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Destination Wedding in Iceland | David + Rachel

A countryside wedding in Iceland

It’s 5 a.m. in the morning and we can’t sleep. It’s not because of the hotel. The Stracta Hotel is charming and quite comfortable. It’s not the weather outside. Everything is calm and serene. It’s not even the threat of the towering Hekla volcano in the distance that has been rumbling in recent days. No, it’s none of those things. It’s simply the fact that David and Rachel’s nuptials are just hours away and we have the incredible privilege of documenting their day. How surreal is this? We’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on a Nordic island the size of the state of Kentucky. Outside our window is the small town of Hella. A population of roughly 780 but sheep and horses seem to dominate the view across the fields. Anticipation and adrenaline mix into this dreamlike state. There’s so many opportunities to create photographic memories with a setting like this. It’s no wonder we’re ready to get out of bed so early.

morning sunrise in Hella Iceland

Icelandic Sheep grazing in field in Iceland

How did we get to Iceland in the first place?

Everything begins in the capitol city of Reykjavík. David and Rachel decided to move here from England to create a new life for themselves filled with adventure. Reykjavík provided the perfect balance for their lifestyle. Mixing professional careers with their love for the outdoors. David could follow his path as a software engineer and Rachel could expand her rise as a talented graphic designer. With gorgeous terrain and shorelines all around them, every afternoon becomes an opportunity for exploration.

In 2016 something totally unique occurred. Following an old leap year tradition, Rachel proposed to David on the 29th of February. They were soaking in a local hot springs pool by the city lighthouse when she popped the question. Of course he said yes and the rest is history. It was now time to begin planning an intimate destination wedding for their family and friends from England. Thankfully, photography was high atop their list as one of the primary items to secure. Through a series of emails and Skype video calls, we were able to finalize arrangements to photograph their wedding.

In late August we arrived in Iceland. Several days before the wedding so we could do our own sightseeing. Before heading out on our mini vacation, we were able to connect with David and Rachel and enjoy a wonderful dinner at Snaps Bistro. We were also able to enjoy an afternoon hike with them which yielded one of the most impressive sunsets we’ve ever seen.

romantic hike sunset in Iceland

Planning an intimate wedding in Iceland

So how exactly do you plan an intimate wedding in Iceland that takes advantage of the southern coast of the country? Well, allow us to take you through a visual journey of David and Rachel’s big day. In the end it may serve as a rough draft for future brides looking to elope or host an intimate wedding in Iceland.

If possible, plan to make a grand entrance. The wedding ceremony was set to take place in a small church in Hella, but the bride was getting reading in Reykjavík; about an hour and a half away. So she reached out to a close friend who happens to be a pilot so she could be flown to the countryside church. Not only was this a notable way to arrive for the occasion, but it also allowed her to enjoy a scenic tour of the coastline from the air with her father. He had never been to Iceland before.

We rushed over to the grassy runway with a our cameras to capture every angle possible. As we were waiting for the plane to arrive we ran into another group on a bachelor party weekend. Their groom was about to parachute in as they were enjoying some drinks and a feisty game of football (soccer for us American folks).

Icelandic men playing football in underwear

Groom skydiving in Hella Iceland

Bachelor party rushing groom in Hella Iceland

At last Rachel arrives with her father by her side and we quickly make our way over to the small quaint church.

Tacnam place approaching runway Hella Iceland

Tecnam plane approaching hella iceland

Bride and father leaving Tecnam plane in Hella Iceland

Bride and father leaving plane in Hella Icdland

Bride arriving Oddakirkja church in Iceland

Groom getting ready in Oddakirkja church Iceland

Groom waiting for bride in Oddakirkja church in Iceland

the ceremony, we grab a few quick photographs in the sprawling fields and hills around the church.

Bride and groom portraits front of Oddikirkja church in Hella Iceland

Bride and groom private moment enjoying scenery around Hella Iceland

playful moment with couple walking near Oddikirkja church in Hella Iceland

Throughout the morning we’ve enjoyed sunny blue skies but in Iceland, the weather can break at any moment. As we make our way further east to seek out a waterfall for some epic portraits, the clouds begin to roll in and droplets hit our windshield. Nonetheless we push through and arrive at Seljalandsfoss, one of the best known waterfalls in the southern region just off the Ring Road on Route 1.

Bride and groom walking to Seljalandsfoss

Romantic photograph in front of Seljalandsfoss Iceland

Romantic photograph in front of Seljalandsfoss Iceland

Playful couple walking near Seljalandsfoss Iceland

It’s also one of the only falls where you can actually hike up the side of the mountain and walk directly behind the cascading water. Our brave bride makes the trek up the mountain in heels with water spraying everywhere. Every step a slippery adventure. Thankfully the weather holds off long enough to get several images on and around the waterfall.

Kissing under Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

A walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

Bride and groom climbing side of mountain by Seljalandsfoss waterfall Iceland

romantic portrait at Seljalandsfoss waterfall iceland

romantic portrait at Seljalandsfoss waterfall iceland

Loving moment of couple at Seljalandsfoss waterfall Iceland

Groom looks emotionally as he helps his new bride down the mountain in Iceland

Couple walk down from Seljalandsfoss

Photo opp Seljalandsfoss Iceland

It’s now time to make the commute back to Reykjavík to meet up with family and friends for the festivities. On the way back into the capitol city, we make a quick stop at Heiðmörk as we try to squeeze in a few more portraits in between rain clouds.

