I really believe that the heart of the entire world can be found in Iceland. The country’s landscape is alive and every region seems to be enchanted. One location in particular, Skogafoss Waterfall holds a special place in my soul. Three days before our wedding day in April 2012, my grandmother unexpectedly passed away and we still pressed on with our plans. During our Iceland wedding adventure we had made a quick stop at Skogafoss for Iceland wedding photos and had several rainbows surround us…and in that beautiful moment, I felt my grandmother there with us. So every time I am lucky enough to pay a little visit to this gorgeous Iceland waterfall, I cannot help but feel totally connected.

On Chris + Kim’s June Southern Iceland wedding itinerary, there was a choice between Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and I was thrilled when they chose the first as one of their stops for the day! I mean really, who doesn’t want to photograph a gorgeous bride and groom in front of this massively beautiful waterfall? It just so happens when we arrived to the waterfall, there were endless blue skies and RAINBOWS! Enough said, eh? Now without further ado, onto their gorgeous Iceland wedding photos…

In case you missed our previous posts on the beginning of their fabulous Iceland wedding day adventure feel free to head back to the links below to relive…

• Iceland Wedding Ceremony at Reynisfjara Beach Cave
• Dyrhólaey Cliffs Iceland Wedding Portraits

In the meantime, have the best week ever!

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

© 2002-2014, Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

The post Skogafoss Waterfall Wedding Photos: Iceland Wedding Photographer appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

February in Iceland
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A blissful couple who just held their
wedding ceremony at a lakeside country church
x
Fabulous wedding adventures in Thingvellir National Park?
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Stunning Iceland Winter Wedding Photos, that’s what!

Thank you for joining us for our second installment of Farid + Vanessa’s enticing Iceland elopement!  In case you missed it…feel free to head back to our previous posts on their Iceland Country Church wedding ceremony and romantic Iceland Pre-Wedding Session (Iceland Engagement).

Seeing Vanessa + Farid’s dreamy destination wedding photos may persuade you to change your big wedding plans and design an intimate wedding in Iceland!  Today we are totally mesmerized by their romantic Iceland wedding portrait adventure in the legendary Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park.  Caution ahead readers, you might also find yourself green with envy by the end of this post!

Thingvellir National Park offers distinctively vivid landscapes which are ideal for Iceland wedding photos regardless of the season.  Geographically, there are never-ending remarkable areas throughout the park such as the continental drift faults (where the American and European tectonic plates meet), Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Þingvallavatn Lake, lava rock walls, moss covered rocks, and the famed Silfra Fissure.

Thingvellir is also one of the most noteworthy, historical, and meaningful places in Iceland. It not only boasts endless geological marvels but it is extremely rich in Icelandic culture.  Historically, one of the most fascinating things about this location is that when the immigration to Iceland increased, the first parliament began there in 930 which in the end established Icelandic Commonwealth.  Festivals and markets were also held and the land served as the country’s socializing spot.  Fast forward to current day, it is still a frequented gathering spot for Icelander’s and since the park is in close proximity to Reykjavík it is typically on every visitor’s “must do list” and rightfully so, because the park is too spectacular to miss.

As you’ll see from the dazzling Iceland wedding images below we had a blast running around finding grass covered houses, being in awe of the tectonic plates, delighting in a very frozen waterfall, and luckily we had just enough wind (laugh, we had a ton!) to keep the brides dress and hair theatrically flowing!  A beautiful couple and one epic adventure, that’s for sure!  Enjoy! Then make sure you stay tuned for our 3rd and final post on Farid and Vanessa’s adventurous Iceland wedding day…  Look forward to playful Icelandic ponies, the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel and elegant Iceland wedding reception details!

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

Make sure you go back to check out our previous Iceland wedding posts:

• Iceland Pre-Wedding Photography (Iceland Engagement Couples Session)
• Iceland Destination Wedding at Lakeside Country Church (Iceland Winter Wedding Ceremony)
• Eloping in Iceland at ION Luxury Adventure Hotel (Iceland Wedding Reception)

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

The post Thingvellir National Park Winter Wedding | Iceland Wedding Photographer 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.

