J. ANNE

They say that it is good luck for it to rain on your wedding day.  If they are right, then Kelly & Brian’s luck bucket is completely full which I wouldn’t find hard to believe seeing as how it wasn’t just raining cats and dogs that day… a massive amount of love was also being showered upon the bride and groom for their amazing wedding weekend.  The forecast had called for rain for weeks.  Weather apps were incessantly scoured.  When in the hell does it ever rain in the desert, anyway?  As the clock reached the morning hours on April 9th the skies were blue, and puffy white clouds contrasted against the sea above.  A glimmer of hope, yet also just a tease, as black clouds could be seen forming at the horizon.  Looming over the day.  Just as photographs began, the thunder  rolled… just like Garth Brooks said it would.  The sky darkened, and the light dissipated leaving everyone wondering just how wet they were going to get throughout the day.

It poured rain during the process of getting every one ready to head out to the church, but the mood of the bride and groom never faltered.  Nothing was going to rain on their parade.
Seriously though, the best part of having a rainy day wedding is getting to embrace all of the moody photographs… and the adorable clear umbrellas.

Kelly arrived in style in a classic Cadillac Fleetwood driven by her father who donned a gold bow tie and cummerbund for his role of getting the bride to the chapel!  One of the best things about this group of people is that they were down for anything.  It rained right up until the very last minute that photos could be held off until… and even at the time that we were heading outside I was telling everyone that we were just going to have to brave the rain.  I prepped the girls to get a jacket from a groomsmen to cover their hair as they ran out (because we accidentally left those adorable umbrellas at the church)… but right as we stepped outside for portraits, the rain stopped.  Like magic.  We were able to crank out all of the bridal portraits and cocktail hour was held partially outdoors before it started to pour again as the reception got underway. Kelly & Brian — before we went into the weekend of your wedding we didn’t hardly know each other outside of a few phone calls and text messages.  You slipped into my life with a nerve-filled engagement shoot, and two days later I was able to spend the most amazing day with you and your families.  I got to hear your families and friends say the kindest words about you both, and as easily as you slipped into my life… you slipped into my heart.  I adored every moment of your precipitation-filled wedding day, and can honestly say that rain drops weren’t the only thing falling that day as I know that I wiped many a tear from my own cheek and witnessed many others doing the same.  You are incredibly loved, and I am truly honored to call you friends.

I couldn’t end this post without giving a huge shout out to Kelly’s best friend and Grandpa whom they call Par… or The Great Par.  Par sure did give you a run for your money in regards to stealing the show, Kelly… but I’m pretty sure that you wouldn’t have it any other way.  This photo right here is exactly the reason why I photograph weddings.  His love for you is all right there… right in that smile.  xo.