An Alaska Wedding: Where Love Runs Wild, Like the Salmon
At Nushagak River Adventures Lodge, most guests come to chase salmon and adventure—but every now and then, something extraordinary happens. For Sarah and Jimi, a fishing trip turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment: their wedding on the banks of Alaska’s legendary Nushagak River.
A Friendship Begins
In 2022, we received a heartfelt note from Palmer, Alaska resident Leonard Wallner. His wife, Vicki, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and she longed to catch a king salmon. They knew they should visit the Nushagak to make that happen. Openings are rare during king season, but a short two-day window appeared. We welcomed Leonard and Vicki to camp, and what began as a fishing trip quickly grew into a lasting friendship.
Vicki not only caught her kings that summer, but she and Leonard returned in the seasons that followed. Soon Sarah, Vicki’s daughter, and Sarah’s fiancé Jimi joined, along with friends and more family members. By the next year, the Nushagak wasn’t just a destination—it was a tradition. Each visit brought new memories, more laughter, and deeper ties. It was clear the river had become part of their family story.
An Alaska Wedding Venue Idea
During their 2024 trip, the question came up: when and where would Sarah and Jimi get married? They hadn’t settled on anything. Every venue felt the same, and nothing captured who they were. That’s when Pete suggested, “Why not here, on the river?” The idea was simple, unique, and perfectly them.
Fishing and Saying “I Do”
Jimi and Sarah arrived Monday. Several planes would bring the bride’s father, stepfather, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews and friends over the next day. Matt and Meli traveled all the way from Israel. Everyone had a great time fishing and experiencing remote Alaska while behind the scenes we were preparing for a wedding.
The Night Before
After another great day of fishing for king salmon during what would prove to be the peak of the run, evening came and everyone gathered in the lodge. Chef’s masterful halibut dinner requested by the couple had everyone commenting in satisfaction and cleaning their plates. Afterwards Leonard and Sarah’s Dad, Jim, presented a gift to groom-to-be Jimi that would bring all the room’s attention to his joy-filled laughter. A box filled with mostly goats, some rams, cows, and assorted other four-legged animal figurines, 50 to be exact, which is what their family joked would be Sarah’s family’s dowery bestowed to Jimi for their marriage.
A Celebration of Life
The next morning, the family gathered once more—this time at the dock in front of the lodge. Together, they released Vicki’s ashes into the Nushagak River, completing a circle of love, memory, and life. It was a powerful reminder that this river carries more than salmon; it carries stories, legacies, and moments that stay with us forever.
The Lodge Behind the Scenes
Our hospitality team made sure every detail was cared for. Chef Chris Lee, who has led our kitchen for 8 years, prepared meals that guests still rave about. Though our main focus is hosting anglers, we poured the same passion into making this wedding unforgettable.
At Nushagak River Adventures, we are honored to share in stories like Sarah and Jimi’s. Our guests become friends and family to us, and our lodge is about more than fishing—it’s about life, love, and the unforgettable experiences that run wild, like the salmon.
The Big Day
What would a wedding day on the Nushagak be like without fishing? After breakfast, the bride and groom got dressed in their wedding day fishing attire. Jimi wore his zip front Orvis Waders with his Tuxedo shirt and jacket tucked into them and a bow tie. Sarah wore her veil, white rain bibs and a white NRAL sun shirt. Both wore huge grins on their faces telling everyone how happy each of them were to be marrying their best friend. To cap it off they had their photoshoot on the river for Fish Alaska after catching their wedding day kings.
Later that afternoon, the scene was set perfectly at the lodge. The Chuppah was erected and decorated with the river behind it. A local pilot brought his floatplane to top off the Bristol Bay background scenery and take the couple for a quick celebratory flight after the ceremony.
Surrounded by family and friends, Sarah and Jimi exchanged vows beneath a Chuppah on the banks of the Nushagak. They stayed true to their fishing theme with their attire. Sarah upgraded to a beautiful white lace top under her bibs and Jimi added his tallit and kippah. Our lodge owner Pete was honored to officiate, and the Sheva Brachot—the seven blessings—were recited over the traditional cup of wine. The glass was broken, the shouts of mazel tov rang out, and the hora dance celebrated the moment. It was a wedding unlike any other—joyful, heartfelt, and uniquely theirs.
The family also honored Vicki, who very sadly had passed away just weeks prior to the wedding. A framed photo of her was placed beside the Chuppah, and Sarah walked down the aisle with both her dad and stepdad. She looked absolutely beautiful, strong in her self while flanked by the men who helped shape her. Moments like that reflected the strength and love woven through this family. Vicki’s presence was felt in every smile, every tear, and every embrace.
After the hora, guests gathered in the main lodge for the couple’s favorite prime rib dinner. There were heartfelt toasts, plenty of laughter, followed by wedding cake and dancing. Jimi and Sarah looked radiant, content and completely in love. Leonard handed out sunflower pins with a sweet quote honoring Vicki that read, “I want to be like a sunflower so that even on the darkest days I will stand tall and find the sunshine.”
Nushagak River Adventures Lodge is a famous salmon and Bristol Bay fly-out fishing lodge that made for a great Alaska wedding venue and can easily make a great set up for large group events and corporate retreats. Reach out if this is on your mind.
**Special thanks to Kimra Widmer for sharing her wedding photography for use in our blog.
