The definition of serendipity is defined as being, “a fortunate accident” by my all-time favorite movie, Serendipity.

I am firm believer in being in the right place at the right time.  I’m also always fascinated by the fact that is exactly how the best love stories begin.  …and our clients, for some reason, always seem to have this theme in common and especially since adventurous folks tend to find each other.  This week’s fabulous featured destination wedding couple, is no exception.  Sarah and Alex met in Sydney, Australia’s market square one random Saturday morning, which then led into several years adventuring together conquering, discovering, pushing their limits and comfort zones through travel and unforgettable experiences!

Sarah and Alex began planning their Nordic Elopement with us, shortly after the contest close, in March 2015 and were open to being married in all of the Arctic countries and wholeheartedly embraced the adventure wedding concept, the unique challenges and scenes each country presented!  Our team at Your Adventure Wedding, presented many unforgettably unique itinerary options in the following countries: Lapland (Northern Finland), Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Lofoten Islands (Northern Norway), and the Faroe Islands.  In the end, Sarah and Alex craved the extreme snow, Northern Lights, and the very distinct activities the Lapland route held.

So it was then, that Alex and Sarah very enthusiastically decided, they would elope on Tuesday, December 1^st 2015 in Lapland!  This timing also coincided to be at the beginning of their month long holiday to discover Europe!  Neither one of their families knew about their secret entry to the Nordic Elopement Contest or their plans to take their relationship to the next level, but were thrilled to see the stunning images our sister company, Photos by Miss Ann captured afterwards!

The trek to Lapland begins in Helsinki, Finland and then you take a Finnair flight to Ivalo (approx. 2 hours).  The magnificent Kakslauttanen Igloo Village was chosen as the Lapland adventure wedding host hotel and resides an easy 40 minute drive from the Ivalo airport.

The morning of the wedding began at 6:30am with Sarah and Alex getting ready in their comfy Kelo-Glass Igloo Cabin and by 8:15am they were in route to their romantic wedding ceremony!  …and boy were they surprised when they arrived!  A beautifully lit glass teepee stood out in the early morning darkness!  (Side Note: There was only 1.5 hour of daylight during this specific day so time was needed to be planned and used wisely).  As they walked towards the teepee, candles and rose petals summoned them to come inside. The dreaminess doubled as they opened the door… Thousands of multicolored rose petals (compliments of Flyboy Naturals) and tea lights overtook the floor.  Your Adventure Wedding, honestly made it look like a romantic scene from a movie!  Sarah glided over them all smiles as she met Alex at the end!  They were married by a Scandinavian Civil Authority in a sweet little elopement ceremony and continued on with their epic adventure in Lapland!

We whisked them away to a path that led down to the famed glass igloos we have all had on our token “bucket list” and then onto a snowy quite cabin area nearby the national park and had a passionate toast to their newly wedded bliss!  They trekked around hand in hand in the knee high snow after for the perfect winter wedding portraits!  As the sun set and the darkness crept in, it was time for their afternoon adventure wedding activity, dog sledding!  Sarah and Alex bundled up and savored every second of their intoxicating journey mushing the dogs through the Lappish wilderness!  The action packed schedule, still allowed for a little break to warm up, relax, and catch their second wind too.  5 o’clock brought a visit to Santa’s Village, because after all how can you visit Lapland, the origin of Santa without paying the man a visit, right?!

Nighttime wedding portraits officially began and Photos by Miss Ann was fully equipped to create some amazing images that night.  A gorgeous bridge outside of Santa’s home provided the essence of the snowy backdrop that Sarah and Alex yearned for as you’ll see below.   They ran around together laughing and exploring the Igloo Village for about another hour then it was time for their sweetly styled (by us, Your Adventure Wedding) reception for two!

As they entered into their private luxury elopement reception space, they noticed the beautiful rose petals from Flyboy Naturals accented the table and transformed the floor into a magical space!  Finnish handmade reindeer His & Hers scarves served not only as their party favors for the night but also their chair ties!  A “Love” marque sign set the background of their sweetheart table.  Other Nordic wedding reception details they found where Mr. + Mrs. Burlap accented glasses, and slate colored napkins which were tied with a triangle mountain “bride” and groom” napkin ring.  Swoon-worthy details!

During their last course of their delicious 4 course dinner and conversation, the Northern Lights faintly appeared!  Perfect timing too as it was time for the last portion of their 16 hour wedding adventure through Lapland… a horse drawn sleigh ride through the fresh snow that fell throughout the day’s expedition!  Nothing like ending your whimsical Nordic elopement snuggled up in a sleigh together!  Half way through the ride we were able to stop the horse for some snowy and faint Northern Lights wedding photos!  What a grand way to end such a magical unforgettable day in Lapland!  Please enjoy Sarah + Alex’s Finland wedding portraits at the Igloo Hotel & Village below (compliments of  Photos by Miss Ann)!

See Sarah & Alex’s video entry and love story adventures here!

PS- Check out the beautiful feature (and more photos) Huffington Post and Brides Without Borders did on this gorgeous wedding, here!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Adventure Wedding Planners & Photographers)

© 2016, Your Adventure Wedding / Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved