Waterfalls, Vikings, and Drag: An Iceland Wedding Celebration
Haylee (she/her) and Lauren (she/her) swiped right on Bumble in Austin, Texas, and quickly found themselves building a life together that spanned cities, challenges, and milestones. After moving to Philadelphia for grad school, navigating a pandemic in a tiny loft, and later returning to Texas, they planned an international wedding in Iceland with the help of Pink Iceland. With vows at a waterfall, axe throwing at their Viking lodge reception, and a drag performance that brought the house down, their celebration was as personal as it was unforgettable.
How did your love story begin?
We met on Bumble in Austin, Texas, and from the first moment there was an ease that felt like home. Within weeks, our hearts were already in sync.
Eight months later, we moved to Philadelphia for Lauren’s grad school, just as the pandemic began. That season tested us, but it also showed us our strength and reminded us that together we could weather anything.
In 2021 we got engaged, spent two years planning, and later moved back to Texas before settling in Seattle. Now we’re beginning the IVF process and dreaming of growing our family, always choosing each other through every twist and turn.
What was the wedding planning process like?
Planning was easier than we expected, thanks to Birna and her team at Pink Iceland. From our first call, she understood our vision and made thoughtful recommendations that brought everything to life. We stayed organized with spreadsheets, task lists, and video calls, while Pink Iceland handled the details so we could enjoy the lead-up to our day.
How did you choose your wedding vendors?
With us living in Austin and unable to visit Iceland, we relied on Birna and her team at Pink Iceland. They understood our vision, offered thoughtful recommendations, and guided us through every choice. Our top priorities were the venue, music, hair and makeup, photography, and videography, and thanks to their expertise, everything came together seamlessly.
How did you decide on the size of your wedding and guest list?
After the isolation of COVID, we wanted to celebrate with everyone who had been part of our journey. Our rule was simple: we had to have spoken to them in the past year, and we both had to have met them. In the end, 83 friends and family traveled to Iceland, making the celebration feel even more magical with all the dancing, laughter, and adventure we shared together.
What inspired the theme and vibe of your wedding?
We wanted to celebrate who we are while honoring the beauty of Iceland. We leaned into bright, playful rainbow details that felt true to us and let the scenery take center stage. Pinterest sparked ideas, and Birna at Pink Iceland brought the vision to life perfectly.
Did you personalise the ceremony in any way?
We wanted our ceremony to feel deeply personal, inspired by queer weddings we’d attended. We walked down the aisle with our fathers, then joined hands to continue together, set to the MisterWives version of Dreams. Guests sat or stood where they could best see each bride. Writing our own vows was non-negotiable, and being married by our dear friend and chosen family, Byron Bradshaw, made it even more meaningful.
Can you walk us through the wedding day?
We began with a private photo session around the South Shore with Kristín María and Eva from Pink Iceland, which helped us soak in the scenery and calm our nerves.
The ceremony was held at a waterfall under cool, overcast skies. We walked down the aisle with our fathers to the MisterWives version of Dreams, shared handwritten vows, and were married by Byron Bradshaw, whose heartfelt speech set the perfect tone for the day.
At the Viking lodge reception, Lauren surprised Haylee with axe throwing, followed by dinner, speeches, and our choreographed first dance to Betty Who’s cover of I Love You Always Forever. Later, drag performer Gógó Starr led the afterparty, keeping the energy high well into the night with music by Sunna Ben.
What were some of your favorite moments from the day?
Our favorite moments were the quiet pauses where we could step back together and take it all in. Looking around, we saw pure happiness on the faces of friends and family from every part of our lives, all blending into one big community. By the end of the night, it didn’t matter who had come to support which bride. It felt like one family, woven together by love and laughter.
Did any vendors go above and beyond?
Yes! Our photographer, Kristín María, and drag performer, Gógó Starr. Kristín brought laughter and ease to the day, even wading barefoot into glacier water and capturing unforgettable rain-soaked portraits. Gógó Starr made the reception unforgettable, bringing queer artistry to the forefront at a time when drag bans were making headlines back home. Their performance introduced many guests to the beauty of drag and left a lasting impact.
Photography by Kristín María
DJ Sunna Ben
Dress Essense of Australia D3582
Entertainment Gógó Starr
Florist Þórdís Zophía
Hair Stylist Pinkcolours Makeup
Officiant Byron Bradshaw
Stylist Pink Iceland
Venue Ingólfsskáli
Videographer Arnar Tómasson
Wedding Planner Pink Iceland
