I've got Sunshine on a Cloudy Day.
Rain on a wedding day is only a bummer if you let it be. Ally and Lukas were not about ready to let that get in the way of things. Arriving at The Henry Manor with my cameras, raincoat and backpack full of umbrellas, I was ready to set the tone. Little did I know, it didn't need adjusting. Laughter and stories flowed upstairs as the girls got ready, and the guys were being guys downstairs, trading gifts and beer.
As I usually do upon arrival, I said hi and grabbed a few prep shots before setting off with the details. Also, writing your vowels on the day of the wedding is a serious way to earn emotional points with me!
Preparing for the First Look.
It's always both fun and challenging when the bride and groom get ready at the same location but want to make sure they don't see each other. It's also good for me to get exercise and run up and down the stairs between the two of them. Anyway, after grabbing a few cute shots of each wedding party, they set off in their separate shuttles to Cheers Chalet to prepare for their first look. The original plan was to have it at the gazebo, and although we passed a few ideas around since it was raining, I made the recommendation that we have it there anyway. Fortunately, I carry a set of classy clear umbrellas with me and we walked Lukas into the gazebo first. Keeping his back turned, I then made sure Ally had an umbrella. The stage was set for them. Who cares if I got soaked? It's not like my hair is going to get messed up.
Let's get them married!
Although kept dry (and proud of it), you can't help but still feel waterlogged. Letting them both catch their breath, I then proceeded to photograph some of the details of their venue and what makes their wedding unique. The ceremony was moved indoor, obviously, but I'd never been happier. Usually you make the most of Plan B, but I couldn't imagine anywhere prettier.
A Moment for the Parents.
I don't normally halt a blog to mention a speech, but Ally's Dad not only moved me, but the entire crowd when he talked about his little girl. He had the attention of everyone there, and talked from the heart. The photographer in me also loved the prolonged speech as it gave me plenty of time to get my angles. Don't even get me started on their first dance which followed it. When Lukas's brother and Mom then got onto the dance floor for his Mother/Son dance, it became a beautiful family affair. We then transitioned into their incredible first dance. Oh, and did I mention a live band?
Send Them-Off!
These are the times when a wedding just takes care of itself. The band kicked into classics and had the dance floor moving all night. I'll never forget weaving through a crowded dancefloor with my camera capturing absolute joy. I was able to sneak them out for a little golden hour before sunset, and even convinced them to do a silhouette shot in their gazebo where the first look kicked things off.
