Sunshine & blue skies!  A beautiful day for an outdoor summer wedding.  Although the humidity was high, guests were reprieved a bit when they entered the white shaded gazebo.  Ian’s mom and sister helped decorate the gazebo and the sheer white curtains and flowers with ivy really made it so picturesque & special.

From a distance, the attendees announced, “Carley’s here!”  There was excitement in the air as the onlookers saw her off in a distance with her father.  Carley & her dad proceeded through the green grass that acted like a long aisle leading Carley to her groom, Ian.

It was a very special ceremony where Tim, the groom’s longtime friend from grade school, was the officiant.  He said he would be brief and he was true to his word.  The couple wrote their vows for each other to read and Ian mentioned that Carley may have read his because they had a similar vow…working as a team!

Soon after, the couple took photos with attendees.

I loved this sweet moment between Carley and her dad.

Finally, it was time to begin Carley and Ian’s bride & groom portraits.  It was a short distance to the pond but the walk through the grass would be worth it!  The tree, the pond and lily pads….absolutely perfect.  I took a couple shots of the gorgeous newlyweds in front of the pond.  But just then….the high winds started blowing Carley’s veil wildly in the wind and then we felt the raindrops and started to hear the thunder.  It was a mad dash back to our beloved cover…the gazebo.

The wind blew and was causing rain to even come into the edges of the gazebo.  The sky got incredibly dark.  Firetruck sirens were going off.  As we looked at the radar, this storm was going to be here the entire length of Carley & Ian’s portrait session.  The weather forecast said there might be scattered storms due to the heat and the scattered storm had arrived!  We only had one choice…make the most of it and take some portraits in the gazebo while the rain and thunder and sirens were all around us.

As disappointing as a torrential downpour during your wedding portrait session sounds, capturing the moments of this newlywed couple could not be more beautiful!  I absolutely love these black and white images where Carley’s hair and gazebo fabric were blowing in the wind!

Even though the session may sound far from ideal, it was absolutely beautiful…even magical!  This sweet couple was so happy to be married and the weather couldn’t steal the joy from their day!  The couple took it all in stride and enjoyed being together.  It’s a reminder that even when things are less than ideal, when love is emanating, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances.  I mean, just look at these photos!  🙂

We were having so much fun that it was only appropriate for Carley and Ian to dance in the gazebo while it rained!

Look at this beautiful bride!!!  Carley could be on the cover of a bridal magazine!  Her makeup was flawless and held up through the humidity of the day.

Ian looked like the perfect gentleman in his suit.

As expected, the rain subsided just as our portrait time was coming to an end.  It was now time to commute to the venue.

Searching for a place to park near the venue, I received a call from Carley, “we’ve had a change of plans.  Our initial venue lost power in the storm and it would be a hot 80 degree dinner for attendees.  However, the venue found another nearby provider to accommodate those attending the reception.”  Wow!  I was shocked!  This couple got rained out during their portrait session and now they had a complete change of venue literally minutes before guests would arrive.  Most couples would be crying at this point….all the time spent planning and taste testing to find the ideal place…all to be changed in an instant.  However, once again, Carley and Ian took it in stride.  Carley mentioned that her grandfather was always a prankster while living.  She thought the rain and thunderstorm was his doing but after the venue changed, she was convinced he was the culprit.  It is so refreshing to have a couple so easy going where they truly make lemonade from lemons!

I was thrilled that we were able to take a few photos near the initial location.

When we arrived at the new location, it was like it was always meant to be there.  The tables were set up so nicely.  There was a separate cake table with their engagement photo displayed and a place for guests to sign their names on little wooden hearts…so unique!  We even managed to get a few additional portraits at this incredible location.

Finally, it was time to cut the cake!  Carley and Ian kept it nice.  “Ian doesn’t like being sticky,” a guest said.

They say rain on your wedding day is good luck.  Hopefully rain and a changed venue on your wedding day is even better luck!  When you have a couple that takes the unplanned in stride, it’s confidence that they will handle anything that comes their way!  It proves that attitude and love can really make all the difference!  Here’s to you, Carley & Ian!  You’re a beautiful & amazing couple!  Congratulations!!!

Loved working with these vendors….

Makeup Artist: @bellabeautifulbeauty_

Venue: Eddie Merlot’s