Change of Plans: Love Wins!
Updated: Jan 4, 2021
Today we are setting the stage, so to speak, with a styled shoot to inspire you to make those wedding plans in a post-Covid-19-world.
I wanted this message to appeal to a wide audience, so I invited multiple photographers to put their own personal spin and interpretation at the venue and the styling. We have dark and moody with Chelsa-J Photography timeless color with Love Adventured and light and bright images with Rachel Tweggs Photography to capture your imagination no matter your lighting preference.
I hope you see yourself here in Alaska, relaxing by the lake. Mountains in the background in the land of the midnight sun as you savor the fresh air. Take in the peace, and the quiet. Put aside all of the uncertainty and remember that love is always the answer. Love wins!
CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS
Planner & Designer: Rebecca Kopperud with La Boum Events @laboumeventsak
Venue: Meier Lake Resort @meier_lake
Photographers:
Rachel Tweggs Photography @racheltweggsphotography
Love Adventured @love_adventured
Chelsa J Photography @chelsajay
Floral Design: Amber Lanphier @ladylanphier with Love Adventured and Rebecca Kopperud with La Boum Events @laboumeventsak Bridal Attire: Bateau Bridal Boutique @bateaubridalboutique
Model: Rachel Saldana @ak_rachelsaldana
Men's Styling: Steve Solari with Meier Lake Resort @meier_lake
Wedding Cake: Midnight Sun Cakery @midnightsuncakery
Table Linens: Special Events Alaska @specialeventsalaska Rentals: La Boum Events @laboumeventsak
Local Beers: Bleeding Heart Brewery @bleeding_heart_brewery
Local Alaska Tulips: All Dahlia'd Up Flower Farm @all_dahliad_up
Lingerie: DuJour Fashion @dujour_fashion_907
Beauty Products: Cloud 9 Day Spa @cloud9.dayspa
Locally Made Earrings: Bering Sea Designs @beringseadesigns Bridal Face Mask: Playful Souls Photography @playfulsoulphotography
Car Window Art: Star Dust Dezignz
Social distancing is temporary. Love is permanent. Venue @meier_lake; Shoes and jewelry: @bateaubridalboutique; Beauty products @cloud9.dayspa; planner, designer and signage @laboumeventsak; Photo @chelsajay
Covid-19 rocked our world this spring and with it, summer 2020 wedding plans came to a screeching halt. I personally watched in horror as our entire season completely vanished. I talked with multiple brides who, through tears, explained they had to cancel their weddings due to lost jobs. Another bride shared that her wedding dress had arrived but was locked up in the bridal shop in her hometown. The doors were shuttered and their town and state were in lockdown, much like us in Alaska at the time. She had no idea when she would ever get her dress. She kept apologizing to me and saying that it was "silly" to be so upset over her dress. How could she move forward with wedding plans when she didn't even know when she could pick up her wedding dress? None of these things are silly. They are serious and important. Things that are important to you, are important to me, and they are important to the many creatives behind the wedding industry. We put our heart and souls into making a beautiful experience for your one special day.
Change of plans 2020 - Love wins! Shoes and jewelry @bateaubridalboutique; Beauty products @cloud9.dayspa; Planner, designer and signage @laboumeventsak; Men's look styled by Steve Solari with @meier_lake; Photo @love_adventured
During this time of uncertainty, I got a call from Steve Solari at Meier Lake Resort. We exchanged notes: we were in the same boat. Alaska was under "hunker down" orders, so no one was out and about. We were all stuck at home. Steve was eager to do something creative. My schedule was suddenly wide open, so I invited a few other incredible vendors to participate in a styled shoot.
I hope you enjoy seeing these beautiful images, but I also hope that you are inspired. Love is not canceled. Your wedding might be on hold. Your big day might not look like what you originally envisioned, but you can have an incredible experience. You might even have something better than you originally imagined.
