Erin and Brian
I sat up in bed the night before Erin and Brian’s wedding watching the weather forecast: chance of precipitation was 100%. While I knew Erin was probably disappointed, as I probably would have been deep inside, I started to get really excited. I had “lucked out” all summer long and only shot sunny, bright, summery weddings. However, the prospect of rain opened up a whole new range of different prospects. Sure- shooting outside in natural light is always great, but who says you can’t still do it in the pouring rain?! When I arrived at Erin’s house next morning and told her how excited I was that it was raining and how great her pictures were going to be, she lit right up. Her mom, Deb, gets the Mom of the year award for her clutch, game-time purchase. I nonchalantly asked Erin if she had any Wellie boots, not thinking much about it. Mom ran right off to DSW… in fact I think she had to go to two stores – and came back with the best pair of blue Wellies. Needless to say, we had fun with those boots.
I have to start with my favorite picture of the day- since it goes with the story. Then I’ll work my way through the day.
Erin getting ready in her Mom’s salon.
Erin getting ready. I love the look back over the shoulder at her bridesmaids.
I loved the deep blues of Erin and Brian’s invitations. Eric and I had some fun with the patterns.
Eric caught this great expression. I think this was when it really hit Erin that it was RAINING!
In one of my favorite sequences of the year, Brian’s groomsmen gathered around Erin with umbrellas like a protective cocoon.
I just love the expressions on everyone’s faces. Look at the groomsman next to her – extending the hand. She’s totally unfazed and looks beyond happy. Which she was!
I always love this shot. It’s such a great moment filled with genuine emotions.
On the way to the reception, the bridal party all rode together in a trolley to the International Country Club in Bolton. This group made the ride so fun. I’ve never seen a bride and groom laughing more and as you can see, Brian has a great laugh and an excellent sense of humor.
We pulled out the Wellie boots for some quick portraits before the reception and had some fun.
I just love this shot. Erin popped her leg up at the last moment of this kiss… just to show off the boots a bit! Literally two minutes after this shot it started POURING again. It was fate.
As I was doing some posed formals, Eric nabbed this great angle.
One of the shots I had in mind was inspired by Max (from Where the Wild Things Are – by Maurice Sendak). As a kid, whenever I would stomp through puddles with reckless abandon it always made me feel Max when the monsters showed him how to walk.
There’s something so devilish about the idea of a bride stomping around in puddles in rain boots. While Erin wasn’t exactly stomping through puddles, we still had fun. Even more fun was watching the expression of her guests as they watched through the windows!
I’ll just share a few of my favorite moments of the evening. Erin with her dad:
Brian’s mom shared with him a funny story and he was laughing like this almost the entire dance.
At one point in the evening the two mothers found each other on the dance floor, and this hug was such a perfect comment on how they viewed the wedding.
I have to give quick props to Brian for this. I can’t remember if he made it ALL the way down!
The last dance….
Of course you also need to take a second to watch the slideshow for more great moments.
Erin and Brian, thank you so much for allowing me to share in your wedding day and capture such great moments. You both made me feel as if I was a guest at the wedding and we had so much fun being a part of the day. You both handled the rain in stride and made the most of it! Congrats!
