This Elopement.

This Couple.

Their Story.

It all made my cheeks hurt from SMILING so much!

Jodi and Patrick met each other 35 years ago in college and had a “love at first sight” moment.  In the words of the bride, “After that brief but powerful initial encounter, we each went our own ways, not knowing that we each felt like we had met the love of our lives, and lost track of each other for 30 years.”

Finally, 7 years ago they found themselves reconnecting from across the USA and finally spilled the beans about how they felt about each other decades ago.  Hit the fast forward button and they make a home in NYC then find themselves seeking a unique way to elope… An adventure wedding in Iceland followed by a honeymoon which would explore the entire island was what called to both of their souls!

So come with us today as we relive their EPIC adventurous elopement in Iceland!  Side Note: Their fabulous Iceland elopement was recently featured on Offbeat Bride, check out more of their amazing love story HERE!

The action packed Iceland wedding day began at 5:30am at Hotel Grimsborgir with hair, makeup, and an exciting first look!

Jodi’s Iceland wedding bouquet was one of my all time favorites!

Ugh, and Jodi’s STUNNING Iceland wedding dress was brilliant!  I love princess gowns like this that blow so beautifully around in the Icelandic wind!

…and what adventure bride would be complete without waterproof rain boots?!  Jodi’s something “blue” were these beauties!

Patrick was head to toe handsome with his awesome gray suit!  I love gray Iceland wedding suits on our grooms!

And what adventurous groom would be without his hiking boots on his Iceland wedding day?!

Our Iceland wedding hair and makeup stylist hooked Jodi up with the perfect windproof styles!

Then our amazing super jeep team took them to their beautiful lakeside ceremony spot where after exploring commenced!

After their Iceland wedding ceremony, they had so much fun exploring the area!

A luxury picnic lunch on a private black sand beach is the BEST way to celebrate your elopement in Iceland!

Our next stop during Jodi and Patrick’s luxury elopement in Iceland had views for days…

Not to mention that the Iceland wedding photographer (Ann Peters) was also in a harness tethered to a rope tied to the super jeep to get the next few amazing shots!  True adventure wedding photographer style

Private geothermal areas are my new favorite spot!

The sun and these amazing golden cliffs for Jodi and Patrick’s amazing Iceland wedding photos!

After a glorious 12 hour adventure wedding, we found our way back to the hotel to rest and refresh before their sweet little dinner for two!

Oh la la Jodi and Patrick!  Epic day with one of the most adventurous couples EVER!  Thanks for being so unforgettable!  May these Iceland wedding portraits allow you to relive that EPIC day in your lives over and over again!

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Jaw Dropping Elopement in Iceland: Jodi + Patrick appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Once they contacted us here at Iceland Wedding Planner, they realized how awesome it would be to have private wedding locations and were very keen to have a “day of memory making” no matter the weather conditions.  Well, Iceland never disappoints with surprises and unpredictable weather, that’s for sure!  For 3 days straight there was a storm that hit the South and their wedding day was right between them.  They embraced the unruly weather and came prepared even with wedding attire that would stand out from the blizzard-like conditions!  Well done Angela + Shirish, I must say!

So! Come along with us today to experience their intimate winter wedding in Iceland!

Often into April we still have snow and snow capped peaks!

Okay okay so can we PAUSE for a second and enjoy the details of Angela’s Iceland wedding dress?  Did I mention she also had a blue velvet cape?! #yesplease

…and how darling were her shoes for their dinner after their Iceland wedding adventure?

Ohhhh and Shirish, he had some serious style too with his Iceland groom details!

If you have not been to Icelandair Vik before, there is usually an incredible view of the Reynisdrangar basalt stacks but they are hidden because of the blizzard-like conditions!

…and so we were off into the extremely exciting adventure wedding day trek!

There was just something so magical about the two of them smiling at each other from across the fire in front of that beautiful secret waterfall and Angela’s cape blowing!

They jointly recited their vows together to make it even more meaningful.  Notice they were laminated!  They were ready for any kind of weather Iceland decided to give them!

Exchanging tokens doesn’t always have to be “rings” you know, right?  Shirish chose to give Angela a necklace and Angela chose a watch for Shirish!

