The Couple from Sweden

On the first Saturday in Iceland I joined the group as they migrated north to Reykholt. This wasn't the easiest of decisions because I had a wedding waiting for me in the other direction, south of Reykjavik. But getting me back and forth would have proven difficult. I was disappointed, but figured something else would materialize.

On Sunday, a group of us set off to explore the Reykholt countryside -- our clan included Mikkel, Peter, Addy, Angela, Sonja, and Johann. We found a charming chapel next to a farm, and Johann decided to check in with the farmer to see if it was OK for us to explore. The sky was beautiful and the light was perfect for shooting.

The farmer gave us the green light, then mentioned, almost as an afterthought, "Oh, there's going to be a wedding today at 4 o'clock I believe. I don't know the couple, but you might want to come back and see if you can get some photographs." Johann knew about my missed wedding the previous day, and shared this information with me. I was excited.

In a gesture of generosity, the entire group said that I should be the one to come back and shoot the wedding. I thought that was really sweet of everyone to give this opportunity to me. Sonja said that she'd come with me to help with the communication. I was thrilled.

As it turns out, the couple getting married was visiting from Sweden. They had a family member who was going to take some pictures, but didn't have a professional photographer. I told them I would shoot their wedding and share the photos with them if they would give me a model release. Once they processed this odd turn of events, they agreed. Their names were Linus and Emelie.

From that point forward, everything began to float. The chapel was romantic beyond description, the ceremony was touching, and the couple was very much in love. All of this was unfolding in the beautiful Icelandic countryside.

I shot everything existing light -- never even pulled out my flash. Sonja, an accomplished photographer herself, asked me if I always shot weddings existing light. I said I never do. But today was different. After the ceremony and receiving line, we all wanted to keep it going. We departed for not one, but two locations with waterfalls... and continued to shoot photos. It became a free for all with everyone taking pictures of everyone else.

Linus and Emelie after their wedding in Iceland. You can see the whole gallery too.

I received a note from Linus yesterday. It very much sums up the situation for me:
Hi Derrick!
How are you?
We have returned to Sweden.. and starting to work again.. we are missing the beautiful Iceland very much!! We saw your pictures on the internet... they were fantastic... I have show'n the pictures for my friends and they love them!! =) We are very happy that you are sending us your pictures!!!! )
Best regards - Linus and Emelie

I've posted a Lightroom gallery for Linus and Emelie so they can see more of the images. You can view them for yourself if you'd like to see a little of what Iceland magic looks like. I've also sent them hires versions of these shots so they can make prints.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, Lightroom, Iceland