If there’s one thing I’ve learned after more than 20 years in weddings, it’s that there are bound to be at least one set of rainy wedding day photos per year. Sometimes, even more than one. Take this year for example.

It’s been raining A LOT this wedding season. I don’t have the stats in my hand, but it sure feels like we’ve had more rainy weekends this summer than not. And who could forget that freezing cold, windy and rainy Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend?? That was Hannah and Elliott’s wedding day.

Two days before the wedding I got an email from Hannah, and a question from her that broke my heart a little. “The forecast is horrible for Saturday, we’re both really bummed out about it, do you have any strategies for still getting to use the grounds even with rain?”

Relying on my 20+ years in wedding photography, and my own experience as a bride on a rainy wedding day, I could understand how it felt to be in that situation, and also how to make the most of it. Here’s some of my time-tested advice for bad weather wedding days that I shared with Hannah.

Best tips for rainy wedding day photos

1. Touch base with your planner and photographer early to make sure you have a solid Plan B.

It’s important to choose alternate spaces for each part of the day that you are planning to be outside. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect if the worst weather happens, and having a plan alleviates the stress of choosing on the day of.

2. Photos with umbrellas and rain/snow boots are the cutest!

This is a fact. So go ahead and buy the weather-proof footwear that will keep you comfortable. If you are up for adventure, I will definitely ask you to go outside to capture the moment. It will probably bring a smile to your face to look back on those photos of you in the rain or snow and remember just how the day looked and felt.

3. Moment of zen.

We can control a lot of things, but we cannot control the weather. My advice: just roll with it. Do your best to let go and think about all the people gathered around you that love you so much! They are all on your side and rooting for you to have a great day no matter what.

4. Even an awful weather forecast usually has some breaks in it.

I will keep a close eye on things so that if we have a moment to grab photos in between rounds of rain, we can take advantage of it.

Hannah and Elliott shared that my last minute advice really helped soothe their nerves. I love looking back at these images and thinking about how Hannah took my advice to heart. We had a great Plan B, we had umbrellas and covered places to take photos when we needed to. Hannah had the greatest blue Crocs, and she and Elliott had an adventure walking around the gorgeous Mountain Lakes House environs in the mist and the rain. It turned out to be a really romantic and special moment.  That’s a perfect wedding day in my book! Much love and the biggest mazel tov to Hannah and Elliott!

Venue: Mountain Lakes House. Catering: Emily’s Cafe and Catering