The forecast had been calling for a perfect day. Then it started showing rain, but only in the morning. But when Saturday came, the rain didn’t let up. It was a downpour when I got to the church and I pulled right up to the front door so I could run my gear inside before parking and making the mad dash from the lot to shelter.

Strategically, there are so many things I have to constantly think through and adjust on any wedding day; where is the light coming from and at what angle; where is open shade without heavy, dark backgrounds and with good fill light; what is available to us within walking distance of where we are; is it really hot or really cold and will people need air or heat breaks; is there wind and what direction do people need to face for hair and gowns if there is? So when I have all of those (and more) factors on a constant loop in my head, rain adds another element. My assistant, Carrie, and I both had our phones open with different weather apps so we could see if there would be any breaks in the rain. The landscaping outside the church is gorgeous and I so badly wanted to be able to get Taylor and Taylor outside for some of their photos (they also wanted this!).  Thankfully, right after their first look, we were in a bubble of no rain. All around us on the radar was colorful, but there was a spot right around us that was clear. We dashed outside to make use of that little window! We came back inside once it started raining again and then just kept an eye on the radar until we nabbed another rain-free spot and took the wedding party outside.

So, ultimately, here’s the deal: rain will absolutely not ruin a wedding day. Don’t ever let yourself believe that lie. It does take some extra creativity to navigate and, yes, it does require some let-it-go attitude on the part of the couple, but Taylor and Taylor handled this so well and with such great attitudes! I am so happy they were willing to go outside in the wet grass and make some beautiful images with me!

I love that in these photos, you can start to see the rain again. This was right before we ran back inside. But I love how it’s visible, a part of the story of their wedding day.

Between the rain and the quickly fading light, these evening photos were taken in about 5 minutes, as their plates of food were waiting for them.

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Videography: Video Solutions

Florals: Beautifully Bloomed

DJ: Humphrey’s Sound

Hair & Makeup: Groovy Katz Salon & Spa

Paper Suite: Truly Engaging by Magnet Street

Bridal Gown: Hope’s Bridal

Maids’ Gowns: Azazie

Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Decor: Borrow My Vintage

Church: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

Vocalists: Cecilia Shutt, Casey Techklenburg

Reception Venue: Cedar Ridge Winery