When Tyler proposed to Michelle, they sat on the beach next to the Colorado River and daydreamed about their wedding day. They wrote down their thoughts in a little notebook, including moments they wanted to share together, like "make sure we have moments for just the two of us." As they navigated the pressures of planning a big, traditional wedding, they often looked back at their notebook to remind themselves of what they really wanted for their special day.

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of couple on a glacier

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of a glacier

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of couple in front of a glacier

Michelle and Tyler realized that they wouldn't be able to follow through with their wedding dreams if they had a big, traditional wedding. So, they decided to elope in Alaska, surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty they both loved.

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of vow book

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of groom's classic wedding ring

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of a vintage Girdwood postcard

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of groom putting on his bow tie

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of bride writing her vows

Michelle and Tyler first met while working overnights as 911 dispatchers. Despite the high-pressure environment, they found solace in their mutual love for parks and road trips. They set a goal to visit all of the US national parks, which eventually became a shared dream.

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of bride putting on her wedding boots

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of a couple having a first-look in the forest

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of the groom seeing the bride for the first time

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of the couple hugging

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of couple having their ceremony at moose meadows

Advice to future couples planning a destination elopement:

“Only book vendors that you really love and trust!!! Especially when you elope, you rely very heavily on your vendors in order for your day to be successful. The more confidence you have in your vendors to pull through for you, the more you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your day!”

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of couple having their photoshoot at a glacier

Any post elopement plans? “We’re planning to honeymoon somewhere in Southeast Asia around our first anniversary, and we’ll also be traveling to our hometown in Georgia to celebrate our marriage with friends and family. Besides that, we’re hoping to spend a lot more time in Alaska in the future!”

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of a helicopter shadow

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of glacier taken from a helicopter perspective

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of a couple popping champagne on a glacier

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of a couple walking by a helicopter

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of a couple on a glacier

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of the couple kissing

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of the gondola in Girdwood

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of couple hugging and having fun

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of couple during golden hour

Michelle reached out to me last July, with "no real plans" on where or how to elope. She wanted an intimate wedding with an adventure element. Months went by before we finally hopped on call and Michelle talked about her Alaska adventure. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to ride a helicopter in Alaska for couples photos. It all looked like a screensaver. Afterward, everyone was treated to a four-course meal and TWO desserts (honestly this is what dreams are made of).

Girdwood Alaska helicopter elopement, photo of seven glaciers meal

Michelle and Tyler had no regrets about eloping and following their dreams. They had the perfect day, filled with love and memories that will last a lifetime.