Hand sanitizer and face masks were probably not part of your vision for your big day. But what if they were beautiful? Handcrafted earrings @beringseadesigns; Bridal face mask @playfulsoulphotography; Beauty products @cloud9.dayspa; Planner, designer and signage @laboumeventsak; Photo @love_adventured
Bridal face masks by @playfulsoulphotography. The first design was to provide safety masks for the general public because most masks were provided to front line workers. After wearing a cotton mask for a week, Lauren, the creative and designer behind the bridal face masks realized she couldn’t wear any makeup while wearing a face mask. It would just rub off. She wanted women to still feel beautiful even without their makeup. Hopefully, these gorgeous masks will encourage people to wear a face mask more often. Thus protecting themselves and everyone around them. Bridal face mask @playfulsoulphotography; Photo @love_adventured
Does Covid-19 have you changing your summer 2020 wedding plans? Good news!
ALASKA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Now by open, there are a few caveats that our local government has put in place in order to keep everyone safe. See mandates here. I have also listed 27 tips and recommendations for Alaska events in response to Covid-19, which can be read here.
A few things are required of a venue to be at full capacity for an event in Alaska this 2020 season. Meier Lake Resort is a wonderful venue, a short drive from the historic town of Palmer, AK. They have a frisbee disc golf course around the property and a beautiful lake, with boats lining the sandy beach. A fire pit is ready for you to relax and play with friends. Wake up on your big day in one of their beautiful cabins. Get ready on your own private deck as you listen and watch area birds and wildlife.
Sun-drenched beach in Alaska? Yes please! Hold your private event on this 122-acre property close to downtown historical Palmer. Venue @meier_lake; Photo @racheltweggsphotography
Modern Alaska venue @meier_lake is the perfect backdrop for an elegant ceremony and a fun reception. Bridal bouquet and planning @laboumeventsak; shop local wedding dresses @bateaubridalboutique; wedding dress designer @wtoowatters; bride @ak_rachelsaldana; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Refreshed and at peace at @meier_lake; rustic bridal bouquet and planning @laboumeventsak; shop local wedding dresses @bateaubridalboutique; wedding dress designer @wtoowatters; bride @ak_rachelsaldana; photo @chelsajay
Sparkle inside and out. Get ready for your wedding day with foundation garments and lingerie from @dujour_fashion_907. Handcrafted Alaska made earrings from sea otter @beringseadesigns; styling @laboumeventsak; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Chic and comfortable foundation garments and lingerie. Beautiful from head to toe and everywhere underneath with DuJour Fashion in downtown Palmer. A change of plans doesn't mean we sacrifice quality. Lingerie @dujour_fashion_907; handcrafted Alaska made earrings from sea otter @beringseadesigns; premium skin and self-care @cloud9.dayspa; planner and styling @laboumeventsak; photo @chelsajay
High-end lingerie and foundation garments from @dujour_fashion_907 for your wedding day and wedding night. Soak in the individual private cabins tucked into the trees @meier_lake. Styling @laboumeventsak; photos @racheltweggsphotography
Bridal skin luminous and luxurious. Shop local for premium skin and self-care @cloud9.dayspa. Sea otter earrings from Juneau to add that Alaskan touch to your wedding wardrobe @beringseadesigns. Planner and styling @laboumeventsak; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Love the shower house @meier_lake. Modern design in a rustic natural environment. Photo @love_adventured
His! Get ready handsome. Alaska style. Styled by Steve Solari @meier_lake; Photo @chelsajay
Forests of birch, fire pits, cabins and water sports @Meier_Lake has everything for your man. Don't miss the 18-hole PDGA championship frisbee disc course that circles the property. Photo @love_adventured
Local handcrafted earrings for that uniquely Alaskan look. Carley Thayer is the creative maker behind the design. An Aleut from Unalaska, Alaska, she currently resides in Juneau. Inspired by the ocean and traditional practice of harvesting Sea Otter by her Alaska native ancestors, Carly began Bering Sea Designs. Traditional material meets modern design. She loves using mixed media to create unique pieces; like her current line of earrings, which use sea otter fur with bronze and copper accents. Carly is especially intrigued by the natural ombré of the sea otter fur, which she loves to highlight in her work. Earrings @beringseadesigns; photo @love_adventured
