#EasyButton- Totally what we, here at Iceland Wedding Planner specialize in!  We delivered a 16 hour adventurous Iceland wedding day and throughout the day we saw 0 tourists (and it was the 28th of May!).  How did we do that?  Because our locations are offbeat, exclusive, and most times private, which then translates to you as an unforgettable wedding EXPERIENCE in Iceland, not just a wedding day.

One of the beautiful things (and sometimes challenging) about Iceland is the ever changing weather conditions.  You must embrace this.  For Britt + James, playing in the rain during their Iceland elopement was part of the exciting wedding day journey!

Pretty sure, these two will also go down as one of the most adventurous couples, EVER.  Have you ever seen a bride climb a glacier in a wedding dress?  …I mean like the whole gamut -crampons and ice picks?!  Brittany, had no fear and she conquered that glacier.  After their glacier expedition, they had a BBQ in an ice cave…. Who does that?! Our kickass Iceland wedding couples, that’s who!

One of my favorites from Britt + James romantic Icelandic elopement was this quite moment they shared in a gorgeous canyon.

Okay, so maybe I lied, I also REALLY SWOONED when I witnessed the beautiful stolen kisses in front of this waterfall too!

There were so many amazing images from their elopement in Iceland, it was frankly hard to choose some to share with you today!  But, I tried- so enjoy!

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

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

The post Iceland Glacier Elopement: Britt + James appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

So when Tim and Antonia from New Jersey were looking for destination wedding options, they wanted to go somewhere that they had never been (or their guests) and a place that would have awe-inspiring shock value.  Iceland was easily the answer.  Nowhere else can you experience fire, ice, raging waterfalls, canyons, and endless cliff lines all in one day.

Upon arrival, their 50+ wedding guests were greeted with a 3 course Icelandic meal and a welcome wedding bag which had must have necessities like a horn, a cheat sheet of Icelandic terms, a rain poncho, wedding logo tattoos, and a Viking rubber ducky!

Their guests were told at dinner they were to be ready to leave for the day at 8:30am, completely unaware of where they were going or what they would see.  Just that Antonia + Tim would be getting married at some point and they needed to be dressed for wind, rain, and hiking!  To the guests delight, they arrived atop of one of the most spectacular mountains in Iceland.

They held a traditional Viking Asatru wedding ceremony where they held oath rings as they professed their vows and even drank out of an ancient horn to seal the deal!  Everyone loaded back into the super jeeps anxious to see where they were going next. To their surprise they found themselves in the midst of the area of where Game of Thrones and Star Wars was filmed and all were loving the fact they could explore it first hand!

Shortly after, they embarked on a hike to a secret waterfall and ventured through a canyon where they stopped to have a delicious picnic lunch.

Just when you started to think that Tim and Antonia’s wedding adventure could not get any better the guests found themselves at the last stop… At the door step of one of Iceland’s most dangerous subglacial volcanos.  The crew laughed, explored, and even found a beautiful little ice cave!

It seemed each location one upped the other and everyone had a fantastic day throughout the Iceland adventure wedding!  Everyone was given a short 1 hour break to rest and catch their second wind and then it was on to the fabulous Iceland wedding reception where they delighted in a traditional 4 course Icelandic meal.

If you’re interested in seeing more from this amazing adventurous wedding in Iceland, check out the gorgeous images below!  Also, be sure to check out Offbeat Bride as their fab wedding is featured there too! ?

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 Photography: Antonia + Tim’s Adventure Wedding 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.

You could spend days driving through these magical fjords adventuring!  Very easily, you could spend a day discovering the beautiful beaches within the Westfjords such as the beautiful Rauðisandur golden sand beach.  Waterfall hunting as an additional day is so much fun!  Then heading to the High North area of the fjords hiking and bird watching around the cliffs of Bolafjall.

Hot spring and warm geothermal pools are throughout the Western Fjords as well, ready to be discovered by you!  Yet another day, can be spent exploring the many fishing villages throughout the area such as the Djupavik herring factory ruins or the famed village of Ísafjörður!  Do you remember the amazing hotel we featured a few years ago that is tucked within that amazing little town?  If you cannot recall, feel free to back here to explore that Iceland wedding post!

One of the many waterfalls found within Iceland’s Westfjords is the famed, Dynjandi Waterfall.  There are many levels of the waterfall you can explore so take your time to discover every inch!  Maybe even plan a picnic?  The view from the midpoint and the top of the waterfall is quite unforgettable too!

