-John Muir

Photographing Fall weddings in Iceland are hands down my favorite.  September often ushers in brisker temperatures and Northern Lights.  While the land stays green until mid October as the bushes and ground cover transition to shades of red, orange, and yellow.  As if it was possible, the landscapes somehow become more alive.  Fall is an incredible time to hold your Iceland wedding day or have Iceland wedding photos taken!

Kristi and Luke reached out to us over 19 months before their desired Iceland wedding date seeking a unique destination wedding experience for them and their 40+ Iceland wedding guests.  Their fab wedding was also featured on one of my favorite blogs: Jet Fete, go them out for some more photos!  In the meantime I hope you’re excited to tag along with us today and experience their Iceland wedding day!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer)

After careful consideration, Kristi and Luke decided on the ION Adventure Hotel as their Iceland wedding host hotel.

How pretty are their Iceland wedding timeline cards?

…and THESE Iceland wedding welcome bags?!

When Kristi and Luke originally reached out to us, they felt a connection to having their Iceland wedding ceremony at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.  A Note to You, the Reader: Since I began my business here in 2012, the amount of tourism has exponentially increased (more than doubled every year) and Seljalandsfoss no longer exudes privacy or intimacy for a wedding ceremony. That said, after reviewing some other secret waterfalls we presented, Kristi + Luke fell in love with this intricate gem to start their Iceland wedding day!

Ugh! These TWO! And their little looks at each other throughout their Iceland wedding day kept me swooning!

Still wanting their guests to experience the incredible beauty of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, we had a quick stop for a glass of champagne to toast the newlyweds on their Iceland wedding day!

Iceland Wedding Planner does not typically go to the iconic natural wonder landmarks (we rather keep to our secret/private locations), but at a client’s request we happily include.  Because where else in the world do you have the chance to experience dynamic beaches like this?!  Reynisfjara, you never disappoint!

These textures and these tones… Incredible for Iceland wedding photos!

Kristi, Luke, and their wedding guests were game for a fun little hike into a secret little canyon waterfall!  …they encountered some of the locals on the trail

Taking your guests from being part of just your “wedding day” to crafting a unique adventure, that they will always remember as an EXPERIENCE is a very powerful dynamic of having a wedding in Iceland!

Pssssst!! Did you know there are countless waterfalls you can walk behind in Iceland?

Sod covered houses and kisses… Their first date as newlyweds! Love it!

Lava Fields + Love…. Swoon!

Connecting the outside to the inside of your Iceland wedding reception really adds to the experience.

When we started talking Iceland wedding reception decor design, Kristi wanted to have a warm inviting element added.  Our creation was this bubble wall that sat directly behind the bride and groom!  How fun!

Oh la la and when the bubbles were lit they were GORGEOUS!

Mmmmm…. Iceland wedding FOOD! Yum yum yum!

Kristi and Luke were looking for a unique alternative to having a traditional “guestbook” signing to display at their Iceland wedding reception.  This was SUCH a fun option!  They took one of our images we’ve shot, enlarged it and had their guests inscribe a memory!

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

The post Iceland Wedding Photography | Kristi + Luke appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

The groom, Jared contacted me first with a rather cute email way back in September of 2013 saying, “I’m on an initial scout attempt at epic wedding locations. Searched for Iceland and it brought me to your site.  You’re awesome, exactly what we are looking for.” And then a month or so later his bride Ciara, follows the message up with, “We can Skype soon but we’re currently moving from Alaska to Wyoming, so maybe next week?”   I totally laughed and enjoyed those notes for 2 reasons:

1. Knowing Jared after 2 years of planning, he’s a hardcore adventurer (so is Ciara), a jokester, and pretty straight to the point too! …and Ciara wanted to make sure I knew why there was a delay in their response, you know she’s the super sweet thoughtful half of this dynamic duo.
2. I am happy that even 2 years ago I was spot on my brand message of planning adventure weddings, my vibe, and obviously my virtual personality protruded its way out from my words for folks to be EXCITED when they contacted me. That’s the goal, you know?

When we started planning Ciara and Jared’s August 1^st Iceland wedding almost 2 years ago, they were in love with the idea of getting married at the magnificent Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.  But after a super exciting pre-wedding day portrait session with them the Friday before their Iceland wedding day, I walked them around the area of the waterfall.  They both looked at each other and were overwhelmed by the amount of tourists flocking the areas (it’s changed THAT much in 2 years).