Handcrafted: to make skillfully by hand. Hand torn papers, ribbon hand-painted with care from dye made from local beets, and birch foraged by @laboumeventsak; Local tulips raised with care by @all_dahliad_up. #shoplocal Photo @love_adventured
Covid-19 has you changing plans? What if change was better than you originally planned? Alaska is open for business and doing what we can to keep people safe. Whether a local staycation or Alaska destination wedding, consider an elopement or a micro-wedding @meier_lake where accommodations are included. All-inclusive packages take the headache out of what has been a year of surprises. Invitation and styling @laboumeventsak; jewelry @bateaubridalboutique; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Kindly reply: social distancing, 6' apart but together? Skype in? What does your post-Covid-19 wedding invite look like for grandparents and immunocompromised guests? A wedding planner can assist you with thoughtful and safe solutions to minimize risk in our post-Covid-19 world. Planning, invite design and styling @laboumeventsak; jewelry @bateaubridalboutique; photo @love_adventured
Rustic Alaska details doesn't just have to be birch bark and moss, add surprising details like this foraged feather from local wild turkeys. Planning, invite design and styling @laboumeventsak; jewelry @bateaubridalboutique; photo @chelsajay
Locally sourced. #shoplocal is not just for pandemics. It is always good to know where your "stuff" comes from. Support local small businesses and you support dreamers and creatives, not big corporations. Planning, invite design and styling @laboumeventsak; jewelry and shoes @bateaubridalboutique; skin care @cloud9.dayspa; sea otter earrings @beringseadesigns; bridal face mask @playfulsoulphotography; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Pale champagne layers in this WTOO gown by Watters @wtoowatters is stunning against the natural Alaska landscape from @bateaubridalboutique. This rustic bridal bouquet includes forged greens, and local spring tulips from @all_dahliad_up; bride @ak_rachelsaldana; planner @laboumeventsak; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Stay cozy on cool Alaska summer evenings with this faux fur wrap and this flowing @wtoowatters gown from @bateaubridalboutique. Locally grown tulips from @all_dahliad_up are show stoppers in this nature-inspired spring bouquet by @laboumeventsak; bride @ak_rachelsaldana; photo @love_adventured
Joy. Light. Love. It was probably what you were imagining before Covid-19. Local Alaska creatives are here, ready to help you get back to that place of peace and love. Relax, and enjoy real genuine connections @meier_lake. Don't worry about planning, everything is taken care of with @laboumeventsak for summer 2020. Here is to everything you hoped for and more. WTOO wedding gown by @wtoowatters at local bridal shop @bateaubridalboutique; bride @ak_rachelsaldana; photo @chelsajay
During the design process, many clients show me these beautiful and popular images from the southwest. Desert landscapes. A teepee wedding arch. A cow skull. Dried pompous grass. It is all so pretty and now, but how do you take those images and create an authentic story that is true to the Alaska landscape where my clients are getting married? I tucked in a moose mount and caribou antlers. We used the A-frame arch from @meier_lake that replicates the mountain peaks in the Alaska Range just across the lake and foraged real Alaskan fresh and dried greens from ferns, devils club and reeds. Planning and design @laboumeventsak, florals @love_adventured; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Details and perspective. The caribou and moose antlers pop against the backdrop of the lodge at @meier_lake resort. Planning and styling @laboumeventsak; Florals and photos @love_adventured
Our bride Rachel, @ak_rachelsaldana is ethereal in the Alaska spring landscape. Love the soft, dusky natural light from this day in May. WTOO wedding gown by @wtoowatters from local bridal shop @bateaubridalboutique; bride @ak_rachelsaldana; planning and styling @laboumeventsak; florals @love_adventured; photo @chelsajay
Cocktail hour isn't just for cocktails! Enjoy local small-batch brewery @Bleeding_Heart_Brewery made from Alaskan ingredients. Styling and planning @laboumeventsak; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Showcase your favorite beers from your go-to Alaska micro brewery @Bleeding_Heart_Brewery. Personalize your beverage selection further by working with the guys from Bleeding Heart to make a fully custom beer just for you and your wedding guests. Venue @meier_lake; beer @bleeding_heart_brewery; smiles, planning and hand-painted bar menu @laboumeventsak; photos @chelsajay
