An Iceland wedding offers the most dramatic landscape and photo opportunities a bride and groom could ever dream of with sheer, raw, wild beauty found every which way you look. Far from the emerald waters and warm pristine beaches typically envisioned for a destination wedding, Iceland will literally take your breath away and find you searching for the next flight to Reykjavi. Estonia photographer Mait Jüriado of M&J Studios brings us an adventurous couple who endured the wild elements of the land for some of the most awe-inspiring wedding photos we have ever had the privilege of sharing. This brave couple not only found remarkable locations for their wedding day photos, but also fought weather that had Mait's lens constantly filled with black sand. In the end, the adventure was more than rewarding, sharing a small piece of the intimate love that Maja and Patrick have for one another and ending their day on the iceberg fields of the infamous "ice lagoon."
Private Wedding Ceremony
Maja and Patrick fell in love with Iceland for its romantic melancholy scenery - and its neutrality. As a multi-racial couple, their families are located throughout the world from China to Germany and throughout the United Kingdom. They opted for a small private wedding ceremony in Iceland with local receptions in their homelands after their return, so as not to exclude anyone. As an additional perk, the couple was able to also enjoy their honeymoon right away. Iceland turned out to be the perfect destination location with lands that were much more exhilarating in person. The couple and their photographer drove 800 km over their planned route searching new vistas and spectacular views. Around every bend the veil of dreams was lifted and they thought this is "the core of mother nature's beauty."
East Meets West
Raw, clean and pure landscape engulfed them, making them feel small just by the impermeable majestic terrain. Maja wore a magnificent blush gown with 3D floral appliques designed by Rami Kadi. She perfectly matched her wedding gown and multi-culture bonds with this Lebanese-American designer who fuses flavors from the East and the West in his designs. His bridal gowns are inspired by the blend of freedom, emancipation and traditional warmth stating that "while the worlds sometimes clash, they also attract each other, and ultimately find a common bond: their long-established ancestral know-how." Maja was recommended a florist by her AirBnb hosts. She emailed a photo of her gown and the bouquet was made to match, with a hair clip and boutonniere given to her and Patrick as gifts. She wore Vivienne Westwood heels and boots to polish her bridal look. But found that much of the day she was wrapped not only in the warmth of Patrick's arms, but also his mother's vintage fur coat. Patrick wore a Hugo Boss classic black tuxedo with Ted Baker shoes.
Unparalleled Beauty
Iceland is a natural wonder of this world. It can take your breath away in every corner, but will challenge its visitors both physically and emotionally. The wedding day was fiercely windy, and in spite of the conditions they not only persevered, but their love glowed brilliantly through. Our gratitude to this amazing couple and Mait Jüriado for bringing us a gallery of unparalleled beauty.
