Wilderness Kent rainy summer wedding
What to do if it rains on your wedding day
I love rain at weddings.
I always recommend that when hunting for your photographer you have seen their work in all sorts of conditions. Truly, just about anyone can make good light and expensive set ups look great. After eleven years of this gig, I honestly live for the days that challenge me. Storms, unpredictable weather, WIND, small spaces are what really set apart good photographers from exceptional photographers. Can they adapt to the dark barn instead of the open field? Can they help you create a flexible timeline that bends with the ever changing weather? Can they deliver a gallery just as strong as they could with ‘perfect’ conditions?
The Boathouse ceremony space at wilderness, Kent
And I do believe it’s a choice. We can feel upset, have a mope about what could have been, panic that we aren’t going to deliver what our clients dreamt of AND THEN we can choose to put that aside and create work that excels. (I find talking out-loud to myself in the car before I begin a great way best the sulks)
I am here to tell your story. And I am so proud of Emma (she/her) & Nathan (he/him) for putting their faith in me to do that when I know how worried they were about the rain. They embraced it arms wide open and I am obsessed with this set of previews.
When my anxiety mosquito appears I know its goal is to make me question what ‘could’ have been. Ruminate on what ‘should’ have happened. I’ve learnt to look that little buzzing voice in the eye and say NAH BRUV.
There’s no rain on our parade
We got incredibly lucky with a clear window of blue sky for fifteen minutes just as the ceremony ended (thank you universe!) so had the perfect amount of time for confetti and group photos before a walk across the meadow to the tipi. Here guests could shelter under the trees and hang out with the alpaca’s, or head inside for candyfloss, cocktails and listen to the string quartet. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Brits at rainy weddings, it’s that we will persist!
The Wilderness is the sister venue to Preston Court - another gloriously whimsical wedding venue I adore in Kent. The previous summer we shot another rain on/rain off wedding here with another couple who embraced the weather, check that out here!
how to prepare for rain at your wedding
It’s all about embracing it!
Just as Emma and Nathan and all their guests did. Make sure you have a change of shoes (bring the wellies) and grab some clear umbrellas - these are much better for photos as they let the light through and act as a natural filter! - and know that the weather is the one thing you really can’t control. Watch romantic films where the rain is the main character (About Time, The Notebook, Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and most importantly hire a photographer that can make anything look magical. Check out some of my other glorious weddings that didn’t the the rain darken their spirits here.
Photo & Video @kimwilliamsweddings
Venue @wilderness_weddings_venue
Dress @hermionedepaula
Suit @casualfitters
Florist @blubellecreative
Stationery @handcraftedbyhanya
Rings @harrietkelsall @jacquelineandedward
Fairground games and candy floss @saltycarnivalkiss
Alpacas @lower_bush_alpacas
Catering/'cake' @Olivia_justonecook
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