Summertime in Alaska means the return of our beloved fireweed. A tall, purple flower with a funny name, the fireweed is beautiful, majestic, and makes yummy jelly, too! When we first started planning Michelle’s maternity session and talked about the different location options, she was sold at the mention of fireweed. This particular fireweed field is a tucked-away secret and one of my favorite spots for sessions. The field only blooms for a few weeks in July and we caught it at just the right time.

The day dawned bright (but not clear due to the recent wildfires) and we celebrated this new addition to the family. I photographed Emma as a baby and to see her now become a big sister is truly heart-warming.

and it case you want it…

Fireweed Jelly
from The Wild Kitchen

Ingredients

2 1⁄2 cups fireweed juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1⁄2 teaspoon butter
1 (one 3/4oz) package dry pectin
3 cups sugar

Step 1
For fireweed juice: Harvest about 8 packed cups of fireweed flowers.

Step 2
Rinse thoroughly and put in 2 quart pot. Add just enough water to make water level just below top of packed flowers. (Juice should be a deep purple color when finished. If too much water is used in boiling process, juice will be a brownish color. More water can always be added after flowers are boiled to increase amount of juice.)

Step 3
Boil flowers in water until color is boiled out and petals are a grayish color.

Step 4
Ladle juice into jar through cheesecloth to strain.

Step 5
Heat fireweed juice, lemon juice and butter on stovetop.

Step 6
Add pectin, bring to boil and boil hard for one minute.

Step 7
Add sugar and bring to full boil for one minute. Skim top of jelly.

Step 8
Fill sterilized jars leaving 1/8 inch space at top. Process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.

enjoy!

Megan Marlene Photography specializes in motherhood & family photography in the greater Anchorage area. My natural light studio is a warm, lovely space for maternity, newborn, and baby sessions and my golden field and mountainside locations are perfect for family sessions. I welcome families from Anchorage, Eagle River, JBER, Girdwood, Chugiak, Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake, and from across Alaska and the lower 48.

Sessions with me are a relaxed, memorable experience. From wardrobe and styling to a modern minimalist studio stocked with the best snacks and even a play area for siblings, every detail has been taken of so that my clients and families feel cared for in the best way possible.

I would love to begin planning your own family session. To see more of my work visit here and get a taste of the experience over here. If this is something you want for your family, please get in touch through the contact button above or email me directly at hello@meganmarlene.com