Hello Blizzard.  Biggest snowflakes I think any of us had EVER seen!

Seriously folks, the snow was PILING up on all of us!  Such an epic memory!  Endless HIGH FIVES to these two and embracing the snow storm during their elopement in Iceland!

I almost feel like they were challenging the snow, like “Is that the best you can do?”  They just adventured and laughed harder through it!

Coffee Break!

Mmm and onto the warmest and luxury part of the day… Their Iceland Luxury Picnic in a private cave!

One of my all-time favorite sayings is, “Life is either a great adventure or nothing at all!”  So very true!

Nothing more amazing than quite moments spent in secret canyons with hidden waterfalls for Iceland wedding photos!  Swoon!

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Intimate Winter Wedding in Iceland appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

We headed south from Reykjavik and found our way to a secret canyon!  Even though Iceland this year has had the MILDEST winter ever on record, we were lucky enough to have a DREAMY snowy Iceland couple’s adventurous portrait session! …little did Katie know she was moments away from Dave proposing too!  Please come alongside with us today to experience their romantic marriage proposal in Iceland!

The series below of Katie’s reaction to Dave’s Iceland marriage proposal was PRICELESS!

It’s always fun to take a few minutes and admire your new Iceland wedding ring!

The Adventure and the SNOW during this Iceland proposal session was pure MAGIC!

An Iceland proposal must do: Secret Waterfall Kisses!

…and then add in some Iceland Pre-Wedding snuggles and we’re all set!

…the end of the day (actually the light for the day) started to draw to a close and I couldn’t help but have one last swoon as we headed back into the city over this beautifully lit mountain!  What a beautiful fun stop for these newly engaged couple from Chicago! ? ? ?

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Marriage Proposal | Dave + Katie’s Winter Photo Adventure appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Matt and Elita came to us here at Iceland Wedding (Your Adventure Wedding) saying they were a 10 on our adventure scale, rain or shine.  That’s a HUGE number in our world with a lot of amazing options.  They were excited at the idea of hiking to some unforgettable spots and spending time to explore on their first day as newlyweds.  So come along with me today to see how their incredible elopement adventure day in Iceland played out!  Also feel free to checkout one of our favorite wedding blogs, Offbeat Bride where more photos from their day!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Wedding Planners + Photographers)

I love when couples choose to get ready together on their Iceland wedding day.

How pretty is this Iceland wedding bouquet?!

…and so much happening here I love!  The beard, the braid, the suit, the boutonniere!  This Iceland groom has style!

Hiking, backpacks, kisses, and ice caves, all just kinda go together during an Iceland wedding day!

Hiking to your Iceland wedding ceremony spot is a super special moment!

…and who doesn’t want to forge some rivers during your Iceland elopement!

Elita and Matthew said their vows to each other at a beautiful glacier area during their Iceland elopement adventure.

Elita forged rivers like a BOSS during her elopement in Iceland! That’s what extra boots and socks are for right?!

An elopement in Iceland goes up a notch when you partake in a traditional hot dog bbq with all the toppings for your lunch stop!

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Elopement Photographer | Matt + Elita’s Adventurous Hiking Wedding in Iceland appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

But…. If you have some extra funds that you can put towards even just 3 of the items below, you will create a more memorable visual experience for your guests / selves during your fabulous Iceland wedding reception dinner.  Many of the options below are affordable and will make a huge difference in your overall ambiance during your Iceland wedding reception.

1: LOVE Balloons 

This is a personal favorite of us here at Iceland Wedding Planner because this not only is super fun (warm and inviting), but it photographs well throughout the entire night.

2: Chair Ties

Having chair ties is an affordable way to dress up your Iceland wedding reception.  Imagine how beautiful the space can look when you add in a chair tie that compliments your color scheme too!  These can easily add to the “wow factor” to your guests.

3: Place Cards

I personally love having assigned seating place cards for several reasons, such as the following: They can bring full circle your color scheme, dress up the table, give your guests something to swoon over, they can act as a “meal choice” marker, they avoid chaos / awkward moments between guests.