As you know from reading some of my previous posts, having an Iceland wedding in summer can be a bit of a challenge due to the crowds of tourists at all of the famed Route 1 stops.  I’m very aware and conscience that not all budgets allow the luxury of having super jeeps to escape the tourists so sometimes we need to get crafty on angles, get hiking, or I present plan “b” routes on the spot.  While, there were several nook and cranny spots I suggested to Ciara and Jared, that they could have had considered to have a more private feeling at the waterfall, in the end we executed “Plan B!”  There is a little hidden gem of a sod farm nearby we instead held their intimate affair.  Between the grass covered houses, rivers, pathways, cattle, mountains and the stunning 1800’s church it felt right for them.

The morning began at the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel with my “A-Team” of Iceland Hair and Makeup Artists and we were quickly out the door and on our way to the Icelandic Sod Farm.  The Iceland wedding ceremony scene was set with gorgeous colorful rose petals and unforgettable view as Ciara and Jared forever vowed themselves to each other at that Icelandic ranch.  The Iceland wedding day journey continued onto many locations inside the historical UNESCO site, Thingvellir National Park.  Afterwards, guests were welcomed back to a lovely Iceland wedding reception at the ION.  The reception was styled as if guests were stepping onto an Icelandic ranch, it was awesome! Wooden details, burlap, moss, petals for color, and a giant cow skin rug!  Swoon!  Anyhow, we hope you delight in their lovely Iceland wedding images take by Photos by Miss Ann, below!

With a smile, Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Planner + Photographer)

© 2015, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

The post Rustic Ranch Wedding in Iceland | Ciara + Jared appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Menu formation is a big decision on the Iceland wedding planning “to do” list.  Why?  Let’s be honest, every wedding you have gone to as a guest, there is ALWAYS a conversation about the flavors, quality, or quantity of the food.  Good, bad, ugly- it’s an inevitable topic of conversation.  So why not make sure your Iceland wedding meal boasts something totally unforgettable that will be talked about for years later?  Today, I’d like to help you do just that!

One of the many Iceland wedding budget items I often talk to my clients about is whether or not they want a 3 or 5 course meal.  The cost difference can vary depending on the region of Iceland, but the average (as of when this post was written) is approximately:

• 3 Course Iceland Wedding Meal (per person) = $65 USD
• 5 Course Iceland Wedding Meal (per person) = $100 USD

The majority of my adventure wedding clients plan a non-traditional Iceland wedding reception which is typically more food, cocktail, and conversation focused versus full on DJ/band dance party.  And because of this, my clients usually do budget in a little more luxury details being included in their Iceland wedding reception such as the following: Iceland Wedding Favors, Iceland Wedding Menus, an Icelandic Wedding Cake on display, and table styling (table runners, accent napkins, centerpieces, place cards, candles, chair sashes, etc).  Guests always swoon over those extra accoutrements, especially when they are in-between courses.

Now on to the mouthwatering part of this post… the actual food options you could expect for your Iceland Wedding Reception Meal.

Let’s start with the most common Iceland Appetizer options…

• Mushroom Soup
• Fish Soup
• Meat Soup
• Smoked Puffin
• Langoustine
• Salmon Tartar
• Shark
• Whale
• Mussels
• Smoked Arctic Char

Iceland Wedding Meal Main Courses…

• Rack of Lamb
• Arctic Char
• Salmon
• Monkfish
• Cod
• Trout
• Chicken
• Veal
• Beef Tenderloin

Iceland Wedding Desserts:

• Skyr Cake
• Mandarian Orange Cheesecake
• Icelandic Torte
• Chocolate Lava Cake
• Slöngukaka
• Iceland Wedding Cake
• Raspberry Sorbet

Iceland Wedding Meal Vegetarian Options:

• Smoked Leek and potato soup, hazelnuts, sour cream.
• Braised celeriac, roasted onions, onion jus and pickled mustard seeds.
• Green salad, pickled pearl onions, pureed sunflower seeds.
• Eggplant Parmesan
• Mushroom Risotto
• Confit Fennel
• Slow cooked toasted barley.
• Baked red beets, horseradish, poached egg and balsamic reduction.

I hope today you found yourself inspired by all of these delicious Iceland wedding reception menu choices!  Please enjoy the delicious images of these food items below!

With a smile, Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer)

© 2015, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

The post Iceland Wedding Menu Ideas appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

I hope this finds you well and super excited for the upcoming weekend!  So where does an adventurous bride who loves mountains and earthy wonders go to plan her wedding or elopement?  Well if she is anything like us, she heads over to one of the top wedding blogs out there, the prestigious Mountainside Bride!  Farid + Vanessa’s enticing Iceland elopement is showcased on their wonderful blog today… take a sweet second and check it out here! 

