Tyler and Lexi’s Heartfelt Western September Wedding at The Urban Cowboy in Nashville, TN
VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS! A BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL TECHNICOLOUR WEDDING IN THE RAIN!
There are so many things to be worried about on your wedding day but rain shouldn’t be one of them. You may not have realised but overcast, misty or rainy weather are all ideal conditions for memorable photographs that you are sure to remember forever, you only have to take one look at Katie & Tim’s day to see that rainy days are seriously under rated!
Katie and Tim were married in a valley on Katie’s family’s communal farm on the banks of the Shenandoah River, photographer Nessa K told us. They were surrounded by primary colored prayer flags all day. There was a misty fog hanging low on the mountain sides and a lush green world surrounded them. A folk band set up their string instruments in a barn to practice before the ceremony, windows and doors were left open as everyone got ready, listening to the sounds of the storm flourish and subside as the minutes crept by, drawing closer to their ceremony time.
I heard from my all my married friends that the day of your wedding will be a blur, the blushing bride told us. I didn’t want to believe them, I wanted to believe that I would be different; the one who could slow down time on my wedding day, to savor every instant.
Well, of course when the day was over, I had to admit that they were all right. It was a blur, but a beautiful blur in vivid Technicolor with the sweetest sounds and brightest hues imaginable. Although rain was the last thing we were hoping for, the mist that settled on the landscape made colors more striking and kept the mosquitos at bay.
Almost a year later, when I think of that day, sensory memories come rushing into my mind: giant rainbow bouquets of impossibly bright colors against a misty sky; barefoot kids running around in tall green grass; the nostalgic tunes of a plucky young bluegrass band; crystals on rustic wooden tables, the hem of my white lacy dress rapidly turning brown from the muddy ground; the rainbow polka dots of our guest’s umbrellas as they gathered for the ceremony in the drizzling rain; the quiet rushing of the wide Shenandoah river; glasses of purple champagne; and my new husband spinning me around on a slanting dance floor as fireworks exploded in the distance. It’s true what the bumper stickers say, Virginia is for Lovers.
Super Suppliers – Nessa K Photography//
Why a Wedding in the Rain Can be So Special, and Difficult…
I’ve attended my fair share of weddings, but there’s something uniquely enchanting about a wedding in the rain. Picture this: guests scurrying under umbrellas, the soft patter of raindrops, and the bride and groom stealing a kiss beneath a shared canopy. It’s like a scene straight out of a romantic movie, and trust me, it’s unforgettable.
The Atmosphere
One of the most captivating elements of a rainy wedding is the atmosphere it creates. There’s a serene, almost magical quality to the air when it rains. The soft, diffused light makes everything look dreamy, like nature’s own Instagram filter. I’ve seen wedding photos with misty backgrounds and glistening raindrops that are nothing short of ethereal. It’s as if Mother Nature herself decided to add a little sparkle to the celebration.
But let’s be honest, rain can throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans. I once attended a wedding where the tent nearly flew away, and the guests ended up dancing barefoot in the mud. It was messy, sure, but also wildly fun and incredibly memorable. Rain has a way of bringing people together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and spontaneity. Everyone huddling under umbrellas, sharing blankets, and laughing at the unpredictability of it all—it’s a bonding experience like no other.
The Challenges…
Rain also has a symbolic weight that’s perfect for weddings. Just as the rain nourishes the earth, helping it grow, it can symbolize the challenges and growth a couple will experience in their marriage. Embracing the rain on your wedding day is like saying, “We’re ready to face anything together.” It’s a beautiful metaphor for resilience and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for any successful marriage.
However, it’s not all poetic. Wet weather can be inconvenient. Hair frizzes, dresses get muddy, and outdoor setups can turn into slip-and-slide zones. But here’s the thing: if you roll with it, these potential downsides become part of the adventure. I’ve seen bridesmaids using hairdryers in the restroom to dry off, and groomsmen making jokes about their soggy socks. It’s these little moments of improvisation and humor that make the day special and unique.
Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve learned that the true essence of a wedding isn’t about perfect weather or flawless execution. It’s about the love shared between the couple and the joyous celebration with family and friends. Rain or shine, it’s the emotions and connections that matter most.
So, if you find yourself facing a rainy wedding day, don’t fret. Embrace the unexpected. Dance in the rain, laugh at the chaos, and remember that the most memorable stories come from the unplanned moments. After all, life—much like marriage—isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.
Great wedding. Lovely pictures!