Alex + Keith
A Capital City, Rainy Backyard Wedding
“When life hands you lemons… dance in the rain!”
The Thursday morning prior to her wedding, bride-to-be, Alex, sat in her kitchen sipping coffee while checking the weather. The forecast on her phone was clear. There would be no rain in the D.C. area that weekend. She immediately called to cancel the tent she had reserved as back up for inclement weather. She wouldn’t be needing it now – her dream to celebrate at a reception under the stars was about to become a reality.
Turns out, she was in for a rude awakening.
It rained steadily ALL morning the day of the wedding. Quiet reassurance was offered to the bride, the groom was on edge… they still had time, right? We took the bridesmaids out for some photos while we had the chance, and were caught outside in an instant downpour. The bride’s flowing hair was beginning to fall, and her dream style had to be improvised into a low up do… but not before I captured a photo of her sprinting into the house for cover!
Just as guests were arriving, the weather took a turn for the worst. Flash floods and heavy downpour sent guests scrambling, taking cover in what little shelter the beautiful backyard wedding venue offered. The chairs were soaked, the linens turned soggy, decorations had been blown down, and the caterers were struggling to keep the food trays from flooding!
Alex would not let her spirits falter. She wanted to be married outside, even if it meant getting soaked. Her soon-to-be husband, Keith got on the microphone and made the call. Guests quickly wiped down chairs, and waited for the ceremony to begin. The rain slowed to a drizzle, and let up to a light mist during the ceremony. Their ceremony was short, sweet, and heartfelt. Alex and Keith jumped the gun and tried to kiss a little too early, and the officiant called them out, sending the congregation into a fit of laughter. When all was said and done, and the couple finally kissed (at the proper time), the crowd ROARED in celebration!
We were lucky that the drizzle slowed to a light mist, and I was able to sneak these two away for some one-on-one time to snag some bride and groom portraits. We invited the wedding party to join for some photos, and the guys had everyone doubled over laughing. Keith and Alex chose the perfect group of friends to help lift their spirits in such unfavorable weather conditions. The night was still young, and the storms were nowhere near complete. By the time the couple was introduced for their first dance, water had pooled on the dance floor, turning it into one big slip and slide!
Alex and Keith made the best of it! They spun, and fell – hard, and got back up. They laughed, and laughed some more, and even shared a few truly romantic, tender moments. When Alex successfully completed a twirl, her dress flowing behind, the crowd erupted into yet another frenzy! This was truly the most memorable first dance I’ve ever seen!
Guests remained loyal and celebrated on the dance floor the ENTIRE night, and not once did the rain completely stop. Surrounded by family and friends, and sharing in the most cliche, oddly romantic moment, these two danced in the rain and made lemonade out of a less than ideal situation! They are the epitome of what it means to let go of the insignificant details, and instead embrace the day, and the true meaning behind it.
Photographer: Mandy Ford Photography
Venue: Private Estate
Hair & Makeup: Ryan with Blend Event
Assistant: Jeff Armstrong
Dress: Stella York
Dress Boutique: Ellie’s Bridal Boutique Arlington
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Rentals: Sammy’s Rentals
Catering: Red Hot & Blue
Custom Suit: Chris Ahern with Jack Christopher Clothing
