Now that spring has made its point of disregarding Punxsutawney Phil and his shady predictions, we can flash back to some weddings with rather different weather. Sarah and Arthur wed on a South Carolina barrier island the October day that Hurricane Sandy skirted our coast before doing horrific damage further up the Atlantic seaboard. Although I knew the couple was laid-back enough to roll with nature’s plan for their wedding day, I admit to being nervous seeing how downpours and gusty winds are not considered optimal weather when you make a boat hop to blissful haven with a few tents and large palm fronds as the only rain cover. The couple’s friends have a wonderful one-room cottage where the bride traded Gore-Tex for gown, but it was by no means a reception space.
I really enjoy shooting smaller weddings alone, but the night before the wedding, I posted to our local photographer forum that I was lacking confidence about my solo rainy-day skills. My peers responded with all the places they’d be shooting that weekend in the rain, and they encouraged me to deal with it as they would be doing (except I had neither an assistant nor walls). Wedding photographers have to anticipate how everything will unfold — that’s how we capture the moments. But the uncertainty of the weather had me running through various scenarios in my head. But all that anxiety was for nothing! I followed the bride’s lead, put on my cowgirl boots, stocked up my Pelican case and had some fun.
Magically, the rain stopped, the bluegrass band played and the most amazing purple skies appeared to coordinate with Sarah’s decor, lovingly coordinated by her two dear friends and mom. It was a pretty awesome day and one of my favorite weddings I’ve documented. And that’s not because they danced to Lyle Lovett, served crazy-good cupcakes or poured Dark and Stormies for their signature cocktail. You’ll see. It was more Sarah’s easy elegance and the adoration Arthur has for her. Full vendor list follows photos.
Sarah’s vendor team included her Jim Hjelm gown from Bridal House of Charleston, hair and makeup by Stella Nova, music by The Bluestone Ramblers, boots by Frye, catering by Food for the Southern Soul, cupcakes from Libby’s Sweets, bridesmaid jewelry from Dee Ruel, boat shuttle by Barrier Island Eco Tours, furniture by Bauer International, groom’s suit by Joseph A. Bank, wedding band by Skatell’s, logo by Paul Rossman Illustration.
Personal touches includes silk flower bouquets and boutonnieres designed by Sarah’s mom, along with fresh flower arrangements; a veil borrowed from her sister, and her engagement ring from her grandmother.
If you enjoyed this post or dream of your own island escape, I hope you’ll click “like” and share the goodness. Thanks for visiting my blog!
