Statter Harbor

Whale Watch

Vintage Food Truck Park

Wedding Day

Auke Village Recreation Area- Eagle Shelter

Ceremony

The Pottery Jungle

Reception

Our Wedding

If you ask Ed he'll say he knew the minute we met back in 2019 that we were supposed to be together, I on the other hand remember things slightly differently... Sure, we met back in 2019 when we were both working for Allen Marine Tours here in Juneau but I never thought of Ed as anything other then a friendly guy I'd randomly see around work sometimes. We remained friends throughout the years, reaching out to one another fairly often and getting together every once in awhile for a beer. It was all very casual...until it wasn't. Fast forward a few years, I was now living in Seward, AK and Ed was working on a tug boat that would sometimes come into Seward for a few days at a time. Ed being the kind, sweet, and social human he is, of course reached out to me to see if I wanted to grab a drink one night while he was in town. Me being the anxious, standoffish, and antisocial human I am did not want to go. But I still accepted the invite because I also never really learned how to say no. I am so unbelievably happy I ended up saying yes that night! Who knew it would change both our lives in all the best ways. We had a great evening catching up over dinner and drinks, like old friends no time had passed at all for us. I enjoyed our evening together so much that I shocked even myself when I immediately invited Ed over for dinner the next night. We ended up having a never ending dinner at my house the following night and talked about everything under the Alaskan midnight sun. Our dinner lasted well over 6 hours and I remember feeling a tinge of sadness and confusion when Ed finally left for the night, I truly didn't want the evening to end. Clearly I had big feelings for Ed because I yet again found myself extending an invite out to him for the third night in a row. Three nights in a row?! I don't even know who I am anymore. That third night was magical and the most date like non-date I have ever had in my life. I've also never been so annoyed at not getting a goodnight kiss at the end of a night before. That goodbye is the exact moment I knew we weren't just friends anymore. From that night on it was constant communication between us. I had feelings and they were the big scary ones and they were very clearly being reciprocated by Ed. Ed used to work on a tug boat that would go days without service which at times was extremely hard for us. I knew I was falling in love with him when I would find myself constantly counting and figuring out in my head when he would make it to the next port and roughly when I would hear from him again. If I didn't hear from Ed in that timeframe the panic and worry would set in, followed shortly by annoyance. Technically at this time Ed was living in Florida, I was still in Alaska and we were talking nonstop. We would see each other somewhat often when Ed's boat would come into Seward but our first real date came a little later and lasted four really amazing days. I knew after that weekend in Anchorage together getting to know each other further that Edward was without a doubt the one. Since then it's been a whirlwind romance for us and I can confidently say neither of us would have it any other way. Turns out the whole "when you know, you know" thing is pretty dang true! Looking back on all of it now, it's all just so obvious. We were always drawn to each other, seeking one another out at get togethers or stopping to talk at work for far longer than either of us ever had time for. Ed sometimes kicks himself for not seizing the opportunity to ask me out back in 2019, thinking we missed out on years together but I don't know if I necessarily agree. We potentially missed out on time together but I'm also a strong believer in timing being everything and it just wasn't right back then. I think it's as simple as that. Luckily for us though the universe (and Ed's persistence) brought us back together at exactly the right time.

Timing is Everything

Our Story

Photos

Instead of a traditional bridal party Ed and I have asked a few very special people to be a part of our wedding day in other ways.

Cole is one of Ed's best friends in Juneau and has been there for him through it all. Cole and his wife Karly have been so unbelievably supportive of Ed and I and have accepted me with open arms. We can't think of a better person to help us say "I Do"

Cole Adams

Berto is Ed's other bestie in Juneau and I don't think there's a day that goes by that I don't hear Berto's name come out of Ed's mouth. The bromance is strong with these two. 
For me, Berto is a coworker turned dear friend which is why we have lovingly asked him to take on the big task of keeping everyone hydrated during the ceremony.  

Robert Cole

Havana is my almost 4 year old niece and my number one bestie. She's a hilarious little girl with strong opinions and she'll definitely keep Berto on task as they walk down the aisle together.

Havana Ruiz

Wedding Party

I'm sure you all have a thousand questions and I'll attempt to answer as many as possible here. If I miss something, please do not hesitate to reach out to either of us with any other questions you might have!

~General Questions~

~Whale Watch Questions~

~Food Truck Questions~

~Wedding Day Questions~

Q + A

Airbnb is a great option here in Juneau but we have also set up a block of rooms for guests at the Aspen Suites and Super 8. More information below.

Please call the hotel directly to make reservations and book before 4/23/24 to receive our group rate.

Aspen Suites Hotel Juneau

Please call the hotel directly to make reservations under the Avery/Zimmer Wedding block and use the code above to receive our group rate. Please be sure to book before 4/1/24 to receive the best rate possible.

Super 8 by Wyndham Juneau

Travel

Juneau is the ultimate tourist spot with TONS to do all throughout the summer from hiking trails, and beaches, to kayaking, glaciers, and breweries. There is far too much to do here for me to list it all below but here are a few of our favorites...

