Billi + Ashley + Bootz the Dog.
September, 2025 -GIrdwood, Alaska is entering the later stages of Fall, the air is getting crisper as it enters your lungs, and becomes a cloud as you exhale. Ashley and Billi had found me only a few months prior, and booked a full wedding package on the spot. I am one of few vendors who live here full time, that loudly advertises to the queer community, and after I had posted some recent work, we were fast tracked to become best friends as I learned all about their story and what their wedding day was going to look like. Alyeska resort is iconic in Girdwood, known for its epic ski views, Nordic spa and fine dining at the top of the mountain peaks. It was an extreme pleasure to get the opportunity to capture any wedding here, let alone one of my community!
I met Ashley at her room first, greeted by her aunts, and the makeup artist. We spent some time together, chatted about the nerves and the orgin stories and their plans for their animal sanctuary. I took my time gathering sentimental details for ring photos, being a creative and also a fly on the wall, before heading down the hall to capture Billi getting ready. She was alone, in a large room, with her service dog boots.
She greeted me solemnly, as she told me of her sibling that had passed, and family members who did not attend (a common and heartbreaking reality for most of my lgbtq weddings). I held space for her, and let her know that I was going to be by their side all day in whatever capacity she needs. And shortly after, I got to demonstrate this with a wardrobe malfunction that my back up safety pins came to rescue! I spent most of my time that morning with Billi and Bootz in her room, capturing all the intense emotion and laughs and anticipation of seeing Ashley waiting for her at their first look.
Chosen Family + Relatives come together.
First look in a tram?
Alyeska has a complimentary tram that shuttles guests up to the mountains and back down to the resort. Every 15 mins. The plan was to have the couple enter at different times, and hold hands back to back until we arrive to the top for the first look. But, a miscommunication happened and we were held up just long enough to miss the tram, and then had to wait for it to come back down, Billi inside, to try again. All the the agrin of the tram operator whom , understandably, was probably sick of my shit.
The fellow riders on the tram were very lovely and allowed us to move around and get the shots we needed, even offering advice on great look out spots for the photos once we arrived,
Once we de-boarded, its a quick walk up 2 flights of stairs and around a corner, to an epic first look viewpoint. Where B + A shared their first glimpses of each other in their gowns.
On top of the World : Alyeska Resort Mountain Wedding.
Alyeska Resort in Girdwood offers easy access to a birds eye view of several Alaskan mountain peaks, down the valley and across the water, offering a romantic panoramic view to gather with your loved ones and celebrate your love.
Jordan with AK Happenings had everything lined up with intention, putting out fires and arranging everything flawlessly all while pregnant which was very impressive. Soft wind blowing rose petals, chairs lining up at the edge of a mountain peak: and your bestie singing beautifully to your guests as the ceremony begins. Not a dry eye to be found. I have never been quite as moved by their story of loss and love as the vows were said, and we all laughed and cried together.
Alaska, is known for her unpredictable weather and right after a beautiful ceremony: Wind picked up and ushered all the guests to the reception, at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where event proceeds go straight to saving animals. We Captured some quick portraits in the dramatic landscape Alyeska Resort is known for, making the most of the views and warm autumn light.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
This couple and I share a love for animals and it made total sense that they chose to have their reception at a venue that supports saving animals and even comes with a complimentary animal show in the summer! B + A plan to open their very own sanctuary one day, and are actively working making their communities better all the time. The staff do amazing work with their Alaska Wildlife Conservation efforts and are very helpful in guiding your guests to the venue and providing assistance to vendors. If you are looking at a cheaper wedding venue that you can feel good about - I highly recommend reaching out to the Girdwood Wildlife conservation Center for your wedding.
I freeze moments, turning them into memories that last a lifetime.
Rest in Love Mary | 5/2026
Mary was a pillar in the community of Nome Alaska, where she pioneered a documentary about the murder of indigenous women in Alaska, including Billi's sister. They worked together on the film telling her story and became family. Together sharing years of memories, shared joy around a kitchen table, and bonding over love and loss. Mary was sick, and so Billi and Ashley moved their wedding date so she could be there.
This is the moment they told her - and today we remember her for her smile, her love, and the heart she carried and shared with everyone she met.
"Jazz is an absolute gem of a photographer and a human. When my wife and I were looking for photographers to shoot our wedding, we posted on an Alaska Weddings Facebook page and she was one of MANY who responded.
As soon as we looked at her instagram, we knew she was the one. Not only is she extremely talented, but it was important to us to have a LGBTQ-friendly photographer. She went above and beyond to take care of my wife and I on our special day.
She made us and all of our guests feel completely comfortable. We started the day as strangers and ended the evening as friends (seriously--she is the coolest). She was timely with getting our album to us, reasonably priced (and transparent about her pricing)+ we were absolutely blown away by our photos. Do yourself a HUGE favor and hire Jazz for all of your photography needs--we love her!"
B + A |Sept. 2025
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