Styled adventure elopement in Rondane

July 30, 2021

I organised this day because I want to inspire you that your elopement can be as adventurous and unique as you are!

Why have a ‘one-of many’-day when you can have a day that’s burned inyour memory? My inspiration came from our own experience as weddingphotographers and the conversations we have had with our couples. We see a trend that couples come up with a fixed plan, designed by the venue they choose or because it’s a lifelong tradition.

I understand that organizing a wedding can be overwhelming but have you ever thought of this?
If I ask you: “What makes you happy in your daily life or what do you both like to do on your holiday?”, you probably have an answer that creates a smile on your face.

If I ask if any of that is included on your weddingday, the answer is almost always “No”.
If I ask, “what makes your wedding unique from any other?» Most people don’t have an answer. So even in these modern times where almost anything is possible we chose to have the best (and maybe the most expensive ;p) day of our lives decided by tradition or the venue…?? I think your weddingday should be a day that you and your loved ones remember forever. So start with you! I did when I came up with the plan for this day.

My husband and I (marijebaan photography) moved from the Netherlands to Norway in 2019. We love adventure, winter, animals and unique locations. Norway has this and so much more. I want to share our passion for this country with other people and inspire them to think outside the box.

I already had my models in mind and they added a young, unique touch to this day with music involved, because Chinook is a very talented singer. The arctic dome Rondane is a place that I’ve been following online for many years, so this popped up in my head almost immediately. I contacted Pål Erik from Smuksjøseter that also owns the domes, and told him about my plans. He was very enthusiastic, because they are the perfect venue for intimate weddings and people that love adventure and mountains.

Smuksjøseter mountain lodge is beautifully situated in the mountains, surrounded by Rondane’s magnificent mountain range. The lodge is located at 1130 meters above sea level with Rondane National Park as its closest neighbor. When you are a guest there in the winter time, they come and pick you up with their snowscooter or snow coach. A really cool vehicle which makes the tour already a true experience. You drive further up in the mountain where there is only nature surrounding you. It’s such a fairytale to be there.

We startet the getting ready at the hairdresser; atelier håret design. After that we went to the hotel to really get ready for the day.

Our model groom Georgs had already arrived and we arranged the ‘first look’ outside the hotel. It was a very nice moment and we realized we were on the ski trail, when we got company 😉 After that we had a nice lunch to get some energy for the rest of the afternoon. In the meantime I had took a moment to photograph the beautiful stationary from wakati bryllupsdesign. It didn’t take long before we heard the sound of barking dogs. The dogsled had arrived!! We were so excited!

But first we went on the lake for the ceremony. It was great that the hotel had some nice old ski’s, we could use to set up the spot. The flowers from Blakar Otta made it look so beautiful. Then it was time for the dogsledding tour. Den Norske Fjellskolen Rondeheim came with a nice authentic sleigh. We used blankets to keep our couple warm and to make sure the dress wouldn’t get stuck under the sleigh. Our couple had an amazing experience with only dogs and nature around them. We found some nice spots to photograph, and they got the opportunity to enjoy each other on this special day.

Our last stop was Arctic dome Rondane. It was great to be there and warm up a bit…A great moment to toast and eat some cake from Kafe Vaala

The light went down while the couple had some relaxing moments in the dome.
Chinook played on the guitar and sang a song for Georgs tears in my eyes people. You should really check her out, she is so talented!

I took them out again for some beautiful last sunset shots.

I hope I inspired you with this styled adventure elopement. I learned that I love to organize a day like this, so if you need any help or brainstorm while planning your wedding, feel free to contact me for that as well as our photography 😉