4: Charger Plates 

5:  Create warm ambiance with tall candles down the table

6:  Iceland Wedding Dinner Menu’s

This is a brilliant and budget friendly (even do-it-yourself) item that makes a huge difference not only in the place setting (hello pretty Iceland wedding photos) but also to your guests!  It’s nice to know what they’ll be eating, you know?  …and this is an easy way to communicate to your guests what you are offering in the bar on your tab.  I adore pretty dual purpose Iceland wedding decor items!

7: Marquee Signs 

They add a fantastic fun flare, so why not!

8: Table Runners

9: Colored Napkins

I would say 85% of the Iceland wedding venues and restaurants offer white / white linens.  The other 15% does paper napkins.  So how about bringing in your own cloth napkins that goes along with your Iceland wedding color scheme or renting some from us?

10: Hang Something in the Room!

Examples could be… A bubble wall, glass globes, a background, lights, etc.

11: Iceland Wedding Party Favors

Everyone enjoys getting a little thoughtful treat!  Add to your guests Iceland wedding adventure experience by surprising them with a party favor!  Could be things like… Icelandic Chocolates, Salts, Wool Items, Soaps, Moss/Lava Candles, Books, etc to have as your Iceland wedding favors.

12: Icelandic Wedding Cake

Did you know there is a super cool Icelandic tradition that goes with the Kransakaka (Iceland wedding cake)?

13: Napkin Rings

14: Special Glasses that are themed

15: Chandeliers

Add a easy elegance to your Iceland wedding reception decor.  Can be fancy or rustic!

16: Craft Your Own Personal Sign

What a lovely way to add a bit of your personalities into your Iceland wedding reception!  Hanging a fun sign like “The Adventure Begins,” “Adventure Together,” or even simply “Just Married” is a fun reminder of why everyone came to Iceland in the first place!

17: Chair Covers

18: Embrace the local Nature into your Design Plan

Could be including items like… Driftwood, Moss (dried like the below, do not take live), Basalt Rocks, Wool, Reindeer Furs, etc (Special Note: Please talk to landowners before you even THINK about going scavenging).

19: Chair Signs

20: Add in your Adventures Together!

Have you visited a ton of places together or have a dream to adventure together to a long list of places?!  Then incorporate those dreamy locales into your Iceland wedding reception centerpiece decor!  Guests appreciate (and often “wow-ed” by) that personal touch!

21: Rent your Iceland Wedding Reception Décor from Iceland Wedding Planner!

It’s not easy to haul an entire suitcase(s) full of wedding planning decor to Iceland (remember, I’ve been there done that almost a decade ago!)!   That said, we encourage you to take a look at the Rental section of our website and inquire about the availability of an item(s) you love.

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post 21 Practical Decorating Ideas to Enhance Your Iceland Wedding Reception appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

We have all kinds of topics for you to consider so please take a few minutes (to click the below link topics) to peruse and contact us if you find something of interest to use for your Iceland wedding day (Note: We are happy to rent to non-clients too)!

Iceland Wedding Dresses

Iceland Wedding Bridal Accessories

Iceland Wedding Groom Accessories

Iceland Wedding Flowers

Iceland Wedding Ceremony Decor

Iceland Wedding Lighting

Iceland Wedding Signs

Iceland Wedding Reception Decor

Iceland Wedding Reception Centerpieces

Iceland Wedding Reception Linens

Iceland Wedding Votives and Vases

Iceland Wedding Place Card Holders and Table Numbers

MISC Iceland Wedding Rental Items

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Wedding Rentals for Ceremony and Reception Details appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

This lively duo was planning a trip to Ireland to discover family roots when they got the brilliant idea of having an elopement in Iceland during their trip to Europe.  Together Marlene and Alan love the outdoors, water, nature, offbeat travel, and unique experiences.  Immediately I thought of the perfect location for them to stay during their time here in Iceland… Inside of the Dyrholaey Lighthouse.  Did you know you can rent the entire lighthouse exclusively?  You can and it’s the ultimate Iceland elopement experience!  Tag along with me today to experience their incredible Iceland wedding day hunting secret waterfalls!

As the sun rose at the start of their Iceland wedding adventure the excitement grew!  The sunrise was magical from the top of the lighthouse as Marlene and Alan got ready together.