Bring on the fun with summer cocktail hour and boating at @meier_lake; Floral piece and planning @laboumeventsak; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Relax by the fire and take in the Alaska outdoors @meier_lake; bridal bouquet and planning @laboumeventsak; photo @love_adventured
Weddings and water sports go together, like coffee and cream. Meant-for-each-other! Don't you just want to push off in this canoe at @meier_lake? Floral @love_adventured; planning @laboumeventsak; photo @chelsajay
While you play outside, the staff at @meier_lake are busy in the kitchen, stirring up a tasty, Alaska made menu. Planning @laboumeventsak, photo @chelsajay
Fresh ingredients start here. Celebrate with the best, locally sourced produce, meats, seafood and beers. All-inclusive venue and menu with @meier_lake; beer @bleeding_heart_brewery; planning @laboumevents; photo @love_adventured
Wedding reception with a view. Unique geometric chairs tucked into the trees with no one else around for a truly special dinner. Planning and design @laboumeventsak; venue and chairs @meier_lake; table linens @specialeventsalaska; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; floral design @love_adventured; photos @chelsajay
Clear glass plates rest on freshly foraged birch bark sheets pressed into personalized chargers. Each guest place setting was given a little silver compote with a fiddlehead fern packed in moss. Planner and designer @laboumeventsak; venue @meier_lake; table linens @specialeventsalaska; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; floral design @love_adventured; photos @chelsajay
Spring in Alaska means fiddlehead ferns and fresh cut tulips. Birch trees are the first to bloom and add green to a landscape that was recently all snow and ice. Planner and designer @laboumeventsak; venue @meier_lake; table linens @specialeventsalaska; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; small-batch local beer @bleeding_heart_brewery; floral design and photo @love_adventured
Each place setting was given a little silver compote with a fiddlehead fern packed in moss. Alaska grown tulips take center stage in this spring centerpiece. Planner and designer @laboumeventsak; venue @meier_lake; table linens @specialeventsalaska; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; floral design @love_adventured; photos @racheltweggsphotography
Hand torn menu cards were hand-painted with dye I made from beets I grew in my garden. Beautiful paper worthy of the amazing local Alaska produce and fresh seafood fare in an all-inclusive menu by @meier_lake; planning and paper designs @laboumeventsak; mustard napkins @specialeventsalaska; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; photo @chelsajay
How do you create a truly personal wedding that is a reflection of you and your love? By working with local creatives who create handcrafted designs. By working from a place of relationship, and getting to know you, local creatives can make items specifically for you, that reflect your tastes, and your hobbies. Designer @laboumeventsak; table linens @specialeventsalaska; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; photo @love_adventured
Required hand washing stations can be beautiful and easily incorporated into your wedding reception. Stay safe. Venue and styling by @meier_lake; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; photo @racheltweggsphotography
No compromise here! Toast to love with @bleeding_heart_brewery. Relax with friends @meier_lake. Stay safe and wash your hands often, even at your wedding. Bride @ak_rachelsaldana; wedding gown by @wtoowatters from local bridal shop @bateaubridalboutique; planning @laboumeventsak; florals @love_adventured; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; photos @chelsajay
Our bride Rachel is stunningly refreshed and relaxed at this lakeside dinner reception at @meier_lake; Bride @ak_rachelsaldana; wedding gown by @wtoowatters from local bridal shop @bateaubridalboutique; planning @laboumeventsak; florals @love_adventured; photo @racheltweggsphotography
One of my all time favorite table settings. A unique combination of navy with mustard and dusty rose with natural accents of fur, birch bark, ferns and rustic metals. Planning and design @laboumeventsak; venue and hand washing station @meier_lake; table linens @specialeventsak; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; local beer @bleeding_heart_brewery; florals and photos @love_adventured
