I think this summer’s weather “theme” is going to end up being the endless rain.  While the beginning of May had record breaking heat, by the end of the month (and it seems to be still true now in July!) the weather had got into a rain pattern that seemed endless.  I was concerned with Rachael and Ryan’s wedding day because rain was predicted for most of the day and their wedding was at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens – where there aren’t a lot of rain day options.  I did a bit of an anti-rain-dance hoping that at least the rain would hold off for the ceremony before leaving for the wedding.  I think it worked because we got lucky and while it was a VERY humid day when the rain stopped, it stopped long enough for all the portraits to be taken before the wedding, the ceremony to happen and started back up JUST as I finished the family portraits outside.  We were also able to sneak in some portraits of Rachael and Ryan in a break in the rain before the reception started so I consider their day a win against the rain gods!  YAY!

Rachael and Ryan were such a great couple to work with.  I didn’t have to do a lot of posing with them as they just naturally fell in together and the love was easily conveyed – despite the rain.  There weren’t a lot of jitters for either one before the wedding – they were just excited.  All night long whenever they were apart they’d seek each other out and send a smile the others way and it was sweet to watch.  Their bridal party was great and a hoot to work with.  Despite the rain, it was a perfect day where the rain just played a bit part in the love story.

Cake:  Diane’s Candy and Cake Shoppe / Catering: Acme Fresh Market Catering  / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens / Colors: Blush, Ivory and Silver / DJ & Videographer: The DJ Crew / Florist: Countryside Florist

I loooovvved Rachael’s dress!!

Her shoes were also pretty darn amazing!

Normally I don’t play with the rings until the reception but I had them all early and had the time so I was able to play with them early in the day.

In the basement there was a whole salon going with hair and makeup for the ladies.

Rachael and Ryan’s son was a wee bit grumpy when he woke up but this image of him and his Mom was too sweet.

The rain let up and we were able to get out onto the estate at Stan Hywet.

These guys were fun to work with!

How cool are the guys socks?

How gorgeous do these ladies look??

These long gowns were soooooo pretty.  Loved the two colors – especially with the lace top.

All the ladies!

Seriously, how adorable is their son?? SO CUTE!

Rachael and her Dad stopped for a selfie on their way down the aisle.

The birch tree allee is still one of my favorite aisles I’ve ever photographed.  So beautiful!

This is why I love Stan Hywet for weddings.

The weather was PERFECT for the ceremony!

This still makes me giggle, after the unity candle he stood in the center while they were getting resettled in place.

Again, their son is adorable!

Mr & Mrs!

A kiss after they walked back down the aisle.

The bubble exit was perfect and the bubbles floated around beautifully.

You can see the dark clouds coming.

How gorgeous is this bridal party??

JUST after the family formals finished the skies opened up and the cocktail hour got moved inside.

There was a break in the storms so we were able to squeeze in a quick run outside for some portraits with Rachael and Ryan.

You can see on Ryan’s shoulders how hard it was raining earlier, it was crazy.

The West Terrace is another one of my favorites.

The fog was crazy after the first rainstorm!

How adorable is their sweetheart table?

LOVE THIS CAKE!  How pretty is it!?

They came in and went right into their first dance.

Cutting the cake – it went perfectly!

After dinner (where Rachael’s father gave the best Father of the Bride speech I’ve ever heard) they did their parent dances which were so lovely.

Then the dance floor opened up and everyone danced all night long!

Thank you both for trusting me with your wedding day – it was a wonderful day!!