January 13, 2025

How to Capture Your Perfect Wedding in the Great Outdoors

Hello and welcome to my very first blog post! I’m so excited to share some insights to help you as you begin planning your wedding day. This post is a broad overview to help you start narrowing down your options, but of course, the reason you’re here is that you want amazing photos. As a photographer, I’m here to offer a photographer’s perspective on how to get the best shots while also considering your overall vision for the day.

Everyone wants great wedding photos, and I totally get it! We care about them so much that we upgrade our phones every other year just for the improved camera. But remember—your wedding day is about more than just photos. It’s about the moments you’ll share with your loved ones, and photos give us something sentimental to look back on. I just want to help you decide what your wedding album will say about your love story.

Your Location and Guest List Matter

The first thing to consider when planning your wedding is your budget and how many guests you want to invite. For example, let’s say you have an $8,000 wedding budget.

  • Option 1: You choose a barn wedding with your family and friends. It’s a beautiful and intimate setting, and your photo album will be filled with images of loved ones chatting, laughing, and dancing the night away.
  • Option 2: You take that same budget and head to Alaska, eloping on a glacier. Now, your album is full of photos of you and your partner hiking through the mountains, taking in breathtaking views, and perhaps even soaring through the skies in a helicopter. Both are beautiful, but the vibe and memories are completely different.

So, when it comes down to it, think about what kind of wedding photos you want to have. What do you want your album to showcase? The location you choose plays a huge role in how your wedding day will look, so take some time to envision what your perfect day—and photo album—would look like.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear a Rainy Day

One thing many couples worry about is the possibility of rain on their wedding day. But let me tell you—rain can be a beautiful thing for wedding photos.

One of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever shot took place at a greenhouse in the fall. It was raining, but that only added to the atmosphere. The way the light reflected off the wet pavement created a romantic, almost dreamlike ambiance. And the misty weather? It gave the photos a soft, ethereal quality that you just can’t replicate on a sunny day.

If you’re worried about your hair or makeup getting ruined, don’t stress! Umbrellas can actually be super cute, and they make for a fun photo opportunity. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not embrace the rain? Think about how Noah and Allie from The Notebook looked—wet, but completely in love. It was beautiful!

And here’s a little secret: Photographers actually prefer cloudy or rainy days because the light is soft and flattering. We loathe direct sunlight because it creates harsh shadows and unflattering contrasts. That’s why we love scheduling shoots around sunrise or sunset, when the light is softer and more golden. So, if rain shows up, don’t worry—it might just be the perfect thing for your photos.

What About the Temperature?

Worried about being too hot or too cold on your wedding day? I totally understand. We all know how unpredictable the weather can be. But with a little preparation, you can stay comfortable no matter the season.

  • For colder weather: Think about layering. Warm undergarments, cute jackets, and even blankets can keep you cozy while still looking stylish.
  • For warmer weather: Stay cool with plastic fans, ice packs, or lightweight fabrics that won’t weigh you down.

If you’re particularly sensitive to temperature changes, this could help guide your venue decision. Do you need indoor and outdoor options? Choosing the right season for your wedding can help, but make sure you’re prepared just in case the temperature fluctuates unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has helped address some of your questions about your wedding location and the weather. Whether it’s rain, shine, heat, or cold, remember that your wedding day will be yours—and the photos will capture the unique beauty of it all.

If you have more questions, or if you’re ready to start planning your perfect wedding experience, feel free to reach out to me through my inquire page. I’d love to hear about your plans and help you create unforgettable memories.

Thank you so much for reading, and I can’t wait to help bring your vision to life!

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