Wedding Day

Bear Paw Adventure

Ceremony

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

We first met at Ft. Rucker, AL during an "intense" training we had to complete prior to starting flight school. Rayanna ended up having a pretty rough time during the training, but Cameron was very chivalrous and "saved" Rayanna from some punishments during that training. Fast forward a few weeks and we ended up in the same Primary Flight Class. Months went by where we got to know each other by being in the same class and trying to learn how to fly the metal death traps we know to love today. One evening Cameron asked Rayanna if she would like to study with him and his roommates for a test we had in class. After the study session, Cameron took Rayanna on their first date... to Waffle House! It was delicious! A month went by where we spent more time together, but it was time to go to our hometowns to spend Christmas with our families. Although it was only a couple of weeks apart, it felt like an eternity! We both planned to head back to Ft. Rucker just after New Years. Cameron surprised Rayanna by flying into Indianapolis, IN. Rayanna picked Cameron up and headed to Nashville, TN to celebrate New Years Eve together! New Years Eve 2018 was a start of our crazy journey. In the spring of 2018, Cameron found out that he would be stationed at Ft. Wainwright, AK. We know it seems crazy now, but Cameron was absolutely NOT happy about it. Rayanna decided to go with him to continue to grow and build the relationship and for new beginnings. We spent 7 wonderful months in Alaska, exploring every chance we got! On June 26, 2019 Cameron was able to hop on a flight that Rayanna was flying north of the Arctic Circle. We had 8 other passengers on board that day doing a routine flight we get tasked with regularly in the summer. There was this very steep hill on top of the mountain that we landed on and Cameron insisted that we hike up it. Of course, Rayanna was tired and hangry so she wasn't too happy about it, but she did it anyways because of all the times she has landed there, she had never been to the top. Once at the top, it was such an amazing view. Everyone on board had even hiked up there since we were going to be on the ground for a few hours. Cameron, of course, lugged his 50 pounds of camera gear up that hill. So he set up taking pictures while the rest of us explored.... or so we thought that's what he was up to. Eventually Cameron was tired of Rayanna wondering around so he tricked her! He asked her to come over to the tallest peak because you could see the aircraft from up there and continued to tell her that "there is something on top of your aircraft! What is it? What is on the aircraft?" Freaked out (because she didn't want to get stranded in literally the middle of no where) got on top of the rocks and the next thing Rayanna knows... Cameron is down on one knee, on top of the world, asking her to spend the rest of our lives together! The rest has been one crazy adventure that never stops. And we wouldn't trade it for anything.

Our Story 

Bearpaw Adventure has a few cute cabins to offer, which are right on the property of the ceremony and reception. Rates vary. The rates shown on their website are for 2 people/cabin; however, many of the cabins can sleep 8-10 which comes with an additional fee per person. Definitely a cute, quiet, convenient location!

What better place to stay than on Homer spit! This hotel has many options from basic rooms, suites, and ocean view condos! This location is about a 30 minute drive from the venue. However, it is located in the buzz of everything Homer. Lots of restaurants, tour companies, shops, etc all within walking distance. Did we mention it is right on the beach?!

Land's End Resort

This cozy hotel is definitely on our stay list. The suites have kitchenettes that allow you to cook your own food if you want, and a full size refrigerator for all your delicious left overs and beverages. Best part, they are pet friendly and have been nothing but accommodating during our stays here. Aspen Hotel is about a 25 minute drive from the venue.

Aspen Suites Hotel Homer

Air BnB or VRBO in Homer or Anchor Point Alaska

RV and Camp Sites in Homer or Anchor Point Alaska

This is the closest international airport to Homer, AK. However, it is a 6 hour drive from Anchorage, AK to Homer, AK. The airport has multiple rental car companies. We highly recommend making reservations early as the summer months, the prices will increase with the tourist season in AK. We know that it is a lot to ask to drive 6 hours after flying multiple hours to get to Alaska...but we promise, the views you will see on the drive are completely worth it! If you get your fishing license, you may even get the chance to stop on the Kenai River to do some fishing along the way! (If this options isn't for you, please see the Homer Airport Option).

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Although this is a smaller airport, it is in the heart of Homer. There are connecting flights from Ted Stevens Anchorage International to Homer. This would alleviate the 6 hour drive from Anchorage to Homer; however, this option may be a little more spendy. There are rental car companies near the airport such as Alaska Adventure Car Rental and UHaul (We know, we know. Not the prettiest cars, but definitely affordable).

Homer Airport

Travel

There are many charter companies in Homer, AK, but Homer Ocean Charters is one of our favorites! The last trip we went on, we had an amazing guide who helped us catch as much Halibut and Salmon possible. There are many different options, and group packages. Highly recommend.

Homer Ocean Charters

Just a ferry ride away. You can spend half a day, or multiple days on this beautiful small town .  A quaint little town with one of a kind shops, restaurants and activities. You can even book cabins right on the water which come with kayaks. You can kayak with the sea otters or just simply enjoy the tide pools. We highly recommend the at least taking the ferry to Seldovia for half a day to see the puffins and otters, go berry picking, and grab a delicious lunch!

Seldovia Bay Ferry - Homer Terminal

Looking for a one of a kind bar? This old light house is the perfect place to grab a few drinks and hang out with friends. Every time we are in Homer, we stop by for a cold Alaskan Amber. Cheers!

Salty Dog Saloon

This little town is our favorite place in Alaska that we have visited (so far). It is the farthest west you can drive in the United States. The beautiful views are more than enough to fall in love with Homer. There are so many things to do whether its just walk the beach, go berry picking, fishing, visiting local stores and reusturants, and so much more!

