Just call me a maple tree because documenting this intimate vow renewal had me feeling real sappy. Although I’m a self-proclaimed softy, I have a very good reason to be especially when the folks in front of my lens are my best friends! Photographing Kenzie and Clay’s Seward, Alaska intimate vow renewal was the sweetest occasion to be a witness to. With their new babygirl in tow, Kenzie and Clay celebrated their 3 year wedding anniversary by exchanging vows beneath the Kenai Mountains. 

An Intimate Vow Renewal in Alaska | Sydney Breann Photography

As an elopement photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent quite a bit of time traveling to Alaska over the past couple of years. While I’m frequently documenting Montana elopements, I’ll take any excuse to head up to Alaska (especially if it means visiting my best friends). Kenzie and I have been best friends since we were just 4 years olds! Through all of life’s sweetest moments, I don’t think it gets sweeter than watching her be a mama to her babygirl. 

When Kenzie and Clay asked if I would take photos for their 3rd wedding anniversary, I was stoked. It feels like just yesterday that Kenzie and Clay were in front of my lens along the North Shore of Minnesota. While these lovers had a traditional wedding celebration in New York, I showed them around my old college stomping grounds just a month later. They put on their wedding attire once again to exchange vows privately, with nature as their witness. Flash forward 3 years, they donned wedding attire once again. But nature wasn’t the only witness this time around! 

Alaska Elopement Inspiration | Alaska Elopement Photographer

As Kenzie and Clay exchanged vows overlooking Resurrection Bay, baby “R” slept in her dad’s arms as the Alaska summer breeze blew across the waters. The contrast from the lingering snow atop the mountains surrounding the shore paired with the lush green pine trees was absolutely breathtaking. Earlier in the day, we had taken a water taxi from Miller’s Landing into one of the coves. We spent hours hanging out on the beach, soaking in the sun and it was absolutely glorious. Once Kenzie and Clay had slipped into their wedding attire, baby “R” was dressed in a cute little white dress with a big ole bow on her head. 

After Kenzie and Clay exchanged their vows, the trio dipped their toes in the water before Clay headed out onto the water in a packraft. Clay paddled out onto the bay, while Kenzie and baby “R” waited on the shore. Clay waving to his girls on the shore just filled my heart more than I can express. 

Seward, Alaska Vow Renewal

There are so many instances in my life as an elopement photographer that I find myself wondering how I could possibly be so blessed. The places that this job has taken me, the people I have met, and the love stories I’ve been able to document leave me speechless. But I am also just as grateful for the life that I have outside of photographing weddings and elopements. A friendship that has spanned across both decades and miles alike is a true blessing. Now, as a godmother to baby “R”, I am pinching myself even more gratitude and glory to God. (If you can’t tell, this session just really got me all in my feels…). 

Looking for more dreamy Alaska scenery and couples to swoon over? Check out the blog! And of course, keep up with my latest travels over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). Whether your adventure is taking you to the last frontier, or at the foothills of the Appalachians, let’s go somewhere. So what do you say, are you ready to wander?