As we were following Emilie & Zack from Reykjavik to Stykkishólmur after they tied the knot, it hit us. We were the only ones apart from the officiant and the witness who were there to see them get married. It is truly an honor as a photographer to be chosen to witness one of the most special days in people’s lives, the beginning of marriage. But with elopements, especially in a country far, far away… It’s even more special. Choosing a photographer is always an act of trust and it feels even bigger when you’re there to tell the story for those at home to experience it later. It’s a huge responsibility and we never treat it lightly, but at the same time we’re happy to take it. ❤
But there’s also something to be said about photographing elopements and destination weddings. As a photographer it’s always refreshing when you get to experience something very different, but photographing weddings, no matter where you are photographing them is hard work. Being a destination wedding photographer means being apart from your loved ones (for us, read: cats) so you need to be sure it’s a path you want to take. Being a destination wedding photographer doesn’t mean you will be better than those who photograph weddings at home. It’s a result of setting a goal and working hard towards making it a reality. Your photographs won’t be magically better when you arrive to a new country. You will need to work just as hard as you do back home.
It’s hard to describe what this journey meant for us, because it still is kind of unbelievable. We will continue to feel grateful and blessed for this opportunity to meet an awesome couple who we got to adventure with.
Just like always, these photographs tell the story better than we ever could. So, here’s Emilie & Zack and their wonderful elopement day in Iceland.
Iceland Wedding Photographer // Johanna Hietanen Photography
Emilie’s preparations at Baldursbrá Guesthouse
Zack’s preparations at Blue House B&B
Civil Ceremony at The Reykjavik District Commissioner
I love elopements, everything about them is so awesome! Those shots with them surrounded by the mountains are epically wonderful.
Seriously unreal. What an incredible story you captured. And that scenery? Magic!
gorgeous scenery. those last three frames are rad.
Love this gallery! The double exposure shot is killer, the mood is great, the colors are awesome, everything is perfect here!
Oh goodness gracious how I adore your work. Seriously. I just feel oh so happy (and inadequate) when I look at it. In the best and most complimentary of ways. It’s so organic and natural. How it documents the couple unobtrusively yet intimately. Keep being awesome. Also. Canada!
Oh my gosh , those portraits are unreal!
Great coverage, love the double exposure of him and that black and white couple portrait with the mountains in the background, wonderful.
You. Are. Incredible.
That first shot in front of the waterfalls is awesome!
Love that shot of them overlooking the water!
Very cool set guys! Amazing locations!
Take me to iceland NOW
amazing
Sweet and tender moments… Wow! Amazing photos.
Excellent capture of the couple on the hills. The dark effects is genius!