READING TIME: 3 min 31 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/2025
UPDATED: 05/21/2025
In a land shaped by fire and ice, it’s only fitting that stories of love are told with raw passion and elemental power. For Styrmir & Heiðdís, two Icelandic photographers turned elopement storytellers, photography is more than just capturing moments—it’s a poetic dance with nature, emotion, and connection.
“We actually met in photography school,” they shared. “Photography has therefore always been a big part of our lives together and we’ve watched and supported each other throughout our careers as photographers.”
But their story wasn’t always wrapped in elopements under waterfalls or windswept cliffside vows. Heiðdís carved her path through editorial, interior, and portrait photography for Iceland’s largest magazine publisher, while Styrmir brought stories to life as a photojournalist for a national newspaper. The turning point came when they joined a shoot with destination photography legends The Kitcheners.
“Hearing about their take on wedding photography and the life they built around it opened our eyes. We realized we could combine everything we had learned with our love for nature and turn it into something truly our own.”
From that pivotal shoot, Styrmir & Heiðdís never looked back. They launched their wedding photography business in 2015, just as Iceland became a top destination for adventurous elopements.
“We booked 20 jobs in our first year and we’ve been going strong for a decade,” they reflect. “Still totally in love with this job—and with each other.”
Their experience, both as seasoned visual storytellers and locals, offers couples more than just beautiful photos. They provide intimate insight, honest advice, and curated experiences that feel as wild and unique as the terrain itself.
So what defines their photographic voice? It’s not manufactured perfection—it’s emotional resonance.
“We would describe our style as honest, raw and poetic,” they explain. “Most of our shoots take place in the unpredictable nature of Iceland. There’s no space for elaborate posing. It’s all about true emotions and that magical tension between intimacy and vast landscapes.”
The result? Cinematic love stories carved out of mossy cliffs, black sand beaches, and misty mountaintops.
Photographing in such intense natural settings means reliability is key.
“We’re minimalists when it comes to gear,” they say. “Our main concern is that it’s reliable and can take a beating—rain, wind, waterfall spray—you name it.”
They currently shoot on Canon EOS R5s with trusty L-series lenses, proving that resilience and quality go hand-in-hand.
In post-production, they echo the same philosophy that guides their shoots.
“We aim to be honest with our edits,” they share. “We don’t overly retouch—we want to preserve the natural feel. But we do love adding a cinematic atmosphere and rawness through color grading.”
Lightroom does most of the heavy lifting, though they’ve also embraced tools like Imagen-AI to refine their workflow without compromising their vision.
For Styrmir & Heiðdís, photography isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about human connection.
“What really sustains us is the immense joy and fulfillment we get from creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” they say. “We form amazing bonds with our couples—especially during these emotionally charged, intimate days.”
Whether it’s hiking glaciers, standing under waterfalls, or venturing into volcanic valleys, they’re not just photographers—they’re guides, companions, and storytellers.
Working with Styrmir & Heiðdís means saying goodbye to one-size-fits-all wedding packages.
“Our packages come with time frames, but what happens within those hours is a blank canvas,” they explain. “We merge our artistic vision with the dreams of our couples to create core memories that will last a lifetime.”
And with Iceland as their backyard, they know exactly how to shape the day.
“We approach everything with a no-bullshit mindset,” they laugh. “We’re honest about what’s possible, what’s safe, and what doesn’t make sense given the conditions.”
If they could give their younger selves one piece of advice?
“Build community,” they emphasize. “Get to know other people in the industry. Learn from them. Support each other. It opens doors you didn’t even know existed—and you’ll have someone to vent to when things get tough.”
Their origin story is a testament to this very principle—what started as a connection with fellow creatives turned into an entirely new path.
When asked what advice they give couples before a shoot, their answer is beautifully simple.
“Plan well, then let go,” they say. “Weddings, like life, are unpredictable. Let yourself be swept up by the day. The imperfections are what make it uniquely yours.”
While Iceland remains the heart of their work, Styrmir & Heiðdís have a soft spot for wild places elsewhere.
“If we were to expand, we’d love to shoot in Norway, the Faroe Islands, Scotland, the Dolomites in Italy, or the mountains of Asturias in Spain,” they reveal.
Each of these locations mirrors the elemental drama they love so much—places where nature still whispers its own stories.
Experience the untamed magic of Iceland with Styrmir & Heiðdís on Wezoree. Their poetic style, deep local insight, and heartfelt connection with couples make every elopement not just a photo shoot—but a deeply felt journey.
