The Newcombe Wedding

Usually a wedding is a START of an adventure, and not necessarily an adventure itself! Wild animals, heroes, true love, blazing sunshine, beautiful women, and delicious feasts- The Newcombe wedding had it all. It all began when the day before the wedding Teal texted me that there had been bears in the area. So I when I packed my camera gear, I was sure to include the bear spray. The Newcombe’s wedding venue was the Green Lake Chalet on the Airforce Base. And somehow Matt and Teal ended up having their wedding on quite possibly the hottest day of the year. I didn’t have a thermometer out, but it was at least 90, (which is also known as melt the Alaskans temperature) but thankfully there was a little breeze.

Teal wasn’t in her gown yet, so she came out and pinned the flower on Matt’s lapel. You can tell he has a great sense of humor!

He was lookin’ good!

Just as we were finishing up Matt’s photos, a cute little bear came out of the woods. Bear cubs are somewhat safe on their own. but its their momma bodyguards you gotta watch out for. Still I wouldn’t want to tangle with 90 lbs of teeth and claws. This little guy was unaccompanied, but we were still plenty nervous.

Check out the bear, haha! We first tried to scare him away with the airhorn, but that didn’t deter him one bit. We finally called the Game Wardens that were on base and they kept an eye on him. Eventually they chased him away.

Meanwhile, Teal had everything ready to go upstairs in the loft of the chalet style cabin.

Teals gorgeous flowers were by Petals and Paper

She was gorgeous in her Kenneth Winston gown from Orianda’s Bridal in Anchorage.

Teal’s mom’s expression when she saw her daughter in her gown on her wedding day was priceless. Such a touching moment.

She’s all done and looking gorgeous!

That dress was absolutely perfect for her!

Teal had a special gift she wanted to give to Matt before they walked down the aisle. BUT, she didn’t want him to see her in her gown before then. So, we hid her behind a tree and blindfolded him. He was carefully led to her by one of his groomsmen.

The plan was for them to be around the tree from each other so he couldn’t see her in her gown as he received her gift. But they could still hold hands.

Suddenly we heard a man yelling really loudly: “Get out of here! Go on, Get out of Here!” (it was the game wardens from earlier)

An Alaskan Black Bear ran straight for us!

So I pulled out the bear spray I was carrying! I stepped in-between the bride and groom and the bear and yelled at him to go away!

The bear went up the tree we were just standing under.

Matt was still blindfolded! He tried to get away from the commotion, but stepped on Teal’s train and they were tangled up! A groomsman helped them both get a safe distance away.

About then, Matt said: “Can I take off my blindfold?” And Teal yelled very decisively “NO!”

In the end, everyone was safe and the game wardens spent the next couple of hours watching our friend bear as he took a nap up in the tree.

We retreated a safe distance and took some more photos.

Matt and his groomsmen are quite dapper looking!

Something I LOVE: Teal had her mom be her maid of honor and her sister in law be her other bridesmaid. Such a sweet time to celebrate family!

The back of that gown is stunning!

Its a good day when you can belly laugh with your mama during your wedding photos!

When Teal’s dad saw her, he couldn’t hold back his tears. Neither could Teal or her mom!

Our friend bear was still in the tree! Eventually the game wardens were able to get him down with some pepper spray and he wandered into the woods.

We don’t need a zoo!

Our Game Wardens even had photos with the bride. Perefect!

It was a beautiful location for a wedding… lakeside in the sun!

I love the expression Matt’s sister gave him as she came down the aisle.

Matt as a cool customer.

And then he saw her. His face SHONE.

This was a great moment. Matt’s mom and dad gave each other a high five right after ceremony. You two did a great job of raising Matt! Congratulations to you two too!

The guests enjoyed sumptuous appetizers by Main Event Catering and Events while we went and finished up Matt and Teal’s photos. It looked amazing! Yummy!

These two are in LOVE!

So romantic!

What a beautiful couple.

Haha! Hilarious, Matt!

The cake was by Midnight Sun Cakery.

Main Event Catering and Events made such good food! There was a selection of delicious gluten free as well as vegan options… and the regular fare for the rest of us!

Check out this awesome idea for the guest book! Matt and Teal are HUGE Star Wars fans, so they had this perfect idea for their guest book!

In fact, you should check out their STAR WARS themed Engagement session, complete with light sabers and Storm Trooper Helmets!

And a wedding scavenger hunt for the kids! What a great idea!

Toasts were filled with laughter and tears!

There was a lot of love flowing.

Just about then, a different bear came around. He was in the catering truck looking for some snacks! Dinner was tasty, so I totally understand the draw.

We all stayed on the deck and Teal and Matt went out on the gazebo for their first dance.

And the father daughter dance.

And the mother son dance

Oh the shoe game… I love how it brings the laughter.

I think Grandma was laughing from her TOES.

While all the guests were having fun playing lawn games and chatting, Teal’s mom and dad snuck away for a few moments to themselves for a sweet dance.