Chasing Volcano Eruptions: An Icelandic Wedding Adventure Session

As an Iceland destination wedding photographer who has traveled the world capturing love in its purest form, I've had my fair share of adventures. But nothing quite compares to the experience of second shooting this amazing elopement in Iceland. I was tasked with capturing alternate angles for this wedding, but this wasn't just any wedding - it was a thrilling adventure shoot amidst the backdrop of the erupting Geldingadalir Volcano

 

We started off our adventure elopment at the Black Sand beach where we climbed the basaltic rock, which was formed from solidified lava in Iceland. From there continued on the the magnificent Skogafoss waterfall (this Icelandic waterfall is my absolute favourite place on earth), where once we started shooting, were greeted by the most beautiful rainbow.

 

We decided last minute that we woud try to hike in and capture them beside the erupting volcano that was happening in the area, so we drove to the entry point of the volcano hike, parked and started up the unknown volcanic terrain in hopes to find lava and something truly incredible. This took us almost 4 hours to hike in and another 4 hours to hike out in the dark... in a monsoon rainstorm I might add, with no reception or idea what we were in store for once we arrived! Still we trekked on. The ladscape offers a stunning panoramic view of the fire and ice that makes Iceland so unique, and also difficult to hike. We finally arrived at the volcano and we began our adventure wedding photoshoot, high above the ground, with the erupting volcano as their witness. The heat took my breath away and the gases were at times unbelievable, but wow!

 

As we began our shoot on the ground, I see the fiery red against the cool blue of the Icelandic sky. It was a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. I found myself not only capturing the couple’s love but also the raw, untamed energy of the volcano. It was a delicate dance between passion and danger, love and adventure.

 

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves standing on the edge of the volcanic crater and the molten lava flowinhg right beside us, watching as the sun set and the sky was set ablaze with colors mirroring the lava below. It was a day filled with excitement, love, and definitely a little bit of adrenaline.

 

I have always believed in making each shoot unique, giving my clients an experience they will remember for a lifetime. This adventure shoot in Iceland was no different. As I packed up my gear and said goodbye to the newlyweds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of elatement. I had not only captured their special day but had also given them an adventure they would never forget. And as I looked back at the smoldering Geldingadalir Volcano one last time, I knew that this was an destination wedding portratis session, I would always remember.