Welcome to part 2 of 3 of our installment on Iceland waterfall weddings locations this is an expansion of our previous post on Iceland Wedding Venues.  Last week we blogged about Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, if you missed it feel free to head back here to enjoy that post.

::Warning::

Since this post was originally written in early 2013, tourism has grown to an unruly amount.  The space has changed and the amount of tourists coming here each hour is out of control.  We do not suggest this waterfall as an Iceland wedding location if wanting any sort of intimate feeling ceremony.

Skogafoss Waterfall is a massive beautiful waterfall in Southern Iceland.  It is located off of Route 1 between the cities of Selfoss and Vik (about two hours from Reykjavik).

Here are GPS Coordinates for your reference: 63°31?47?N 19°30?50?W

Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest and fullest waterfalls.  The cliffs that make up the waterfall are actually a recessed seashore.  Skogafoss stands at a glorious 200 feet tall and 82 feet wide.  There is a runoff on the left side that creates a dreamy mist that cascades over the country side.  There is a small stream that  runs out of the base of the waterfall offering some really amazing wedding photography opportunities.  Embedded further back into the cliffs the power of the waterfall spray also sets the scene for possible rainbow wedding photos. How romantic, right?

The walk from the parking lot to the waterfall starts grassy but quickly turns to lava rock and black sand.  This waterfall would also be a superb spot to have as a stop for your Iceland wedding day portraits or Iceland engagement photos.

Here are the benefits of getting married at Skogafoss Waterfall:

• Powerful sound and awe-inspiring scenery.
• The misty side of the mountains to the left of the waterfall sets a dynamic scene.
• Chance of rainbow wedding photos!
• You can take stairs to the top of Skogafoss to see incredible views.
• There is an Icelandic horse pasture to the right of the waterfall and they are usually quite friendly!  Great photo opportunity!

The downside of getting married at Skogafoss:

• It’s a public place so depending on the time of day you may have visitors there to enjoy the scenery .
• In order to compete with the sound of the waterfall, you will want to invest in having a sound system so your guests can hear your ceremony.
• If you take the stairs to the midway point of the waterfall, be very careful as it is not a paved path and there are no ropes.
• You also may end up getting wet or dirty during your visit (lots of black sand and lava rocks).

Hopefully today you have fallen in love with this magnificent waterfall!  We look forward to you visiting us here again next week for our final post in this Iceland waterfall wedding series.

With a smile, Ann & Chris Peters

Husband & Wife Iceland Wedding Photography and Planning Team

© 2002-2013, Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Waterfall Weddings: Skogafoss Waterfall appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Hey hey hey Woohoo for the day!

I hope this finds you well!  A few blog posts ago, we planned, photographed, and featured our 30th birthday party and we’re happy to share today that it was featured in the Emma Magazine, check it out here!

::Warning::

Since this post was originally written in early 2013, tourism has grown to an unruly amount.  The space has changed and the amount of tourists coming here each hour is out of control.  We do not suggest this waterfall as an Iceland wedding location if wanting any sort of intimate feeling ceremony.

Now back today’s awesome topic… Waterfalls are one of the most majestic natural wonders on the planet.  To be married at one adds in an extraordinary amount of romance and a great start to happily ever after.  Waterfalls have symbolized the source of life giving water in many countries.  These traits are similar to the symbolic nature of a wedding ring because in many cases it symbolizes the lifeline to a marriage.

Iceland is suited for waterfalls because of the consistent snow and rain the country encounters during the year.  But the good news is that awesome precipitation adds to the magnificent waterfalls, gorgeous rivers, lakes, and glacier pools that are found throughout Iceland.  These elements set the scene for Iceland to be an unforgettable wedding location.

