE BUMPITY SCRUMPITY.” You’ll have to ask Amanda about that one—it’s a whole other story in itself!
Before heading out, we treated ourselves to the best halibut ever at Captain Pattie’s Fish House, where we sat by the window with a view of the water and let the whole day soak in. The perfect ending to a wedding that felt like a love letter to Alaska.
Closing Reflection
We’re endlessly grateful for this day—for the laughter, the rain, the rhubarb leaves, and the love that soaked through every moment. Nolan and Sarah’s story reminded us why we do this work: to honor the wild, beautiful, unpredictable ways love shows up.
Alaska will always have Amanda’s heart. No matter how many weddings we’ve photographed there, we’re always dreaming of the next one. If you’re planning a wedding in Alaska—whether it’s on a beach, a glacier, a mountaintop, or somewhere in between—we’d be honored to document your story. Let’s chase love across the landscape together!
