Iceland is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscape — think lunar-looking lava fields, expansive glaciers and geothermal pools. As if we needed one more reason to visit this tiny Scandinavian country, one couple's Icelandic elopement photos have gone viral, and they're nothing short of magical.
Sarah and John Walk were supposed to get married in their Ohio hometown but they scrapped their original plans after it became "too much about the presentation," opting to elope on June 16th in Reykjavík, Iceland (their honeymoon location), instead. "Eloping simply felt right for us and our relationship. It better exemplified what we believe marriage should look like — the celebration of the covenant between two hearts," the bride tells BG.
The experience was indescribable: "Everywhere we turned, we were surrounded by an exhausting sense of beauty. Our wedding day was the definition of perfection...we remember every moment, every thought, every feeling. Not many couples get to say that about their wedding day!" she adds. The couple's wedding photographer, Gabe McClintock, tagged along for the journey.
Check out their gorgeous wedding album below by Gabe McClintock Photography:
First, they shot an adventurous "connection session," driving around the country in search of interesting backdrops as a storm brewed in the near distance. On the big day, Sarah and John exchanged vows in a moss-covered field.
"I realized that this moment was truly special...not only for them as they begin their lives together, but also for me. Shooting an elopement in Iceland was at the top of my bucket list and to have such an amazing couple was icing on the cake. I am incredibly honored that so many people have shared these images," McClintock says.
Countless couples choose to elope each year — what made this one become an Internet sensation? This photog believes that with the pressures associated with wedding planning, the idea of running away and having an incredibly intimate ceremony resonates with a lot of people (acknowledging that it's not for everyone, of course). Also, the raw and natural beauty of Iceland is "something that many haven't seen before" and these snapshots offer an incredible glimpse at this part of the world.
"At the end of the day, you walk away with two things: your husband and your photos. Make each your highest priority," the bride says. "For us, that meant eloping so that we could focus on each other. Our family was incredibly supportive of our decision, for which we are extremely grateful."
—Stefania Sainato
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