~Activities~

The glacier is free and a local favorite spot! Check it out from the visitors center or do the short hike to Nugget Falls, either way a gorgeous glacier to see. Not to mention tons of hiking trails starting right there at Mendenhall Glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier

The Shrine is a gorgeous Catholic Church nestled in the woods of Juneau and completely surrounded by water this is definitely a must see!

The Shrine of St Therese 

Take the tram to the top of Mount Roberts and take in all of downtown Juneau and Douglas Island. There's a restaurant and bar up top along with a little gift shop and a nature center. This is one of those activities I would only recommend if it is a clear day though.

Mount Roberts Tramway

~Hiking Trails~

Juneau has more than 250 miles of hiking trails to explore each one just as challenging as the last. I personally don't believe in hiking but here are a couple popular recommendations anyway.

Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 3 milesElevation Gain: 500-1500ft Believe it or not I have done this hike! It's a beautiful hike that starts in downtown Juneau and winds back into the mountains. There is a museum at the head of this trail for anyone interested in some Juneau mining history. I will say this hike felt 50 miles long not 3 but what do I know. Fair warning to all: Alaska's version of a "moderate hike" most definitely differs from most people's definition of moderate and might be a little closer to hard. But again what do I know? Go get 'em!

Perseverance Trail 

Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 775 ft This hike starts at the Mendenhall Glacier visitors center and goes in a big three mile loop giving you a birds eye view of Mendenhall Glacier. Also classified as moderate and takes about 2 hours to complete.

East Glacier Loop Trail

~Beaches~

If you're up for a trip out the road Eagle and Boy Scout Beach are for you. These two beaches open up to phenomenal views of Lynn Canal and the Chilkat Mountains and some great beach combing at low tides.

Eagle Beach/Boy Scout Beach

Located on the northern end of Auke Bay this is a cool spot to soak up the sun and watch all the tour boats come and go. A great spot for a bonfire or to let the kiddos run around and if you're lucky you'll spot a whale in the distance!

Auke Rec

So much to do at Sandy Beach! It is located at the very end of Douglas Island and about 2 blocks from our house, it's a very popular beach and Juneau's one true sandy beach...hence the name! This beach is great for beach combing and is very kid friendly with a big playground across the street. Sandy Beach is also the start of the Treadwell Mine Historic Walking Trail, which is an easy and super cool walk through the woods and the old mining town of Treadwell.

Sandy Beach 

~Restaurants~ 

Pucker's is a funky little drive thru food truck in the Valley that serves mostly burgers and fries. Although it is a drive thru there are a few picnic tables out front to park and enjoy your food at. For what it's worth the Husky Dawson is in my humble opinion the best burger Juneau has to offer.

Pucker Wilsons

Another favorite lunch spot of ours Zerelda's serves a fusion of Hawaiian and Korean food that is also BBQ too? Listen, it sounds weird but Zerelda's is so good you gotta give it a try! Not to mention their baked goods are drool worthy.

Zerelda's Bistro

Deckhand's is located in downtown and a fun little spot in the summer. If the sun is out then this place will be crowded but the fish tacos totally make the small wait worth it! After you grab your tacos head to the beer garden and grab yourself a beverage. There is also a crepe place and oyster spot located in the beer garden area!

Deckhand Dave's

Look this place is super touristy but it's fun and a great spot to enjoy some crab! I will say if Tracy's King Crab Shack 2 is open go there instead. Same exact restaurant just a fun outdoor venue at shack 2 with awesome views, lawn games, usually live music, and all the same crab, food, and drink you'd find down the street. I personally just like the vibes of shack 2 better, it's more of a locals spot.

Tracy's King Crab Shack

~Breweries~

Maybe I'm biased but I feel like Juneau has the best drinking spots. Among our 4 breweries and gin distillery there's also a handful of fun bars to hang at if you're into that sort of thing.

Amalga! A great date night spot, this is Juneau's delicious gin distillery and now whiskey too! Located in downtown this is a great place to start your night.

Amalga Distillery 

A few doors down from Amalga, Devil's Club is usually our second stop on big nights out on the town. Good beer, fun hipster vibes, and the most delicious pretzel bites. Just stop in and have a beer, ok?

Devil's Club Brewing Company

I feel like Barnaby is Juneau's well kept secret. This brewery is also located in downtown but it's tucked away on a side street away from all the craziness of the tourism life, making it a nice quiet spot to grab a good beer.

Barnaby Brewing Company

Everyone knows this one! If you want the true Alaskan Brew Co experience go to their main tasting room in the industrial area of Juneau over by Costco. It has a few food carts out front to enjoy and a big gift shop to browse while you sip your beer. There is also a downtown location over by the cruise ship docks, let this be your warning it is a tourist trap BUT it's a pretty cool spot right on the pier next to all the cruise ships and a good spot to soak up the sun if it's out. Just know you'll be paying tourist prices.

Alaskan Brewing Co.

Forbidden is possibly my favorite brewery solely for the views! This one is located in Auke Bay with amazing views of the water. It's a huge tap room with a beautiful outdoor patio as well.

Jennifer & Edward

Jennifer & Edward

Photos