This dreamy and ethereal editorial took place in Iceland and features the truly breathtaking bridal gown designs of Julita London.
Conceived by photographer Rachel Pearson, this shoot was inspired by Greek mythology and goddesses of the Moon and Falling Stars and set set out to create intimate and ethereal scenes of romance and love on the black sand beaches of this stunning Nordic location.
Setting The Scene
We stayed at Hotel Kria in Vik, South Iceland. The hotel looked out towards the coast with the breathtaking Reynisfjara Beach of black sands, glistening waters and towering basalt columns close by.
We wanted to create ethereal and evocative looks to stand out whilst complementing the raw, rugged beauty of the surroundings, such as choosing materials to flow in the wind or reflect the light all whilst incorporate couple’s wild and adventurous personalities. Rachel Pearson, Photographer
Eloping in Iceland
We underestimated the wind on the black beach. It was wild and freezing so we had to get creative. It meant our original concepts were harder to capture. We found a beautiful balsalt cave and used it for protection from the wind. We love how the images turned out and the creative framing.
Then we headed back to the hotel for the evening celebrations and a dress change (who doesn’t love sequins)!
Fashion and Beauty
We chose a divine silk wrap gown finished with baroque freshwater pearl droplets. The thirteen meters of pure, flowing silk created incredible motion to mimic the movement of the ocean.
The Moon Goddess from Greek Mythology was the muse for the evening gown crafted with champagne gold and ecru sequins. It featured a plunge V neck, flare cuffed long sleeves and open back which was feminine and playful catching the light to the add in the drama for the evening celebrations
The delicate hair crown was a hand-twisted golden vine of crystals and peals . It was inspired by Asteria, the Goddess of falling stars, perfectly complementing this otherworldly love story.
The black tuxedo featured satin peaked lapels and pocket highlights for a touch of luxe to complement the shimmering water and the way the light caught the stone of the basalt columns, chiseling details and reflecting in the sequins.
The makeup look was designed to capture the goddess elements and the colours used were chosen to tie into the golden monochromatic scheme, jewellery and dress. We aimed for a look soft enough to be worn for a daytime ceremony but with that added dimension of sparkle and a feathery lash to carry the glamour through to the evening celebrations.
The hair was designed to accentuate the draped neckline and low back of the dress culminating in a timeless and elegant asymmetrical twisted chignon with soft loose face framing waves to honour the waves of the ocean.
The floristry a dazzling marriage of fresh and dried natural and black stems to add vivid depth to a timeless and nostalgic bouquet. They were finished with silk ribbon to add detail and movement and echoed in the dried installation at the evening reception.
Accessories to tie into the dress the jewellery focused on a trio of shimmering freshwater pearls to symbolise the past, present and future as seen in the statement drop earrings and dainty bracelet, and a solo pearl chain.
Stationery was modern, elegant and monochrome to match the theme. Finished with hand torn edges to add detail and interest to the structured tablescape.
Additional Credits
The below suppliers and venues are featured in this article, but are not part of the Love My Dress Wedding Directory.