The sky over Reykjavík was a moody shade of gray when we landed—typical Iceland, keeping its drama on-brand. Kris and Ilya stepped off the plane carrying more than just their bags. There was an energy about them, the kind that says, Yeah, we’re about to make some serious magic happen. Iceland was their stage, and they were ready to bring the heat—well, metaphorically. Iceland itself was cold as hell.

First stop: snagging a rental car and hitting the road toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Night fell fast, covering the famous landscapes in shadows. Could we see the epic views everyone raves about? Nope. But did we care? Also nope. A pit stop for some killer vegan burgers in Arnarstapi fueled us up, and the promise of adventure was more than enough to keep us going.

By morning, Iceland decided to pull back the curtain and show off a little. The Stone Bridge at sunrise was our first stop, and damn, it did not disappoint. Kris and Ilya stood there like they’d walked straight out of a movie poster, the wind whipping their hair around like they’d hired their own personal fan operator. Meanwhile, I was just trying to keep my frozen fingers from mutinying against the camera.

And that’s the thing about these two: they’re all in. Cold winds? Bring it on. Hair in your face? Who cares. They showed up, not just physically but emotionally, and it made every shot feel alive.

From there, things got wild. Hidden beaches welcomed us with a reminder that Iceland’s ocean does not play nice—just ask Ilya’s shoes, which ended up soaked after one rebellious wave decided to crash the party. Kris upped the ante later by standing under a freezing waterfall like it was her personal baptism into badassery.

But not every moment was a cinematic masterpiece. Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most Instagrammed mountain, was a bit of a letdown. Sure, it’s photogenic, but it didn’t really hit us the way we expected. And then there was the speeding ticket—because apparently, when you’re chasing light and chasing love, you also end up chasing the speed limit a little too hard. The Icelandic cops? Not fans of that.

And yet, even the missteps became part of the story. That’s the beauty of elopements like this—nothing’s scripted, and everything’s real.

Our final day was the calm after the storm. We stumbled upon a secluded hot spring that felt like it had been waiting just for us. Steam curled into the icy morning air, and Kris and Ilya waded in, the rising sun painting them in gold. It was one of those moments where time slows down, and all the chaos, laughter, and mishaps fade into the background.

They held each other like they were the only two people on the planet. I clicked the shutter softly, knowing I’d just captured a moment that didn’t need words.

Here’s the thing about Kris and Ilya’s story—it wasn’t just about chasing epic landscapes or freezing under waterfalls. It was about bringing themselves into every moment. Kris wore a traditional Philippine barong, while Ilya rocked a Bayan cap, weaving their cultures into a land that felt as vast and untamed as their love. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a tribute—to their roots, their history, and the wild path they’re carving together.

Thinking About Your Own Adventure?

Let’s cut the fluff: if you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s more holy shit, this is us than cookie-cutter Pinterest vibes, Iceland’s got you covered.

• It’s Mother Nature’s Show-Off Reel: From black sand beaches to cliffs that look like they were ripped out of a fantasy film, Iceland serves drama on a platter.
• No Rules, Just Vibes: Want to say your vows in the middle of nowhere with wind screaming in your ears? You can. Want to bring tradition into the chaos? That works too. It’s your day—screw what anyone else thinks.
• The Perfect Mix of Chaos and Calm: Eloping is about the messy, hilarious, beautiful stuff that makes your love yours. Iceland just happens to make it look damn good.