The days I have spent running around the Westfjords, I have been lucky enough to stumble upon several secret waterfalls we would love to share with you as a possible Iceland wedding locations!  …Think: Just the two of you and countless sheep as your audience as you say your memorable Iceland wedding vows to each other! <3

I usually get an email every month from a couple wondering if they can hold their Iceland wedding or elopement in a castle… I sadly always have to respond letting them know there are no castles in Iceland (and maybe they should try Scotland).  But!  There is a gorgeous ruin of an old farm house that resembles the closest thing to a “Castle” in Iceland.

We would love the opportunity to plan your Iceland Adventure Wedding here in the Westfjords.  Feel free to contact us for more information on making that idea your reality!  In the meantime, enjoy a few photos of the fabulous Icelandic Westfjords below.

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 Locations | West Fjords appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Today, you’ll find Shira + Matan‘s amazing Iceland adventure wedding celebrated on Destination I Do Magazine!  Go check out the amazing feature, here!

PS- Come back next week because we have on tap one of our BEST Iceland Wedding Blog Posts EVER (yes I dare to say that, for real)!

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

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

The post Iceland Wedding Adventure Featured | Destination “I Do” Magazine appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Why?

Because that is when Chloe and Danny held their wedding in Iceland!  We here at Iceland Wedding Planner, want to wish this adventurous couple a very Happy 1st Anniversary!!!  Do you remember their gorgeous Iceland waterfall wedding?  If not, go back here immediately!  …and also go back to Offbeat Bride to relive their wedding further!

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

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

The post Winter Wedding in Iceland: Danny + Chloe appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

I hope this finds you well and oh-so excited for the beginning of this gorgeous holiday season!  The wintertime is hands down my favorite season… Cold weather girl here =)  There is just something so incredibly romantic to walk hand in hand down a fabulously decorated downtown lit up while the snow is falling!  Makes me swoon just thinking about it!  But before we get fully immersed in the change of the seasons we must finish out sharing the fabulous Iceland wedding adventure of the lovely Tiffany and Brian!  Over the past several weeks you delighted in the following recaps of their adventure:

• Iceland Engagement Session in Hellnar
• Iceland Pre Wedding Session in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Iceland Wedding Ceremony at Hotel Budir
• Iceland Wedding Portraits at Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall
• Skarðsvík Beach Iceland Wedding Photos

During my 21 months of planning time with Brian and Tiffany we brainstormed and mocked up all sorts of ideas for them to finalize a fabulous design and style scheme.  Their perimeters were that they wanted to incorporate the colors peach, champagne, and a soft silver.  It was also important have it flow throughout all of their stationary and decor.  We carried those colors throughout their Iceland save-the-dates, Iceland wedding invitation, place cards, timeline cards, favor tags, menu, and their stunning Iceland wedding reception centerpieces!  I think it all came together, eh?  I’ll let you be the judge as you delight in the awesome Iceland wedding reception images below!

Tiff & Brian,

I wish you two lived closer!  You guys were so much fun to work with and I’m glad throughout this process we had so many awesome laughs, smiles, and shared 3 days of adventure together!  Thank you for choosing Iceland Wedding Planner and Photos by Miss Ann to forever pause this unforgettable time in your lives!  I challenge you to come back in 5 years to renew your vows and do a super awesome Iceland post wedding portrait session with me =)

Lots of Hugs and Love to You!  -Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer)

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

The post Iceland Wedding Reception | Tiffany + Brian appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Roots of a Traditional Iceland Wedding Cake:

A wedding cake in Iceland is typically referred to as a Kransakaka dessert, but the origins began before it actually came to Iceland. The cake style has Danish and Norwegian roots, as a fancy dessert that was once served to aristocrats. As the recipe spread to Faroe Islands and throughout Iceland, the Kransakaka became a popular Nordic cake used for various types of celebrations. This included its use as the traditional Iceland wedding cake.

Kransakaka: Ring Cake

So what exactly is a Kransakaka cake? Good question!  Well, it directly translates to as “ring cake” to start.  But it is an elaborately decorated ring shaped tiered tower cake (sometimes also in shape of a heart). The texture is very similar to a mix of a firm sponge cake to a biscotti but has a bit of a wet texture.  And the underlying taste of almond flavor.

The ingredients are super simple… eggs, marzipan (an almond and honey mix), and powdered sugar. That’s all!  So gluten-free folks rejoice!  Also, if needed it can also be made as “vegan” too!  Bakers will usually decorate the outside of the Iceland wedding cake with intricate icing designs, chocolate, and sometimes fruit.