Staying within tradition, they did not want to fully see each other until the adventure wedding was going to begin so what better way to kick it off then with a first look in front of the lighthouse!

One of my favorite things about these two was the fact they had little surprises for each other throughout the day.  The first from Alan was the Iceland wedding ceremony setup.  He thoughtfully crafted little notes for Marlene to read to put on the ceremony rug.  We took it one step further by turning the notes into an awesome aisle way and little rocks on top (to be wind proof)!

Since the theme of the day was secret waterfall hunting, we continued onto more Iceland wedding day adventures!  And to one of my favorite badass waterfalls!

You’ll find the landscape can change rather quickly here and it’s exciting to create unique Iceland wedding photos!

During the months of mid June to late September you will see a green here in Iceland that exists nowhere else in the world.  It’s vibrant, refreshing, and inspiring!  …and when the light hits it, it often changes!  So when you see it during your adventure wedding day, you must make your Iceland wedding photographer STOP!

An action packed Iceland adventure wedding with us still has time for lunch and these two opted in for a delicious bbq of Icelandic hot dogs! Mmmmm!  It just so happened to come with a lovely view too!

It was super hard for me to leave these spot… But alas, I had to because we had 2 more adventure wedding stops!

At this point I pinched myself.  Really, I did.  Having a blue sky day puffy cloud day here for your Iceland wedding day is rare.  Rare and incredibly awesome when it does happen, that’s for sure!  We savored every second and every inch of the daylight we had.  Once we had enough of waterfall hunting we moved on to black sand beach exploring!  It was fun and full of so much LOVE!

The last surprise Marlene had for Alan was having us style something super cute for their Iceland wedding reception!  I love when clients upgrade to a romantic dinner for two!

Since the day was full of so many awesome surprises between the two of them, we decided to surprise them with some sparklers for a Iceland wedding photo nighttime shot!

We hope this elopement in Iceland today has made you gush with envy!  Feel free to contact us when you’re ready to start planning your epic Iceland wedding adventure!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Wedding Photographers + Planners)

© 2016, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Elopement Photographer | Marlene + Alan’s Waterfall Adventure Wedding appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

To Seat or Not to Seat Your Guests

Seating your guests can be a tricky little decision to make but today, I’d like to give you some Iceland wedding advice for why you should and when you can get away with not…

Why should you seat your guests for your Iceland wedding ceremony?

1. Comfort of your guests (An Iceland wedding can bring in a whole new level of interesting dynamics like 16+ mph winds, sideways rain/snow, blazing sunshine, or a late starting ceremony.  A chair can make a world of a difference to the guest avoiding fatigue or becoming antsy).
2. For the sake of your EPIC Iceland wedding photographs!  No joke folks… The framing on your wedding photos will be stellar if you have your guests seated versus not.  If there is not a taller point (or your Iceland wedding photographer doesn’t come with a ladder like we do) then your photographs may not have as awesome of a depth and defining point between you two and your guests without it (Note: There are exceptions to this rule as you will read below).
3. Allows for you to have a pretty and/or formal aisle way to make your walk down (whether that means you get walked down by someone special, your strut yourself down it yourself or hand in hand with your soon to be!).
4. This also sets the scene for you to have a rockin’ exit! Hello petal throw, bubbles, or banner waving!
5. We offer Iceland wedding ceremony seating rentals… Making it very EASY on you!  See HERE for more information on items we rent.

So then you’re probably curious as to how you should seat your guests during your wedding ceremony in Iceland, right?

• VIP’s in the first row (IE, Parents / Grandparents).
• If going a traditional route and wanting people to “pick sides” then anyone there specifically supporting the bride would sit on the left hand side (lucky left!).
• Groom’s family and friends would then sit on the righthand side.
• The following rows consist of other immediate family and friends.

Additional sensitive issues to keep in mind…

• Any elderly folks should be seated in the front few rows to be able to see and hear properly.
• Any parents with small children seated at the end towards the back incase they need to step away.
• Folks who have any injuries, diseases, or disabilities seated on the ends so their equipment has space.