Those endless amounts of waterfalls, cliffs, canyons, glaciers, ruggedly unique terrain, and coastlines all create the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos to be unlike any other.  Imagine yourself in front of this distinctive landscape saying your vows.  It is truly dreamlike!

Today, we begin another fabulous 3 part series on Iceland Waterfall Weddings.  First up is our personal favorite, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.  Enjoy!

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is ideal for an adventurous outdoor  wedding, engagement session, or simply a post wedding adventure visit.  Directions: Once you have passed the city of Hella in Southern Iceland you have about 15-20 minute drive to the waterfall.  It lies between the city of Selfoss and Skogafoss.  To help pinpoint it, here are the Seljalandsfoss GPS Coordinates: 63°36?57?N19°59?34?W. 

You will begin seeing her splendor emerge from the cliffs as you enter from the west on Route 1 (Or Þjóðvegur Road), on your left hand side and if coming from the east you are surprised by it on your right hand side. Once you park the excitement starts…

Consumed by its greatness, you’ll be in awe for a moment or two because you’ll look up and be greeted with 196 feet of sheer natural wonder.  Finding yourself completely astounded by the jagged cliffs, grass landings and a cute little bridge.  However its greatest secret is a small pathway that leads you up and around the back of the waterfall.  If you continue to follow the path, it will loop you around and back to the front of the waterfall.  See a view of our Iceland wedding being setup at Seljalandsfoss from the very top waterfall viewing point in the below photos.

A few words of advice as you venture in and around this waterfall: If heading behind Seljalandsfoss, shield your camera and bring your raincoat.  One gust of wind charging in from the nearby ocean will get you soaked from head to toe.  Have your Iceland wedding photographer or Iceland wedding planner scope it out first and direct you.

The pros of getting married at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall:

·       Gorgeous backdrop for a wedding ceremony and endless unique spots for your Iceland wedding portraits!

·       It is directly off of main road, Route 1.

·       You can walk behind this waterfall.

·       You can marry right in front of the waterfall.

·       Beautiful scenery around the waterfall.

·       There is a cute little stream that runs under a bridge offering a stunning view of the waterfall.

·       There are no fees or special permission needed to marry here.

·       The 5 senses experience! < See below>

The Cons of getting married at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall:

·       The noise the waterfall creates.  Consider having an Iceland DJ or some sort of sound system in place.  Otherwise your guests will not be able to hear your wedding vows or ceremony over the sound this powerful waterfall creates.

·       The waterfall is a public attraction so you may have other tourists in your wedding photos.

·       This spot is also first come first serve, there is no reserving a specific area for your wedding ceremony.

·       If holding your ceremony near the front of the waterfall there may be mist and you might get wet.

·       If you go behind the waterfall you may get wet and the bottom of your dress dirty.

Remember how a few blog posts ago I talked about how my husband and I had these “somewhere in time moments” during our magical wedding weekend in Iceland?  Well you can add Seljalandsfoss to that list!  Both of us will never forget the sound and feel of this waterfall as we said our Iceland wedding vows.  Even though we had 40 guests watching us it felt like it was just Chris, myself, and this enormous waterfall as we stated our forever promises to each other.  Even over a year later, I remember vividly that Seljalandsfoss provided a total 5 senses experience to us and our guests.  Hearing a waterfall now anywhere brings me back to that moment in time.  I can even recall how the sun and waterfall mist felt on my skin that day, the earthy smell, and the raw desolate visuals of the landscape that corners the waterfall.

Choosing to have your wedding in front of a waterfall in Iceland is a tall order.  Luckily, we’re here to help you –We have firsthand experience!  My husband and I were actually married at Seljalandsfoss waterfall on April 14th 2012 (our Iceland destination wedding even made the news, see here).   As a husband and wife team, we have wonderful packages that combine Iceland wedding planning, Iceland engagement photos and full day Iceland wedding photography.  So please feel free to contact us if you are interested in more details on getting married in Iceland!

With a smile, Ann Peters

© 2002-2013, Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

The post Iceland Wedding Location: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.