Yep, you read that right. Twenty-nine days. That’s all I had to understand Fernando and Elizabeth’s vision, source a full dream team of vendors, create their mood board, design signage, write a welcome guide for their out-of-town guests, and pull together all the moving pieces of their August wedding.
Sounds impossible? Honestly… at times, it felt like it might be. But when you’re planning for a couple who’s been serving their country and doing long distance, you just dig in and make it happen. Every late-night email, mood board tweak, and detail check was completely worth it once the day came together.
Step 1: Focus on What Matters Most
On August 22, 2025, Fernando and Elizabeth gathered about 60 of their closest friends and family at Arctic Valley Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska.
Picture this: a ceremony overlooking sweeping mountain views, a cozy indoor backup plan (because, Alaska), ski lift rides to the summit for bridal party photos, and their two dogs walking proudly down the aisle.
They wanted their out-of-state families to feel welcomed and connected—especially after so much time apart. So, we focused on comfort, music, and meaningful details: Alaska wildflowers, DIY touches, and a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere that felt like home.
Step 2: Build a Dream Vendor Team—Fast
When time is short, you rely on relationships and instinct. Within the first week, we secured an incredible team who brought this vision to life:
- Photography: WildSoulCaptureCo – captured every mountain-top moment
- Videography: Matthew Rhoades Photography – timeless storytelling through film
- DJ: The Alaska DJ – kept the dance floor alive
- Florist: Fleurish the Art of Flowers – created wild, romantic Alaska-inspired blooms
- Catering: Master’s Catering – delicious food that made guests feel at home
- Venue: Arctic Valley Ski Area – ceremony and reception with those unbeatable views
- Hair: Hair by Missy Alleah – natural, polished looks for a stress-free day
- Decor Rentals: Forest & Fern – provided finishing touches that tied the look together
Beyond booking vendors, I designed wedding signage, built their mood board, and created a custom welcome guide for guests traveling in from out of state. Every detail was meant to make the day easy, warm, and personal.
Step 3: Expect Imperfect Moments (and Celebrate Them Anyway)
Let’s be real—no wedding runs perfectly on schedule, and that’s okay. The key to planning a wedding this quickly is letting go of perfect and focusing on presence.
There were small hiccups (there always are), but the moments that mattered rose above everything else.
The ski lift adventure photos? Magical.
The dogs in the ceremony? Absolutely unforgettable.
The Mariachi band— A total showstopper that tied family and culture beautifully into the celebration.
Those moments are what guests will remember, and they’re exactly what make a wedding feel alive.
Step 4: Keep Perspective
Was it wild to plan a wedding in less than 30 days? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Without a doubt.
Because at the end of the day, it wasn’t about the timeline, it was about celebrating a love story that had already endured distance, service, and sacrifice.
This wedding reminded me that when you stay focused on what really matters: love, family, and connection, everything else finds its place.
Fernando and Elizabeth, thank you for trusting me to bring your day to life. And to the incredible vendor team—thank you for making this whirlwind come to life.
✨ Pro Tip: Can you plan a wedding in less than 30 days? You can, but only if you stay grounded, trust your team, and never lose sight of why you’re doing it in the first place.
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