Couple excited to arrive at Heiðmörk Iceland

Couple embrace and enjoying each other in Heiðmörk Iceland

Couple embrace and enjoying rain in Heiðmörk Iceland

Bride and groom rain portrait in Heiðmörk Iceland

Finally we arrive a Flóran Café Bistro, the site of David and Rachel’s intimate wedding reception. A wonderful spot located inside the Botanical Gardens of Reykjavík.

couple arrives at Floran Bistro Iceland

Couple enjoy wedding day wine as they arrive at their reception in Floran Bistro Iceland

Couple enjoy wedding toast as they arrive at their reception in Floran Bistro Iceland

Couple enjoy wedding day wine as they arrive at their reception in Floran Bistro Iceland

reception details at Floran Bistro Reykjavík Iceland

reception details old photos at Floran Bistro Reykjavík Iceland

Reception space in Floran Cafe Reykjavík Iceland

wedding cake made by bride iceland

Without a doubt, Iceland left a gigantic impression on us. A dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and massive glaciers. So many photographic options for a destination wedding. We sincerely thank David and Rachel for bringing us along to document such an important day.

If you are considering a simple elopement or an intimate wedding in Iceland; we’d love to speak with you. After traveling through this great island, we have many tips on how to plan your wedding on a mountaintop, the countryside or on a black sand beach. We can also share other suggestions on hotels, Airbnb’s and great places to eat. Feel free to pick our brain. Contact us here to begin your journey!

Iceland Engagement | An American Girl and Her Viking

Kaelene met H (Helgi) in 2011 while studying abroad in Australia. Meeting someone special was not part of the plan at that time. Her focus was centered on two things, her internship and traveling as much as possible. Nonetheless she found herself falling hard for the guy from Iceland. Their journey to this very moment in time is quite interesting. So if you want to learn more about their love story, visit Kaeleen’s blog Unlocking Kiki.

We met up with Kaelene and H at Heiðmork. It’s the largest and most popular recreational park near Reykjavík. A location where millions of visitors enjoy nature and Iceland’s national pastime, hiking. It’s one of the only areas where you might be able to say there’s a forest. Well, maybe. You see Iceland is more about volcanic formations and hot springs than about tall trees. In jest some Icelanders will say “if you ever get lost in an Icelandic forest, just stand up”. However this country is spectacular in so many unexpected ways and a constant feast for the eyes.

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Their chemistry is undeniable. This Viking loves his American girl.iceland-engagement-destination-viridian-images-photography-3 iceland-engagement-destination-viridian-images-photography
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Adorable Icelandic horses greet our couple as they make their way back down from the mountain. They are the only breed of horse in Iceland and are typically used for traditional sheepherding, showing and riding. Incredibly friendly and approachable at all times. They will take all the attention you can give them.iceland-engagement-destination-horses-viridian-images-photography-8

They even serve as great models.iceland-engagement-destiation-horses-viridian-images-photography-9 iceland-engagement-destination-viridian-images-photography-10 Next up, the beautiful black sand beach of Þorlákshöfn where a long shoreline meets volcanic rock clusters of basalt.

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The one thing you can always count on in Iceland; the unpredictable weather. Constant wind gusts, intermittent sun and rolling clouds which seem to change intensity from one minute to the next. However unlike anywhere else, it feels perfect.iceland-engagement-destination-black-sand-beach-viridian-images-photography-17 iceland-engagement-destination-black-sand-beach-viridian-images-photography-18 iceland-engagement-destiation-black-sand-beach-viridian-images-photography-19 iceland-engagement-destination-black-sand-beach-viridian-images-photography-20 iceland-engagement-destination-black-sand-beach-rocks-viridian-images-photography-21

While shooting by rocks we stumbled across Minke Whales swimming just a few yards away. Normally one has to spend a good chunk of change to purchase excursions to see these amazing animals but we were blessed by their presence for a few brief minutes. iceland-engagement-destination-black-sand-beach-rocks-viridian-images-photography-22iceland-engagement-destination-minke-whales-viridian-images-photography-whale-26

Authentic Icelandic sweaters made by H’s mother are perfect for the cool wind gusts coming from the ocean.

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It was a blast to hang out with this beautiful couple for a few hours. We sincerely want to thank Kaelene for providing suggestions on where to go, what to eat and what to see. A great portion of our stay in Iceland was practically mapped out on her recommendations. Be sure to check out Kaelene’s blog Unlocking Kiki for further details on how to get the most of your time in Iceland.

This was undoubtedly a memorable trip. We enjoyed it so much that we’re already planning our next trip back so we can check out the west side of this magnificent island. If you’re interested in planning a destination wedding in Iceland or simply looking to elope; we’d love to speak with you about your photography needs. With special elopement packages and wedding collections, we can provide comprehensive coverage anywhere your love takes you.

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