Michigan Wedding Photographer | How to Beat the Rain
By Jamie May Photography :
I first met Laura because she asked me to do her senior pictures! We had met several years prior to this perfect wedding day, and I was so excited when she reached out to tell me she was getting married and wanted me to be her photographer. We started the day in Spring Lake at her mom’s house. The beauty salon came to them and all the girls were getting ready around the living room area, as we watched all the girls get even more beautified, there was a lot of excitement in the air.
Now, it was not a blue sky, warm and fuzzy sort of day in Michigan. Oh no, the good ‘ol mitten wasn’t cooperating at the moment. I keep telling everyone I should be given a weather remote, surely it makes sense to me!
First Look and Formal Pictures
Anyways, we were scheduled to go to the Harbourfront to do the first look, this is where their reception would be held. So the big question was, inside or outside. It was sprinkling, it was wet, and it wasn’t looking like we had to many options. If it wasn’t for Laura being brave, she wouldn’t have been able to get her first look, destination spot that she wished for, which was the brick wall along the outside of Harbourfront. I told her it was up to her, and we could hold an umbrella over her until the last second. She was pretty insistent that she wanted to go for it! So we did. Granted, I did have my fair share of photoshop work to remove a lot of raindrops on the coat, but I didn’t want her to be let down. I know she loves pictures and outside was a must for her.
Then we had a discussion about what was next, we were due to go to the Spring Lake Country Club to take round 2 of pictures with bridal party and family. It was looking grim. I suggested maybe we wait, or do some inside, but I could tell she wanted to go outside. So I said, the willow tree should give us a lot of shelter, and we can bring a white sheet to not get your dress muddy, and of course umbrellas! Well the plan worked, we did even have some breaks in the rain. I do always prefer outside pictures, if it wasn’t for Laura’s confidence and ok with getting her dress a little dirty for the sake of pictures, the day would have looked really different. I was proud of that bride! We did decide to wait for pictures with the family.
How to beat the rain on your wedding
- Positive attitude
- Be flexible
- Be willing to get your dress dirty on the bottom
- Bring umbrellas and whites sheet
- Find a big tree to shelter you
- Look for overhangs that are on a building
- A first look really paid off in this situation, we had lots of time to work around the rain.
Then headed to St Patrick Catholic Church to freshen up and get ready for the ceremony. From there, everything was smooth. Following that, the bride took a trolley to the reception where everything was set up so adorable. After their entrance, they went straight to cake cutting, then to speeches, and after dinner, the first dances. Laura and Ryan did decided to leave during a portion of their reception to do sunset pictures, so we took a ride on the trolley down to the State Park. And not only did we have that crazy rainy day, the flies that night at the beach were everywhere. Laura, by far, receives the award for ‘most willing to go into any circumstance to get amazing pictures!’ and ‘one tough cookie’ award.
A few notes from the Bride
“Our cake was from Ryke’s, my dress was from Becker’s Bridal and was actually 3 separate pieces a seamstress put together, our coffee bags (party favors) were from Magnum, our flowers were from Eastern, and our trolley was from Harbor Trolley. My favorite part was riding from the ceremony to the reception in the trolley and getting to see all of our friends and family. I loved how easily you were able to adapt to the rain and still get absolutely beautiful pictures!” ––Laura
I did LOVE the coffee – it was Love Potion!! – so perfect. I just finished the bag and it was fantastic! What a great idea!!!
Thanks Laura & Ryan! Stay in touch
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