Homer, Alaska

The main thing we recommend to do in Anchor Point is to stop at the boat docks and just enjoy the views. Walk the beach, read a book, and be amazed by the Bald Eagles. You can even fish the near by rivers during certain time of the year with the proper licenses!

Anchor Point, Alaska 

This camp ground can be crowded at times; however, we still recommend you stay at least a couple nights if you have the chance. Great ocean and mountain views, beach fires, and can walk anywhere on the spit.

Homer Spit Campground

Once in a life time trip to Katmai Bay to view Grizzly bears in their natural habitat. A short float plane ride away from Homer, AK which brings you to the most beautiful beach filled with Grizzlys. Walking trails for miles through the forest and to the river to Brooke’s Falls. There are multiple companies that will do tours to this beautiful place! 

Brooke's Falls Bear Tour

Homer Brewing Company

Stop by for a variety of delicious wines. Strawberry rhubarb is one of our favorites! The fruits are locally grown and you can enjoy your glass (or two) with a beautiful view!

Bear Creek Winery 

Things to Do

Born only a month apart, Carly and Ray have been inseparable. Growing up together has instilled a life long best friend. No matter what life throws at them, they are always there for one another! No distance or time apart matters. Always picking back up where they left off every time. Partners in crime...just ask our parents. “She's my person. This is not about getting her approval. It's about telling her... if I murdered someone, she's the person I'd call to help me drag the corpse across the living room floor. She's my person." -CY

Carly Shultz

B!! One of Ray’s oldest friends. They met in kindergarten and grew their friendship sharing a passion for 4H and have continued to be friends ever since. Becky is the most caring, understanding, and not afraid to tell you when you’re wrong kind of friend. Only seeing each other every 1-2 years (military probs) they never skip a beat. Everyone needs a friend like B in their lives

Rebecca (Becky) Cave

Brooke and Ray first met in a ROTC class at Purdue University. Ray was pretty intimidated by Brooke because she knew the answers to every question asked in class and was so confident! When Ray's apartment complex caught fire in 2014, Brooke took Ray in like the stray puppy she was, and their relationship has only grown since! These two are like mixing whiskey and fire together, a little reckless, but always a good time. Despite the craziness that brought these two together, Brooke is the most inspiring, confident, ever goal chasing individual Ray knows. She is literally Ray's life coach and Ray is forever blessed with a friend like Brooke.

Brooke McNicholas

Talk about the most selfless and hard working person. Jess continually wants to help others. From multiple humanitarian missions, working for non-profits, to totally changing her career path to become a flight nurse. Jess is always putting someone else before herself. She has always been there for Ray. Through the good, bad, and the ugly. Jess, you are the sun!

Jessica Scales

Where to even start? Growing up playing volleyball together, practically living together throughout high school, and a semester at Ball State University together.. Linzi has never stopped being the most nurturing friend. Always acting as "mom" or Ray's personal nurse. Ready to be Ray's shoulder to lean on in the good and the bad. No matter the time or distance apart, Linzi continues to love Ray no matter what. They are very different, yet similar at the same time. "The ties that bond us are sometimes impossible to explain. Some bonds defy distance and time and logic, because some ties are simply...meant to be" -MG

Linzi Polk

You know those people you just have an instant connection with? That's Lisa! She is always up for having a good time. From concerts, wine nights, "Donk Radio" dance parties in the living room, movie nights, you name it and Lisa is there! Lisa is the least judgmental person and supports Ray no matter what the situation is. Lisa is the most resilient woman Ray knows and inspires Ray to be as resilient as her. Ray is so thankful that their friendship continues to grow.

Lisa Francis

Although Ashley has been in Ray's life the shortest, it feels like they have been friends for a life time! They first met at flight school during the same "intense" training that Ray and Cameron met. Being the only two female officers, we naturally bonded. Ray and Ashley continued the rest of their flight school by each others side. Ashley has always been there without judgment and pushes Ray to be better mentally and physically. She is the dog whisperer and the best coffee date around. Ashley inspires ray and is so blessed that fate brought the two together!

Ashley Musgrave

Mark and Cameron have been friends for well over a decade! They went through high school together and got an apartment together shortly after. Mark and Cameron even joined the Army the same month. Although they haven’t seen each other in years, he will always be Cameron’s best friend. 

Mark Koenig

Cameron and Chris met shortly after graduating Warrant Officer Candidate School. Chris and Cameron spent their entire duration at flight school together where they came to grow as close friends. Now Cameron consider the Reeders’ family. To this day I still consider Chris a mentor and look forward to serving together for years to come. foyears to come.

Chris Reeder

I met Colin day one of AH-64 flight school. from that moment on, Colin was looking out for me, not only as a flight leader, but a true friend. From receiving our wings together to standing next to me on my wedding day, may we always have each other’s back. 

Colin Sullivan

Seanzy has been one of Cameron’s greatest friends for well over a decade. From dirt bikes as children to College degrees and joined the Army, Seanzy has always been in Cam’s corner. Couldn’t be more blessed to have Seanzy as a friend.

Sean (Seanzy) Smith

Johnny was rescued in January 2017 and has ever since been the ruler of the household. Demands food, belly rubs, and undisturbed naps. He will never leave you untouched...with his hair. He loves to give everyone hugs, and is very excited to be apart of mom & dad’s big day 

Rayanna & Cameron

Rayanna & Cameron

Photos