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A destination wedding, a journey of a lifetime.

May 10, 2014

Sarah & Matt's Icelandic wedding

This blog is a particularly special one for me as since the age of four, Sarah and I have been close friends and have grown up together sharing all the landmark moments in life. When Sarah and Matt asked me to photograph their wedding day of course I was thrilled to accept the invitation, feeling so honoured to be able to do this. When I learnt that I would be travelling to Iceland for the big day, well you can imagine my delight and excitement for the adventure that I was to embark upon! The whole experience was incredibly fun whilst scattered with challenges and comical moments!

It all started with me and my assistant Kel, (this is where it should be pointed out that over the history of our friendship with Sarah we seem to have become commonly referred to as 'Kel and Kel'). Having lumbered hefty amounts of photography kit and suitcases full of winter weather catering-for-all-scenarios clothing through the airport, we encountered a thorough bag raid at customs for having suspicious looking luggage. At first a little nervous and intimated, our 'Kel and Kel' cheekiness must have worked some charm as we managed to exit customs fairly quickly, and unscathed.

Upon our arrival in beautiful Iceland and after settling into our accommodation, Kel and I planned to spend the following day doing a recce of the hotel and outdoor space in preparation for the wedding. Unbeknown to us, the weather that night was brewing up a storm which by morning threatened to sabotage our excursion. Nevertheless we found ourselves trekking out into whiteout snowstorm. Undeterred, I wasn't going to let anyone or anything stop me from getting those pictures!

As the storm calmed and the snow finally settled we witnessed the beauty and delicacy of the crisp white landscape dotted with the small dark detail of bare twiggy trees and houses. It was just stunning.

In the morning when we awoke, ready to capture some stunning snowy shots we were shocked to see that all the snow had literally disappeared, having melted and frozen overnight, it had transformed the scene of the river from the balcony, to one of a glassy ice trail.

So despite the lack of snow that morning, we still had a wedding to get to! As Sarah and Matt were getting ready I took some time to capture some of the personalised details which were specific to them and their personalities. I often think these details on the day are what help make a wedding unique and also speak something of the bride and groom as individuals.

A couple of personal details for Sarah were her perfume and wedding ring, which became somewhat of a challenge to photograph at 9am in the morning in pitch black Iceland! I ventured to the hotel reception and found two lamps to light the items. I also needed to use a video light, and whilst setting up the shot and arranging the ring and perfume on the glass topped coffee table, I noticed the Iceland book resting on the shelf underneath. I felt it added a lovely incidental touch to have this detail in the image.

Something else special to Sarah was her bouquet which she made herself, using maps to create the roses. I thought this was a really clever way to bring a personal story to her outfit, travel being her passion which was obviously very significant, hence choosing to have a wedding abroad.

Then it was time for 'Kel and Kel' to put down the cameras and pick up some brushes! Ever the multi-tasker, I was honoured that Sarah had asked me to do her wedding make-up as well as her pictures! Kel was on hair duty and between us we managed to help transform Sarah into a blushing bride! (I have learnt in this business that you must be prepared to do many more things than just take photos)!

With Sarah looking lovely, I went off to find the groom. I decided on a fairly quirky style of capturing some details about Matt and I enjoyed finding a different way to photograph the wedding rings. I felt there was definitely some symbolism in being able to see one through the other.

For Matt, the watch and cufflinks were significant choices representing something of himself on the day. I feel that the strength of his arm and hand in this shot, further enhance an aspect of his personality.

I always love getting a shot of the groom before the ceremony and as the Icelandic hotel was very unusual (being entirely made of wood), it made for a really interesting backdrop to this shot of Matt with all the guys. The three groomsmen in the background, reflected in the mirror add a surprising and fun element to what could have otherwise been quite a serious image.

Continuing with a theme of reflections it was time to capture Sarah looking gorgeous in her wedding dress. Her hotel suite turned out to be the only non-wooden backdrop in the whole building; instead a contrasting black and white Icelandic themed room. In this particular shot, whilst we are drawn to her eyes initially, it is lovely to also be able to see the profile aspect of her face and also the full length of her dress, all in one photograph.

Despite the icy weather outside, Matt and Sarah went on to have a lovely warm and intimate ceremony. Heartfelt words were spoken in front of guests who had travelled many miles and made huge efforts to be there and the atmosphere was full of happiness. It was truly cause to celebrate! (Well at least the men definitely thought so)!

I took the newly married happy couple aside to make the most of the low sun streaming through the hotel windows. In their special hotel suite was this incredible hot-tub and some other very unusual items which I felt made for an interesting photograph. The sunlight on Sarah brings so much focus to her that you could almost fail to notice her elaborately designed black and white chair in front of a spaceship style mirrored hot-tub, with Matt casually residing inside whilst accompanied by a giant penguin!

Stealing the last of the light we decided to soak up some Icelandic scenery to round up a perfect day. Sarah and Matt hosted a fantastic four course meal and fabulous party in the evening and we had all had a wonderful time. Exhausted and happy we set off home, all of us with amazing memories that will last forever.

Reliably, 'Kel and Kel' got stopped again in the queue to board the plane back to England. Apparently we were potentially carrying bombs and once again had to unpack all of our bags! Having finally made it onto the plane with clean consciences, we got stuck in air traffic and circled over London for what seemed like hours! This actually turned out to be a very magical part of the trip, seeing London in lights from above, and I'll remember this as a lovely moment at the end of a real adventure.

Back in England the couple continued their celebrations, gathering other friends and family together to share a bit of the Iceland experience and their newly wed status. Congratulations to one of my oldest and dearest friends and to the man I know will cherish her like no other. Thank you for involving me in such a precious day.

Kel x

Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A