So then you are now dying to know what seating options are available here in Iceland for your wedding ceremony.. Some sweet and unique selections follow below and vary in price (also be sure to check out our Ceremony Rental section):

1. Standard Wooden Folding Chairs (typically in black or white)
2. Chiavari Chairs with Cushions
3. Clear Chairs
4. Benches (with and without fur)
5. Sheep Fur Stools
6. Wooden Pallets
7. Antique Chairs
8. Hay Bales
9. Driftwood
10. Icelandic Wool Blankets or Reindeer Skins

Iceland wedding locations or scenarios where you do not need to seat your guests:

1. Iceland Church Wedding (because they are already there!).
2. Iceland Glacier Wedding (it’s just not safe between the ice, potential of glacial quick sand, or the length of walk/hike to get to the perfect ceremony spot).
3. Moss Covered Lava Field (we cannot ruin nature).
4. Your Ceremony is less than 5 minutes.
5. You have under 3-6 guests attending and they are fully aware and on board.
6. You have hired a very capable Iceland Wedding Planner (Day of Planner) who can take charge and clearly direct guests to standing spots that create a nice aisle for you to walk down and your photographers to shoot through.

So what is our preference for you to have during your wedding ceremony in Iceland?  Have chairs, just do it.  They may seem like an unneeded expense at the time of planning but  when you get your wedding photos back, you’ll be so happy you splurged for them (happy comfortable guests)!

Outside of the fabulous choices for Iceland wedding ceremony decor, you should also make the decision on whether or not you will have an unplugged Iceland wedding ceremony.  Our vote is that you for sure DO IT.  I hope today has provided you with some “food for thought” as you plan your epic adventure to Iceland for your wedding!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Wedding Photographers + Planners)

© 2016, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Wedding Ceremony: To Seat or Not to Seat? appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Ohhh la la THIS Iceland wedding dress and details might go down as an all time fave!

The perfect combination of bouquet and boutonniere for K+A’s Icelandic Elopement!

During an adventure wedding in Iceland, our couples and their guests more often than not, have 3 pairs of shoes on hand… Hiking Boots, Waterproof tall boots, and Iceland wedding reception dress shoes.

K+A were most intrigued by a traditional Asatru Iceland wedding ceremony. Their Iceland wedding ceremony was dreamy on that beach!

After the beautiful beach above, we showed this fab duo a secret cave that had the most amazing outlook!

Will you take a walk through a lupine field on your Iceland Wedding Day?

The textures and tones of our secret locations for Iceland weddings is totally incredible, right?

…and who doesn’t want to stop in a cave for lunch?

Then on to a magnificent glacier to privately explore?

Have you ever seen a green like this?!  Yeah, it only exists in Iceland.

This amazing elopement happened on the longest day of the year here in Iceland, and oh boy did we take advantage of it and this couple hit a new record of locations we adventured to… 12!

There are never any “rules” during our Iceland adventure wedding days, so if you feel cold or want to change part way through the day into hiking gear, do it!

Thanks for stopping by to check out this dreamy and awesomely adventurous elopement in Iceland!  Stay tuned next week when we announce something super duper exciting for us!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Wedding Photographers + Planners)

© 2016, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Destination Elopement: K+A appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

During that moment in time, they declared their endless love and admiration to each other.  It was a marvelous and magical blue sky day!  I mean LOOK at that Iceland Elopement VIEW below?  Hello – Did I walk into a fairy tale?

Do you remember their gorgeous Icelandic elopement was featured by the amazing Smitten Magazine?  Go back HERE to relive and explore!

Very few people are brave enough to choose Northern Iceland as their Iceland wedding location but more should!  More often than not, it’s a hidden offbeat gem people do not typically venture to.  The area literally breathes fire and ice just as Miranda and Pete’s Iceland wedding reception for two!

M+P:  Happy first Iceland wedding anniversary!  Your wedding day in Iceland was EPIC, just in case you forgot!  I know Iceland pulls at you like it does me =) so I do not need to invite you back, because I’m pretty sure each year you’ll be “called” back here in your hearts!  Savor today, and I wish you endless more!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Adventure Wedding Planners + Photographers)

© 2016, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Wedding Photos: 1st Wedding Anniversary M+P appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.