It's a rainy June day here in CLE, and let's get real, dodgy weather is a fact of life here in NE Ohio. No matter how well you've planned your wedding day, weather is just one of those things outside of your control. So when it's time to talk wedding photo locations we always work out a plan B for our girls. Here are some of my favorite go-to rainy day photo tips!
#1. MAXIMIZE YOUR VENUE
Sure your reception space is gorgeous and you've dressed it to the 9's, but what about the rest of your venue? There's almost always a spot or two that wouldn't stick out at first glance as the perfect photo location, but always look again. That gorgeous front window of your church - turns out there's a hallway in front of it perfect for photos. The stairwell connecting the ballroom with your getting ready room - awesome lighting. Or the lobby bar where you hung out as a couple before getting engaged - ideal for images with sentimentality. I promise you, if you look, your venue has a ton of hidden photo opportunities waiting to be discovered.
#2. USE YOUR SURROUNDINGS
A random rain cloud catch you off guard or en route to your planned outdoor photo spot? Check out what's nearby. Is there a cool little coffee shop or storefront that wouldn't mind the bride & groom popping in for a photo op? Are there any architecturally interesting buildings with covered entrances you could cuddle under? What about a public use space like a museum or gallery? Some indoor locations will require an advance use permit and time allocation along with a fee, but others like ice cream parlors, coffee shops, bookstores and the like will probably be open to the impromptu shoot. Even better if you send them some of the photos afterward as a thank you!
#3. GRAB AN UMBRELLA & GET OUT THERE
Now we realize this isn't always an option if we're talking monsoon-esque downpour, but most of the time a little rain actually lends a bit of romanticism to your photos. A bride, a groom & an umbrella can be photo magic. You might just end up with some super sweet shots like these.
So don't let a rainy day get you down; if you can't beat 'em join 'em, right? Have a plan B, roll with the punches, and your wedding day photos will turn out smashingly.
