When Bishal Dutta and Emelyne DePue first matched online, they weren’t thinking about glaciers or geysers. They were just two people drawn together across time zones, learning how to love in the in-between: through screens, across state lines, four and a half years of long-distance, and finally moving to Los Angeles together. But even from the beginning, they knew their relationship would be anything but ordinary. So it made sense that their wedding wouldn’t be, either.
Matej Kmet
Matej Kmet
Rather than a banquet hall or ballroom, the couple chose a windswept, otherworldly canvas for their vows: Iceland. Over several days, they crisscrossed the country’s South Coast with nine of their closest loved ones in tow, saying “I do” at the base of a glacier, dining by a private waterfall, and walking hand-in-hand across black sand as the wind tangled their hair.
“We got engaged under the Northern Lights, which are rare, so we wanted to celebrate with our loved ones in Iceland,” said Bishal. “One of the things we set out to do was have an adventure.”
Their planning partner, Pink Iceland, was an easy choice: the LGBTQ+-owned travel company centers sustainability, local sourcing, and human rights, even offsetting the carbon footprint of every wedding they plan. “They aligned with our values from the start,” said Emelyne.
Matej Kmet
Matej Kmet
Matej Kmet
The celebration unfolded like a dream—equal parts elopement and expedition. On the morning of their ceremony, the couple enjoyed an intimate picnic with family at a private waterfall, laying out cinnamon rolls, carrot-potato-leek soup, hot chocolate, and mimosas—simple, soul-warming comfort food that felt exactly right for braving the Nordic air. The group stood at the base of a glacial valley where the couple exchanged vows accompanied by their vegan officiant, surrounded by glistening blue ice. Afterward, special gear was given to the newlyweds to hike up a glacier for stunning, once-in-a-lifetime photos. There was no traditional catering hall, no choreographed first dance. Just cliffs, clouds, and the feeling of something ancient bearing witness.
To close out the celebration, the couple hosted an intimate reception at a moody modern lodge, where English and Bollywood tunes set the tone for the night. Guests dined on a fully vegan menu that defied expectations. “I think people assume vegan food is limiting, but it really opened up a whole world of culinary flavors for us,” Bishal said.
As the night wound down and the music echoed softly, it was clear that this wasn’t just a wedding—it was a reflection of everything Emelyne and Bishal stood for: intention, adventure, and a deep-rooted love that thrives in unexpected places. In a land shaped by fire and ice, they carved out a celebration entirely their own—bold, tender, and unforgettable.
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Matej Kmet
The style
Emelyne’s striking black Essense of Australia gown—sourced from a local boutique in Louisville—offered a bold, elegant contrast against Iceland’s wild, icy backdrop. Bishal complemented her in a rich burgundy-purple suit. Later that evening, Emelyne changed into a second dress, a heartfelt nod to her mother’s bridal look from the ’90s, while Bishal donned a blue suit gifted to him by his father, adding a layer of personal history to the day’s evolving style.
Matej Kmet
Matej Kmet
The personal touches
The intimate, multi-day celebration proceeded like a cozy Icelandic getaway, with the couple and their loved ones sharing plant-based meals at local restaurants and savoring serene moments together.
“The most important part of a wedding to me is the connection to your family,” Emelyne reflected.
Matej Kmet
Matej Kmet
The menu
For dinner, the couple enjoyed a cozy, plant-based feast beginning with warm bread and herbaceous vegan pesto served at each table. Guests eased into the meal with a silky mushroom purée accented by fresh asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, eggplant, and delicate pickled enoki mushrooms followed by a second starter of creamy chickpea spread and crispy cauliflower served alongside bright, seasonal crudité. For the main course, guests were served a hearty vegan Wellington with sweet potato purée and roasted root vegetables—a comforting centerpiece to the chilly, glacier-side evening. Dessert kept things light but flavorful, with a refreshing sorbet paired with fruit crumble and a delicate apple gel to finish.
Matej Kmet
The cake
The sweethearts ended the night on a sweet note with a cinnamon roll-inspired wedding cake, a playful nod to their favorite treat, layered with warm spice and frosted to perfection.
Matej Kmet
Matej Kmet
Matej Kmet
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Aruka Sanchir (@ruukes) is a writer based in Los Angeles, CA.