Savor! A bite of wedding cake and a breath of fresh air @meier_lake. Cake @midnightsuncakery; planning @laboumeventsak; table linens @specialeventsalaska; floral @love_adventured; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; photo @racheltweggsphotography
Wedding cake at the water's edge @meier_lake; Cake @midnightsuncakery; planning @laboumeventsak; table linens @specialeventsalaska; Alaska tulips @all_dahliad_up; florals and photo @love_adventured
Alaska weddings are at their finest not just because of the beautiful styling, but because of the splendor and simplicity of enjoying quality pleasures in nature. Wedding cake @midnightsuncakery; venue @meier_lake; planning @laboumeventsak; table linens @specialeventsalaska; photo @chelsajay
After your reception, relax by the shore with coffee service and a camp fire. Get cozy with simple pleasures in nature. Venue and coffee service @meier_lake; planning and styling @laboumevents; photo @chelsajay
Hand-painted "just married" design for your get away vehicle. Blooming fireweed gives that beautiful Alaskan touch. Car window design from Star Dust Designs; cabins @meier_lake; photo @love_adventured
Make your get away! Love the little details: leather and wood grain, landscape reflections, and a hand-painted message by Star Dust Dezignz. Photo @chelsajay
Flowers aren't just for bouquets - a hand-painted get away car from Star Dust Dezignz and floral applique on this gorgeous wedding gown by @wtoowatters from local bridal shop @bateaubridalboutique hit the perfect note; bride @ak_rachelsaldana; planning and bridal bouquet @laboumeventsak; photo @racheltweggsphotography
An outdoor summer wedding in 2020 is calling. A host of creatives and makers are here waiting to make your special day a beautiful experience. Pandemic be damned.
Planning and bridal bouquet @laboumeventsak; venue @meier_lake; photos @racheltweggsphotography
CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS
Planner & Designer: Rebecca Kopperud with La Boum Events @laboumeventsak
Venue: Meier Lake Lodge @meier_lake
Photographers:
Rachel Tweggs Photography @racheltweggsphotography
Love Adventured @love_adventured
Chelsa J Photography @chelsajay
Floral Design: Amber Lanphier @ladylanphier with Love Adventured and Rebecca Kopperud with La Boum Events @laboumeventsak
Bridal Attire: Bateau Bridal Boutique @bateaubridalboutique
Model: Rachel Saldana @ak_rachelsaldana
Men's Styling: Steve Solari with Meier Lake Lodge @meier_lake
Wedding Cake: Midnight Sun Cakery @midnightsuncakery
Table Linens: Special Events Alaska @specialeventsalaska
Rentals: La Boum Events @laboumeventsak
Local Beers: Bleeding Heart Brewery @bleeding_heart_brewery
Local Alaska Tulips: All Dahlia'd Up Flower Farm @all_dahliad_up
Lingerie: DuJour Fashion @dujour_fashion_907
Beauty Products: Cloud 9 Day Spa @cloud9.dayspa
Locally Made Earrings: Bering Sea Designs @beringseadesigns
Bridal Face Mask: Playful Souls Photography @playfulsoulphotography
Car Window Art: Star Dust Dezignz
I hope I have inspired you to stay local, or have lovely destination wedding here in Alaska. With a little planning a micro-wedding or elopement for two can be a solution to things like Covid-19.
For more information about booking me for your MICRO-WEDDING fill out our MICRO-WEDDING INTAKE FORM to get started. All other inquiries go here.
xoxo - Rebecca .
MEET REBECCA
Hey there! I am Rebecca Kopperud, a born and bred Alaskan, as well as the owner and chief designer behind
La Boum Events.
I specialize in micro-weddings because they are a unique and special type of event focused on bringing a small group of people together to celebrate a big life event. I have been witness to transformational and intimate moments among family and friends that I can truly say are nothing short of magical.
I love helping my clients find that perfect location, orchestrate great food and drinks, schedule out time for them to connect, and create a beautiful table setting styled to their personal tastes. Each time I love hearing their collective whispered "wow!" I live for these moments and can't wait to work with you to find your perfect moment in Alaska or anywhere in the world!
I take on a limited amount of clients, so I can focus on personalization and quality. By offering you a completely unique, unbundled experience you can have exactly what you want and nothing you don’t.
Does this resonate with you? To learn more about what it is like to work with me, fill out our MICRO-WEDDING INTAKE FORM to get started, all other inquiries go here