It seems to me that if your groom is from Alaska, there is no question as to where to get married. Jess and Jon did just that, choosing the rugged natural beauty of Juneau as the backdrop to their vows. The sleek, minimal Carol Hannah gown just pops against that vivid background. A ceremony surrounded by family and officiated by a friend was topped off by a modern restaurant reception with a menu featuring local foods. A gorgeous destination wedding.
Jess + Jon | August 8, 2015 | Juneau, Alaska | Dress Listing: Carol Hannah, Tourmaline
The Ceremony
Both beautiful and meaningful, Juneau was the natural choice for our wedding destination. We wanted our friends and family to experience Alaska during the best time of the year. Our ceremony took place in Jon’s family home, near downtown Juneau, which was recently remodeled (or rather, still undergoing construction!!) It was an intimate ceremony — with one of close friends officiating the marriage and our fifty guests seated in the living room and dining room. Since it was summer time, there was still beautiful light streaming through the windows during our 5 p.m. ceremony, and we had a beautiful view of the Alaskan Mountains and the Gastineau channel/Juneau Harbor.
The Reception
Our reception took place in SALT, one of Juneau’s best restaurants. Stylish and open, SALT was a great venue to customize. We hung hundreds of paper flowers in “flower clouds” underneath each of the three chandeliers. Our table centerpieces featured fairy lights, beautiful twinkling strings of light under glass cloches, as well as flower bouquets. We couldn’t have asked for more amazing speeches, from our fathers and wedding party. And the food was incredible: local Alaskan salmon and halibut. The cake was decorated with a beautiful sugar paste peony, and we had seven dozen cupcakes of different flavors.
Jess’s Dress Search
I tried on over 20 dresses, across a broad range of silhouettes and many different designers. I chose my dress because it was simultaneously modern, dramatic, and sleek. The clean lines and seaming were super flattering and the material was gorgeous. Plus, you can’t beat that four foot long train.
How Jess Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Glamorous, elegant, luminous
Why Jess Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
It’s too much dress to remain hanging in the closet! The train!! This is a dress meant to be on display.
