When you think of winter weddings, the idea of a cozy indoor reception might come to mind—but what if you could add a touch of adventure? This winter elopement inspiration proves that it’s possible to have both glamour and excitement, with an unexpected twist: ice skating.

“We were inspired by old money glam and wanted to create a scene that captured that classic, upscale vibe of a downtown hotel wedding—while adding the thrill of a sweet ice skating date to celebrate,” says Junebug vendor Chelsa Jay. And with that vision in mind, the team set out to showcase an intimate yet glamorous elopement that breaks away from the traditional.

The shoot took place at The Hotel Captain Cook, a historic luxury venue in downtown Anchorage. “The Hotel Captain Cook was perfect for this shoot. Its elegance set the tone for the old money glam vibe we envisioned,” Chelsea shares. The juxtaposition of its vintage charm and modern amenities provided a stylish base for the shoot, combining both timeless beauty and warmth for the indoor moments.

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Chelsa Jay

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The bride’s dress combines vintage and modern styles, with dramatic pearl adorned puffed sleeves and a sleek, short silhouette that’s both bold and elegant. Paired with classic heels, it’s a timeless yet fresh look. The groom’s tailored gray suit paired with a lapel boutonniere, complements the romantic, glamorous vibe of the winter elopement.

However, it was the outdoor ice skating that really stole the show. “I’ve never photographed a couple ice skating on their wedding day before, so this was a first for me! I’m photographing a skiing couple this month and am excited to capture more of these adventurous wedding moments,” says Chelsea, clearly excited about future opportunities to capture couples trying something new and unexpected.  

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The florals by The Teal Door brought a touch of softness to the chilly surroundings. “The florals were gorgeous—those muted shades of blush and deep burgundy looked stunning against the snow. They were the perfect way to tie in the romance of the shoot.”

Of course, Alaska’s weather added an extra layer of challenge. “Alaska is known for its unpredictable weather, so we had no idea what to expect on the shoot day,” Chelsea explains. “It was nearly 40° in the days leading up to the shoot—completely uncharacteristic for this time of year. But on the shoot day, the temps dropped to the single digits. We took a few warm-up breaks in our vehicles, but our models were absolute troopers and made it through with smiles.”

The cold didn’t stop the couple from enjoying every moment. The ice skating was a playful and romantic experience, ending with a champagne pop to celebrate. “They had so much fun skating together. It was such a unique moment that added something special to the day.”

This styled shoot proves that winter weddings can be both stylish and fun, even when the temperatures drop. “I left this shoot feeling hopeful that it would inspire couples who are on the fence about having a winter wedding,” Chelsea shares. “Winter glam is totally achievable—you just have to embrace the chill and let the magic of the season unfold!”