Let it shine!

01/11/10

The ghosts of Halloween are now but a memory in our minds as we creep into November and eagerly await the explosive Bonfire Night! As my husband and I were getting Dracula and Bat-girl ready to go trick or treating last night we were watching the weather closely... will it rain or won’t it!

The same is true on your big day. Everyone hopes for the sun to shine even if just for your photographs but sadly (summer or not) it’s not guaranteed. So, what to do? As we have absolutely no control over the weather, we have to simply go with it. Try not to be disappointed if the heavens open or the wind gushes.

Wind, although challenging, can give some cracking results especially if the bride has a long veil. Rain is more challenging and we usually have to resort to photos inside but you can still get great results and sometimes (depending on the venue) more intimate shots. Be prepared though. If it does look like rain, and your budget allows it, buy some black and/or white umbrellas for the main bridal party. They can make for some great photos and you never know, one of your guests may break into a ‘singing in the rain’ burst of song!!

I was photographing at the Felix Hotel recently and the couple had planned to exchange their vows in the garden but the wind and rain came so photographs were inside. It was great listening to the groom’s speech - he said they had chosen that day to get married because the weather on the same day for the last 10 years had been sunny so it was guaranteed. Alas, the 10 year trend was broken but both the bride and groom laughed it off and enjoyed a fantastic day!