Did you do any DIY Projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?
I made a Lopi (an Icelandic style sweater) to wear on our wedding day to help keep myself warm. It was made from Icelandic wool and was based after local styles.
We created a kickin’ playlist on Spotify for the hike to the ceremony location and the dinner after.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
My husband and I wanted to be surrounded by nature. We also wanted to cut the drama and focus on what matter, our love for one another. In order to achieve this we decided an elopement wedding with just a few of our friends and family would make us the most happy.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
The most memorable part of the day was the first moment my husband and I saw each other. We decided on a first look before traveling to our ceremony location. Seeing each other for the first time in a meadow with a small waterfall opening up to a beautiful fjord, with my to be husband looking at me holding back tears was the most treasured moment – closely followed by every other moment that day.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
The biggest thing we did to save money was cut the guest list and get married in another country. We discovered pretty early on we could have a week long trip and the ceremony of our dreams for the same price as a small simple wedding hosted in the states. There is not a day that goes by that I am not so happy in the decision we made to go all in and get married in Iceland.
What was your biggest splurge?
My biggest splurge was definitely my wedding dress. I had been dreaming of that dress and what it would feel like my entire life, and when I found it I just knew! I am so happy with every penny I paid on that dress. It is truly my dream dress.
What was your favorite detail?
My favorite detail was the hike up to the secluded lake in the mountains to get to the ceremony. Everybody was dressed and hiking in chic sporting dresses and suits with hiking boots.
I was wearing my wedding dress and it made the entire day feel surreal – like a story straight out of a fairytale.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Now that I am on the other side, my biggest piece of advice is to remember why it is you are getting married. It is so easy to get lost in the chaos of organizing a wedding, but at the end of the day remember the only thing that matters is the love you and your partner have for each other. Don’t forget to honor and cherish that in the moment.
Share any additional details you’d like us to know about your event:
For the day of wedding, our total was $13,000. The total for the entire trip and wedding – including 7 days in Iceland – was $18,000. Along with the previously calculated wedding expenses, this included me and my husband’s flights, our rental car for the week, and our home rental for 17 people for the week.
