1. Real Weddings

A Simple, Intimate Elopement at Bird Point in Anchorage, Alaska

With snow-covered mountains, blooming greenery and ocean views, Bird Point in Anchorage, Alaska, had a little bit of everything. Grace Williamson (24

With snow-covered mountains, blooming greenery and ocean views, Bird Point in Anchorage, Alaska, had a little bit of everything. Grace Williamson (24 and works for the US Air Force) and?Clif Kirkland (35 and works for the US Air Force) exchanged vows there for their spring nuptials because they loved the adventurous spirit it brought with it. “Having visited Alaska in the wintertime, I thought that a springtime elopement would be magical,” Grace says. “I pictured buds sprouting and kissing the surrounding shades of gray, white and blue. Clif did some scouting for us to make sure we could truly make it to our location on our own, which we definitely did. My mother and aunt, not to mention me in my dress and heels, had to hike a good distance down steep terrain to get to our spot.” Even though Grace had to hike to their location, she didn’t let it stop her from wearing flirty and fun blue suede Kenneth Cole heels. She completed her look with a three-piece wedding dress, including a BHLDN skirt, silk camisole and handmade shrug from the Button, the Needle and the Wardrobe in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The best part, though, was Grace’s father’s wedding band, which they had resized for Clif. “I have always been a daddy's girl, and Clif and I decided that we would resize my father's ring to be his,” Grace says. “Clif was his father’s best friend, and he understands firsthand how much we wished our fathers were there.” See all our favorite details, beautifully captured by Erica Rose Photography, below.

“My bouquet was all green because I wanted it to accent any bit of new plant growth that was happening in early May in Alaska,” Grace says. “I also thought it would complement my ginger hair and ivory dress. I didn’t even realize how nicely it complemented Clif’s suit.”
“Having visited Alaska in the wintertime, I thought that a springtime elopement would be magical,” Grace says. “I pictured buds sprouting and kissing the surrounding shades of gray, white and blue. The location was selected with much help from Erica Rose, our amazing photographer, and the officiant, Rev. Dorothy Torres.”
Clif wore a white rose and baby’s breath on his lapel for his boutonniere. They loved how the white flowers complemented their gorgeous location.
“I decided on my look because I like elements that are timeless and practical,” Grace says. “I wanted elements that could be repurposed and did not stamp our photos with a trending timeframe.”
“I did opt for the blue suede heels. I will definitely wear those again, since they are flirty and fun,” Grace says.
“Clif did some scouting for us to make sure we could truly make it to our location on our own, which we definitely did,” Grace says.
Sentimental Vintage Gold Wedding Band