Getting asked to photograph a destination wedding
When you get contacted to shoot a destination wedding, that is a whole new feeling. It is like a reward and almost disbelief. A pride that someone wants to take you with them! Needless to say I was over the moon when S+C asked me to photography their Iceland elopement. Iceland is a country that was on my to visit list, and my word it didn’t disappoint.
I flew out on the 27th of December, with the wedding set for two days after. It’s nice to get there with a day or so to spare, incase of flight delays, and to generally settle in. The first thing I do, is meet with the couple for a drink or dinner the night before and just have a wee catch up. In this case we caught up in a cute little bar in Reykjavik.
Day One – The Ceremony
The ceremony took place at Seljalandsfoss, a beautiful waterfall on the southern coast of Iceland. I started by heading over to the hotel in Reykjavik, where I went from room to room capturing the preparations. Then at 11am we hopped on the bus and headed for the waterfall. With it being winter, the time of light is only 2/3 hours. So to say we were limited was an understatement. It was an hour or so drive, past the fields of wild horses and meandering along the coastal road. Upon arrival we walked to the base of the fall, and waiting for Claires arrival.
It was minus 10 but the picturesque landscape made the frozen hands completely worth it. It was a delightful ceremony under the watchful eye of a plethora of excited tourists. We then climbed a few steps to get a better vantage point before jumping back on the bus to head back to Reykjavik.
We had pre planned to get up early the next day to capture some portraits. Tonight however, we just headed back to enjoy an intimate meal with family and friends and a delightful restaurant in the capital.
Day Two – The Adventure
We got up nice an early to begin our journey back to the south coast. We started by trekking to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck. For those wandering it’s about a 30 minute walk from the main road – who doesn’t want an adventure on the day. I always have a fascination with derelict objects. The shapes and sources of light the wreck provided was right up my street.
We then headed to Vik beach, or the black sand beach as it’s more commonly known. A blizzard had set in, so it was just myself and Sean who ventured out. The basalt rocks and black sand have been on my too do list for ages. Today however, the black sand was a lovely shade of white. This added an extra element of beautiful to the rock inages. I’d love to go in summer to utilise the white dress on the pure black! Contrast dreams.
Upon leaving Vik, we ventured back, stopping roadside to capture a few snaps before heading up to Seljavallalaug, A man made swimming pool using the natural thermal water. It was just myself that ventured up, as the frozen river was too treacherous. I took a quick dip, but yeah it was super freezing, but well worth and adventure.
We then headed back to the hotel, grabbed a drink and then our adventure together was over, I stayed for new year which was a glorious occasion and one that i recommend people do! A New year for those who can’t be bothered with New Years!
Future Iceland Destination Weddings
I’d love to head back to Iceland, maybe this time in the summer, as there are so many incredible locations I’d love to explore. It truly is a photographers dream and one in which I feel I have scratched the surface of.
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Wedding Suppliers Featured At This Wedding:
Gavin Jacob Power (Photography)
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