With a smile, Ann & Chris (Iceland Wedding Photographers)

The post Iceland Elopement Featured on Mountainside Bride appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Such a romantic quote that really captures the essentials of eloping in Iceland! We hope you have felt those dreamy vibes from the images we have shared with you over the last 3 posts of Farid and Vanessa’s Icelandic wedding adventure. If you missed it, be sure to go back and enjoy those posts here:

• Iceland Winter Engagement Session
• Iceland Wedding Ceremony at Lakeside Country Church
• Romantic Thingvellir National Park Wedding Photos

Today we are rounding out their thrill-seeking Iceland wedding day by bringing you back to the beginning of the day details and celebrating the end. All of which happened at the fabulous ION Luxury Adventure Hotel. Vanessa and Farid began their wedding day with a sunrise breakfast in ION’s Silfra Restaurant. After parting ways, Vanessa made her way down to the Lava Spa to meet the fabulous hairstylist Marion and talented makeup artist Harpa. Having such incredible light coming through the over-sized windows, we decided that it would be a stunning spot for Vanessa to get her wedding dress on along with doing a few pre-wedding bridal photos. Can you imagine a more perfect place to get ready for your wedding day in Iceland? Shortly after, we left for their Iceland wedding ceremony at a stunning lakeside country church and then the adventure continued to Thingvellir National Park for romantic Iceland winter wedding portraits.

After their beautiful Iceland wedding photos at Thingvellir while on the way back to the ION Hotel, we stumbled upon the sweetest horse farm! Icelandic horses are not like the typical North American sized horse. They are much smaller in stature with their cute stocky legs! I gave Farid and Vanessa part of my lunch to feed the horses and they became fast friends. One horse even became a little too friendly attempting to climb over the fence to play, surprising us all!

Back at the ION we continued the Iceland wedding photo adventure in the Northern Lights Bar and in the snow covered lava fields around the hotel. Farid and Vanessa made a February wedding in Iceland look gorgeous, right? You better believe it! A four course traditional Icelandic wedding reception dinner was exactly what they needed after an exciting day of newly wedded bliss and ION delivered. Iceland Wedding Planner thoughtfully decorated their sweetheart table with some dazzling details such as Iceland wedding menus, embroidered black and white bride and groom napkins, and the best Iceland wedding favors we have found to date… genuine Icelandic moss candles! Without further delay, we are super excited to share these Iceland wedding photos at the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel with you, enjoy!

With a smile,
Ann & Chris Peters (Iceland Wedding Photographer & Planner)

2014, Iceland Wedding Planner / Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Elopement at ION Luxury Adventure Hotel Selfoss | Wedding Photographer Iceland appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

In February the Icelandic landscape is often covered with winter snow, and the temperatures hover around freezing.  At times it may feel colder due to the high winds.  The bright side to this time of year though is the Northern Lights can be abound on clear nights.  The ION Luxury Adventure Hotel is one of the best locations in Iceland to watch an Aurora Borealis show because of low light pollution and the primo view in the Northern Lights Bar.  As you may remember from our previous Iceland wedding location post here on the ION Hotel, the bar has floor to ceiling windows that allow their guests to be immersed into the landscape of Iceland very easily on cold winter nights.

Several months ago, we started to plan an idyllic Iceland elopement for a couple that requested the ION be their wedding host hotel… Yippee!  Our Singapore couple, Farid and Vanessa, chose Iceland in search of unique sights and the Northern Lights for their destination wedding adventure.  Living where the average temperature year round is 86°F (30°C), they very bravely embraced the challenging Iceland winter conditions and outdoor adventures with a smile.  Iceland Wedding Planner, created a fabulous wedding week itinerary for them which included items like a private visit to the Blue Lagoon, dog sledding, glacier hiking, waterfall hunting, and a full wedding day adventure from sunrise to sunset.

To kick off Vanessa and Farid’s wedding adventures the evening before the big day; we photographed them at dusk around the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel.  Having their engagement session in Iceland created an earthy rustic, experience.  The moss and snow covered lava fields, geothermal steam, winding roads and Mount Hengill all served as fantastic backdrops for us.  Oh my, was it mystifyingly romantic!  Without further ado, please delight in Vanessa and Farid’s engagement session in Iceland!  Then make sure you come back for their enticing Icelandic elopement posts!

• Iceland Lakeside Country Church Wedding
• Thingvellir National Park Wedding Photos
• ION Luxury Adventure Hotel Elopement

With a smile,  Chris & Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Photographers & Planners)

2014, Iceland Wedding Planner / Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Engagement Session | ION Hotel Wedding Photographer appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.