The Icelandic bakeries (bakarí) can make small versions for 2 people for Iceland elopements, and ones suited for small and large Iceland weddings (think 100+ folks). They will usually charge a per person price just as North American bakeries do. As far as timing to order, you’ll want to order an Iceland wedding cake at least 1-3 months in advance to ensure the Iceland bakery has your wedding reception day and time on their schedule.

The Tradition:

If you’re looking to add a traditional Icelandic wedding element this would be a fantastic one to incorporate while planning your Iceland wedding or elopement.  There is a fun tradition that comes along with the cake too… The bride and groom begin by breaking the cake (viking style with your hands).  Then each of the Iceland wedding guests to come up one by one, break off a piece (since it’s a ring cake) with their hands, say a wish to the bride and groom, and then delight in eating the cake.

If you want to stay with the adventure theme, have your guests challenge you to an adventure to take together!  …or go with the true Icelandic tradition of each piece leftover after guests break, represents how may children you will have.  You choose!

If this is not something of interest to you, there are other alternatives to the traditional Kransakaka Iceland wedding cake. You could consider some of the other local dessert fare such as Icelandic Skyr Cake or a delicious chocolate lava cake with homemade ice cream. As a side note, many restaurants and bakeries in Iceland do embrace North American wedding traditions and are able to provide a typical wedding cake. Make sure you are equipped with photos of exactly what you are looking for.

Whatever your heart’s desire, chances are the fabulous wedding vendors in Iceland can make it happen for you for your epic wedding day in Iceland! Please feel free to contact us for more information on planning and photographing your Iceland wedding day adventure.

With a smile,

Ann Peters & Team (Iceland Wedding Photographers & Planners)

© 2014, Iceland Wedding Planner & Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved

The post Iceland Wedding Cake: Kransakaka appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

February in Iceland
+
A blissful couple who just held their
wedding ceremony at a lakeside country church
x
Fabulous wedding adventures in Thingvellir National Park?
=
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.

One of the most endearing aspects of eloping is the event is for the couple only.  The decision is rare, pure, and true.  When Farid and Vanessa from Singapore, contacted us about planning and photographing their intimate Iceland elopement, they wanted just that, a special day for just the two of them.  They also wanted to experience Iceland in a way that they would remember for lifetime.  We devised an action packed Iceland winter wedding adventure for the two of them to partake in and I went along to tell their story.

That being said, we’ve decided that Farid & Vanessa’s enticing Iceland elopement was so gorgeous we want to share it with you in three parts so you don’t miss out on any of the details of their beautiful February wedding in Iceland.  Our first segment in this series will be their Iceland wedding ceremony at our favorite lakeside country church!  Yes I said lakeside country church…Swoon!  You’re smitten already, right?

After Skyping with Vanessa and Farid, we felt this super sweet church, Thingvellir National Park, and the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel were a perfect fit for their Iceland wedding adventure.  The ION Hotel and area around Lake Thingvellir exude a very earthy elegance which is exactly what Vanessa and Farid were after for their magical wedding day in Iceland.  …and need I say more about this romantic red roofed country church?  It is totally out of a storybook!

I am continually amazed by the locations and character of all of the country churches.  The churches vary in age, history, and handcrafted details.  Chris and I stumbled upon this beautiful old church (built in 1863) on one of our trips and fell in love with it!  Even while it was pouring down we couldn’t resist peaking in the windows and planning out where we would photograph our first bride and groom at this historical Iceland church.

It wasn’t until later we found out the bride, Vanessa had already pinned (on Pinterest) a photo of this little seaside church.  Then when we were sharing photos with them from one of our scouting trips, they saw images of the church and just knew that it was meant to be their Iceland wedding ceremony spot!

Farid and Vanessa, I was so honored to be a part of your unforgettable wedding day in Iceland.  You’re adorable together and Chris and I wish you endless years of exciting adventures and love!  Thank you for being brave, bearing the crazy winds and chilly winter temperatures!  We hope these images allow you to relive your Iceland wedding adventure and this sensational time in your lives!  We also hope these beautiful Iceland wedding photos let your family and friends be a part of this unbelievable journey you shared.  Lots of hugs, smiles, and luck to you newlyweds! ? –Photos by Miss Ann

Friends, stay tuned next time for more romantic Iceland wedding photos in the renowned Thingvellir National Park… Also, in case you missed it last week, take a moment and go back to delight in their snowy Pre-Wedding Iceland Engagement Session here.

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

Previous blog posts on Iceland Weddings:

• Iceland Engagement Pre-Wedding Session
• Thingvellir National Park Wedding Photos
• ION Luxury Adventure Hotel Elopement

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

The post Iceland Wedding at Lakeside Country Church appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.