We kept our fingers crossed. We kept checking our phones. We prayed every other minute. The rain just wouldn’t stop. Weather apps were open on just about everyone’s cell phones; everyone frantic to find hopeful predictions that the rain would stop or at least let up long enough for the ceremony to happen outside. Towels were in the hands of friends and family eager to help. Ready to run out and wipe chairs dry for guests. I sat across from Brittany during most of this time. We were proceeding as normal up to this point and I was photographing her details. I would watch her eyes light up every time the door opened, hopeful for good news. To be honest, I also saw the disappointment when she’d look out the window and would see the rain falling harder and more aggressively as the afternoon went on. There was a rain plan. She wasn’t unprepared. But what bride wants to fall to plan B when months and months of hard work and planning have gone into this day? I couldn’t blame her for her feelings and my heart broke for her. I just wanted to hug her so many times…. but I also realized how overwhelmed she was feeling… and having one more person talking about seemed to only rub salt in the wound. I gave her her space. Smiled hopefully when we spoke and reassured her as best I could.
Let me tell you something about my brides. I say “my” brides because I can’t speak for all brides… but MY brides rally. My brides ALWAYS ALWAY ALWAYS stay positive, joyful, and optimistic. It has nothing to do with me but everything to do with their beautiful spirits and knowledge of the REASON for the day. I sat in that room with Brittany and I watched her decide that no matter was happening outside… she was going to marry her man. She was going to do all the things she had intended to do at the start of this day. The rain no longer mattered. She was genuinely happy and excited and ready to walk down that rainy, wet isle; and she did. It was amazing. Everything got moved inside. She walked through the rain, through those barn doors toward her groom and she was flawless. Daniel still cried, guests still witness their vows, and they were still married. Nothing else mattered.
During portrait time they opted to ditch the umbrellas and truly embrace their day. Thankfully (for my equipment’s sake) the rain had died down to a light drizzle. The images speak for themselves. These two couldn’t have been happier. Sure, we were a little damp but water dries. These memories will last their whole lives. I couldn’t be more thankful to be the one to provide them.
Brittany and Daniel, meeting and getting to know you both has been such a pleasure. Your genuine love, playfulness, kindness, and warm hearts made this whole process so special for me. I can’t thank you enough! XOXO