Life is full of stories, some easily forgotten, others indelibly etched in our memories. Then there are those tales so extraordinary, so filled with unexpected twists, they become legendary within families and friend circles. This is the story of how Zak and I embarked on our journey to become husband and wife, a path far more traveled and turbulent than we ever imagined, ultimately leading us to the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.
After three years of dating, Zak and I decided to get engaged. We envisioned a small, intimate wedding, a celebration that was both budget-friendly and deeply personal. For months, we dreamt about the perfect day. Zak then proposed a unique idea: a greenhouse kit. We could build it ourselves, get married inside its blossoming haven, and then use it on our farm afterward. It was a dream scenario, merging practicality with romance.
Our plan took shape: a cozy ceremony in our newly built greenhouse, attended by our children and parents, followed by a celebratory trip to Iceland (we weren’t fans of the traditional “honeymoon” term). Zak meticulously crafted the ceremony script, we wrote heartfelt vows, and his father agreed to officiate. With less than a week to go, we finished constructing our greenhouse. Late one evening, we switched on the lights, and it glowed – a beautiful, dreamlike space ready for our vows.
The dream, however, was short-lived. Less than 24 hours later, a storm rolled in as I returned home from school pickup. A fierce gust of wind caught my eye, and I watched in horror as a panel of the greenhouse ripped loose and became airborne. My boys and I raced to salvage what we could. I remember standing inside, desperately holding the doors shut, as the relentless wind twisted and folded the entire structure in half. The image of that collapse, the sound of shattering glass and bending metal, is still vivid and unsettling.
[Personal Note from Zak: I was at work when Bekah called, her voice choked with tears, barely able to speak. “It’s gone. It’s all gone,” she managed to say. Driving home, I struggled to comprehend the extent of the damage. Maybe repairable? Hopeful thinking, quickly dashed. Seeing the wreckage of our beautiful wedding sanctuary, I learned a profound lesson: always believe those you love when they tell you something is truly devastating.]
Amidst the wreckage of our greenhouse wedding venue, another blow struck. We received a call that Zak’s father, our officiant, was hospitalized. Just four days before our planned wedding, we had lost both our location and our officiant. It felt like our meticulously planned, intimate wedding was crumbling around us. Picking up the pieces of our shattered plans, and our hearts, we decided to pivot.
[Another Personal Note from Zak: Looking back, it might seem like we were incredibly resilient and optimistic. Far from it. The truth is, this series of disasters plunged us into a period of deep sorrow and questioning. It’s hard not to feel superstitious when faced with such calamitous events so close to a wedding. Was this a sign? Was the universe trying to tell us something? With our Iceland flights booked, we felt trapped, forced to move forward while battling serious doubts and fears. Comfort was scarce, answers even more so. It was a truly dark time.]
Our new plan, born from necessity and a desire to salvage our special day, was to get married in Iceland during our planned trip. We would spend the first few days exploring and finding the perfect spot, and then fly our photographer out for the latter part of our journey to capture our vows. We officially signed our marriage certificate with Zak’s parents present, and with our vows tucked safely away, we embarked on our Icelandic adventure, hoping for a fresh start.
The first three days in Iceland were magical. We journeyed through stunning landscapes, stayed in charming farm B&Bs, and relaxed in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. The beauty of Iceland began to heal our disappointment, and we started to believe that our wedding could still be beautiful, just different.
A couple standing in a field in Iceland, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, showcasing their adventurous spirit and the beauty of their chosen wedding destination.
Then, the day before our photographer was due to arrive, while checking into our Airbnb, reality struck again. Connecting to the Wi-Fi, we received the devastating news: our photographer was stranded at the airport. Her flight was cancelled – the airline had declared bankruptcy that very day! Not only was our photographer unable to reach Iceland, but we were also stranded with no return flight home. The next 24 hours were a chaotic blur of frantic calls and desperate attempts to find a way back home and salvage our wedding plans yet again.
[Zak’s Recurring Note: Yes, insert more depression, more tears, and even more questioning of the universe’s intentions here.]
Incredibly, amidst the chaos, things began to align. We connected with a wonderful local photographer who, along with his wife, graciously opened their home to us. They helped us piece together yet another revised wedding plan and, miraculously, secured us seats on a rescue flight home. Against all odds, we exchanged our vows on a blustery, cold day outside a quaint little chapel nestled on a secluded Icelandic coast. It wasn’t the greenhouse wedding we initially envisioned, but it was undeniably perfect in its own unique, well-traveled way.
The couple exchanging vows outside a small, picturesque chapel in Iceland, highlighting the intimate and unconventional nature of their wedding ceremony.
The couple posing for a wedding photo in front of a stunning Icelandic landscape, emphasizing the dramatic beauty of their well-traveled wedding location.
Close-up shot of the couple holding hands, showcasing their wedding rings and the tangible symbol of their commitment amidst their well-traveled journey.
The bride in her wedding dress standing against a backdrop of Icelandic horses, adding a touch of local charm and uniqueness to their well-traveled wedding story.
A wide shot of the Icelandic chapel and surrounding landscape where the couple got married, providing context and showcasing the serene beauty of their well-traveled wedding venue.
[Zak’s Final Reflection: No one chooses a wedding story like ours. No one dreams of their wedding day being repeatedly disrupted and nearly derailed. But looking back, I realize the invaluable life lessons embedded in our experience. Nothing strengthens a commitment like facing adversity together, picking up the pieces, and persistently moving forward. Starting our marriage amidst such chaos and disappointment taught us how to fight for what we want, together. Life, much like our wedding planning, rarely goes exactly as expected. But having a partner who has proven they will stand by you through thick and thin – that’s the essence of marriage. That’s love. While I wouldn’t recommend replicating our wedding journey, I cherish that it is uniquely ours. I wouldn’t trade our well-traveled path to ‘I do’ for anything.]
Our wedding was far from conventional. It was a testament to resilience, a celebration of love’s ability to adapt and flourish even when plans crumble. It was a truly well-traveled path to marriage, one that began in a dream greenhouse and culminated on the windswept shores of Iceland, making our “I dos” all the more meaningful and unforgettable.
