From Sydney to Iceland: Jade and Bradley’s Award-Winning South Coast Elopement

A cabin morning, vows at Dyrhólaey, a glacier, waterfalls and a hidden waterfall cave

I’m not even sure where to start with this elopement story. It was one of the most relaxed and perfect days I’ve ever photographed, and it ended with an award-winning shot.

Jade and Bradley made it legal at home in Sydney, Australia, and the very next day they flew halfway around the world to elope in Iceland and exchange their vows. On our video call before they booked me, I already had a feeling their day was going to be special. I loved their energy, their love story, and everything about them.

A slow morning in their South Coast cabin

We started the day together in their cosy cabin on the South Coast of Iceland. Jade shaved Bradley, and they helped each other get dressed. It was such a beautiful, personal moment to capture.

Vows at Dyrhólaey, and skipping Reynisfjara

The weather was unbelievable that day: warm, sunny and calm. I took them to Dyrhólaey to finish writing their vows, and we took a few photos in the sun. Next we drove to Reynisfjara black sand beach, but it was so crowded that we didn’t even get out of the car. We just looked at each other and knew. Some places simply don’t match a couple’s energy, and that’s okay. So instead, I took them to one of my favourite glaciers, and we had so much fun.

Chasing the light

By then I could see how clear and still the day was, and I knew that if the weather held, the sun would be in exactly the right position to shine into a cave and create magical light. That cave wasn’t on our itinerary. But Jade and Bradley were so easygoing, and we were all having such a good time, that I quietly adjusted the rest of the day so we would arrive at exactly the right moment.

Inside the waterfall cave

After a few more waterfalls, we finally reached Gljúfrabúi, the cave with a waterfall hidden inside. It’s incredibly loud in there, and to get in we had to balance on stones in the water. We were all soaked within seconds, and it was almost impossible to hear each other. Luckily, after eight hours together, they could read exactly what I wanted from my eyes and my hands. We had to be quick, because I didn’t know how long my camera could handle that much water.

The moment we stepped out, dripping wet, I knew we had at least one award-winning shot.

How an award-winning photo really happens

Ladies and gentlemen, that’s the recipe: a couple who trust their photographer, who relax and enjoy their day, who feel like themselves the whole time, and everyone staying flexible.

That photo went on to be chosen as one of the top 50 wedding photos in the world, out of nearly 10,000 entries, in Junebug Weddings’ Best of the Best 2023, and it opened Bored Panda’s feature on the winners. It was selected in the Best Epic Portrait category at the Way Up North Awards 2023, and Photography Farm featured it as Image of the Week, with the story of how it was made.

Jade and Bradley, I’ll be forever grateful for your unforgettable day, and for trusting me with your adventure.

Dreaming of your own South Coast elopement? Let’s plan it together.