Makayla Varner and Samuel Gann

June 12, 2020

Makayla and Samuel met in middle school, became friends during their last year of high school, and started dating in college. To pop the question, Samuel took Makayla on a hike at Ptarmigan Lake trail near Seward. “There was no one else hiking the trail that day," recalls Makayla, "and the scenery the entire way was breathtaking!” At the lake, they sat down and were talking about their lives and plans — and pop! — Samuel proposed. “Needless to say, Ptarmigan Lake will always hold a special place in our hearts,” Makayla says. On their big day, the views and gorgeous weather made for a picture-perfect location: “The cliff in front of Granite Point Mountain Lodge overlooking Resurrection Bay was our favorite by far. Throughout the day it proved to be a beautiful and relaxing spot to not only take pictures but eat dinner and hang out with family around the fire pit.” They enjoyed seeing bald eagles and whales on their special day, and taking photos on the beach. The funniest part of the day was something the bride only noticed after the ceremony: “The groom and groomsmen were not wearing their boutonnieres! It turns out that they had forgotten to put them on inside the cabin they used to get ready. Half of the pictures they are wearing the boutonnieres and half of them they aren’t,” remembers Makayla.

Photographer: Chugach Peaks Photography • Ceremony & reception site: Granite Point Mountain Lodge • Cake: Ardy Cakes & Confections • Bride’s ring: Costco • Flowers: Wild Poppy • Bride's dress: L’Amour by Calla Blanche gown • Bridesmaids' dresses: Bill Levkoff • Hair & makeup: Amy Smithwick • Officiant: Father of the Groom • Transportation: Millers Landing Water Taxi • Bride/groom's wedding night accommodations: Granite Point Mountain Lodge • Guest accommodations: Fox Den Cabin; Pepper Creek Cabin; Alaska Creekside Cabins in Seward • Honeymoon destination: Seward; Denali National Park

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