Category: Videos

Most relationships are an adventure, but for Sam and Mel, the word takes on a different meaning. Forging their relationship by hiking up mountains, watching sunrises, sunsets, and meteor showers, and driving for days to see National Parks, their friends eventually labeled them “Smel” – a combination of their names in the same vein as “Kimye” or “Bennifer” (the second one). Not content to leave it just to a cute couple name though, the phrase, “#doyouSMELadventure” was created, and its hashtag is now visible on every photo and video that they post from one of their adventures.

With their adventurous spirits in mind, is it any surprise that Smel decided to get married in one of the most unique and beautiful countries on Earth? A country they hadn’t ever been to before their wedding? Iceland, with its glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes just waiting to be explored would be their greatest adventure!

In all, we spent three incredible days with them, including a 5am wakeup on the wedding day to watch the sunrise, followed by a three-hour bus ride to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where they chose a spot to say their vows. We explored with them the next day as well, visiting secret caves, climbing mountains, and watching the northern lights dance overhead. For Smel though, it was clear that their adventure isn’t about all these places they have traveled to; what is important is that they have experienced them together, and that their love and relationship is the adventure.

While this film does represent the awe-inspiring beauty of Iceland’s landscape, we filmed and edited it with a focus on who Sam and Mel are together. It may not be your typical Iceland wedding film, but it is something that is completely Smel.

Getting married in Iceland or anywhere else? We would love to film it! Please get in touch.

One of the reasons Rachel and I love filming weddings is that we get to witness the collision of planning and reality, and the resulting emotions that occur. Brides and grooms plan for months or even years for their wedding day, but when the day arrives, their plans are oftentimes changed due to circumstances outside of their control. This collision offers a glimpse into a couple’s truest selves, and results in some of the most real and raw moments we have captured on video.

For example, Emily and Mike planned an outdoor ceremony, but in the days leading up to the wedding the forecast turned to clouds and rain. Ten minutes before the ceremony, as a fine mist fell over the perfectly aligned chairs, Emily chose to proceed with the outdoor plans, even in the face of a rainy reality. With a smile on her face she walked toward her groom.

At the end of the aisle stood Mike, who was dealing with some expectations of his own. Banter between him, the officiant, and his best man, included a whispered discussion about whether he would begin crying when he saw Emily. Mike’s expectations of a tough time watching Emily walk down the aisle were, pun intended, shattered by the reality of Emily knocking over and loudly breaking a large glass vase as she approached. They both of course began laughing, because regardless of how any part of the day went, they were together.

These were not isolated incidents mind you, there were many moments throughout the day that didn’t go quite as planned, but Emily and Mike’s consistent response was a smile and laughter. Plans, even ones prepared over a year in advance, rarely work out how we think; but it is in those moments that our real selves are shown. If we all approach reality like Emily and Mike, we’ll be alright.

Getting married? Rain or shine, as long as you are cool with things maybe not happening exactly as you plan, we would love to film it. Please get in touch!