When Veronica and Anthony began dreaming of their wedding day, they knew one thing for certain: it wouldn’t be ordinary. After attending more than 30 weddings together, the couple from the Southside of Chicago knew they wanted something different—something intimate, deeply personal, and full of adventure. Their glacier elopement in Alaska was exactly that.

From High School Friends to Life Partners

Veronica and Anthony first met as teenagers when their friend groups began to overlap in high school. After graduation, Anthony left for military service, and when he returned to Chicago six years later, their friendship was rekindled and quickly blossomed into romance. Their love for adventure, travel, and meaningful experiences laid the foundation for a wedding unlike any other.

Choosing “The Last Frontier”

Alaska had long been on both of their bucket lists. “’The Last Frontier’ was a place that always felt so romantic and peaceful to us,” Veronica shares. “We chose Alaska, not only for its beauty, but because it was a destination neither of us had ever been to, and both of us had always wanted to go.”

With the help of Kate from Soul & Sky Weddings, the couple planned an immersive experience that included glacier dog sledding, scenic helicopter rides, and accommodations in a secluded mountain yurt near an iceberg-filled lake. “We told Kate we were up for anything. We wanted an adventure and to see as much of Alaska’s natural beauty as we could,” says Veronica.

An Unforgettable Ceremony—Made for Two

Their original plan was to say their vows on Bear Lake Glacier after a helicopter ride post-dog sledding. But sometimes, the best moments come unplanned.

While taking a break during their dog sled ride, Veronica and Anthony paused to soak in their surroundings—sunlight beaming across the vast, untouched glacier, surrounded by silence and snow. “We joked with our photographer and our musher that this would be the perfect place to do our vows,” Veronica recalls. “Ten minutes later, our officiant pulled up to where we were on a snow machine with our vow books!”

In that spontaneous moment, with only their photographer, officiant, musher, and dog team present, they exchanged heartfelt personal vows and rings. “Our ceremony was far from traditional. It was short, sweet, and spontaneous. Every moment of this day was perfectly curated to exemplify our love and our relationship with one another.”

A Touch of Home in the Wilderness

While their ceremony was intentionally private, Veronica and Anthony still found meaningful ways to incorporate their loved ones. Veronica’s veil was handcrafted by her Aunt Kris, using fabric from her mother’s wedding gown. Pendants from her grandmothers were sewn into her fur coat. Veronica wore Merrell hiking boots beneath her Azazie gown, and Anthony was outfitted in a classic look from Men’s Warehouse. A bracelet for Veronica and keychain for Anthony—both engraved gifts from her parents—added sentimental details. And a scrapbook of letters from family and friends served as a heartwarming reminder of home while they were off the grid.

The Celebration Continues

After returning home to Chicago, the couple hosted a lively post-elopement reception at Chief O’Neill’s Pub, with photography by Jess J Photography, and music from DJ Darry (a talented family member). Veronica wore a second gown from Anthropologie and accessorized with Dolce Vita shoes and a Jimmy Choo purse, effortlessly blending elegance with the relaxed celebration.

Advice for Fellow Adventurous Couples

Planning an elopement from afar isn’t easy, but Veronica emphasizes the importance of hiring a planner with local expertise. “Kate gave advice on everything—from planning the big things to preparing for the smaller things, like what hiking boots to wear.”

For couples dreaming of a destination elopement, Veronica has this advice: “Talk things out and dream big! Remember this day is for you. Really think about and imagine your dream way to celebrate your love. And then make that happen.”

Most of all? “Be flexible,” she says. “Being flexible is what brought us to the perfect ceremony location. A little spontaneity really changed our entire experience.”

For Veronica and Anthony, their glacier elopement in Alaska wasn’t just a wedding—it was their greatest adventure yet.

Elopement Vendors: Photographer & Coordinator: Soul & Sky Weddings; Dog Sledding: Turning Heads Kennels; Florist: Rose and Bee Organics; Cake: Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop; Gown Designer: Azazie; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Men’s Wearhouse; Lodging, Transportation, Guide Services: Seward Helicopter Tours; Shoes: Merrell

Reception Vendors: Photographer: Jess J Photography; Reception Venue: Chief O’Neill’s Pub; Gown Designer: Anthropologie Weddings (BHLDN); Groom’s Clothing Designer: Men’s Wearhouse; Shoes: Dolce Vita; Purse: Jimmy Choo; Caterer: Firebrand BBQ; DJ: DJ Darry