Sometimes it just rains on a wedding day. It is not the end of the world!
Ariane and Ronda were married at the Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City’s Liberty Park. The original idea was to hold the wedding ceremony in the small amphitheater by the Mill. Unfortunately, due to the rain we moved the ceremony indoors. We went with the basement because it has more light and more room. I was all ready to photograph in the rain… and I have photographed a number of weddings in pure downpours. That is why you have weather resistant camera gear and plastic rain covers.
Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary was the location for the wedding
I have found that with gay marriage the ceremonies and traditions are becoming much more unconventional. As a wedding photographer, even in Utah, you just have to be prepared for the unexpected. In this case the brides hang out with parents right before the ceremony. Often times the future spouses will avoid seeing each other until the ceremony.
Before the ceremony the brides pose with Ronda’s parents
Photographing in the basement was a bit of a challenge. I don’t want to be in the way yet I want to get the best photos. So I get the be the best ninja wedding photographer ever!
Wedding Ceremony in the Basement of the Chase Mill at the Tracy Aviary
Sharing the wedding vows
Exchanging the wedding rings
Bride’s first kiss
Newlyweds
After the ceremony there was the signing of the marriage license. It’s important to photograph the witnesses, brides, and officiant. And it’s important to get wide shots and tight shots.
Signing the marriage license
Right after the ceremony there was the cutting of the cake. The cake was vegan, fyi. The brides cut the cake and there was a cake smash. And don’t forget to kiss after sharing cake otherwise it doesn’t count.
Vegan wedding cake
Cutting the wedding cake. The cake was vegan.
A classic cake smash
Aftermath of the cake smash
Remember to kiss after the cake cutting otherwise it doesn’t count
After the cake cutting I had my lights ready to photograph groups and formals. It was a light rain so we would go outside every few minutes to take more photographs. Group photos might not seem very creative for many wedding photographers but it is important to the family and visitors. Often times people are visiting from out of town and these are often the favorite and most important photos for the family. It might be the last time for some people. So I always take these photos serious.
Before the ceremony the brides pose with Ronda’s parents
The brides pose with Ronda’s family
Family photos after the wedding were out in the rain
Group photos. We would run outside every few minutes as people wanted photos with the brides
Fun with Group photos
I always try to keep an eye out for the candid moments between formal poses.
Capturing candid photos between the formal portraits
And yes, it’s true that everyone has a camera at weddings.
Everyone has a camera at weddings these days
After people left the reception the brides and I had the chance to walk through Tracy Aviary and create some portraits. It was pouring rain and we incorporated the umbrella to many of the photos. It will definitely be a wedding to remember.
The brides after the wedding ceremony. Despite the rain we were able to create awesome wedding photos.
The umbrella turned into a prop during the photo shoot
We walked around looking for some birds that photographed well and didn’t mind the rain. The flamingos were real! I probably made at least 2 lawn ornament jokes.
Photos in front of the flamingos
I had my portable lighting setup to make sure the brides look their best. Flash and studio lighting makes a world of difference.
We found a bridge for portraits
For many of the photos you do see the rain drops falling. In Hollywood movies they actually used rain machines to make the rain show up for the camera. Fortunately, we see rain drops falling all around the brides.
A kiss in the rain
Having fun with photos
Formal portraits at Tracy Aviary
I think we spent about 40 minutes in the rain to capture these formal wedding portraits. Hooray for plastic bags! They protect the camera and the flash equipment so we can keep shooting no matter what.
Formal wedding portraits in front of the Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary
Getting creative with the wedding portraits. It was raining and we roll with it.
Creating those candid moments for portraits
Thanks for checking out the photos! It was a great wedding.
Brides walk in the rain at Tracy Aviary
Brides in the Rain at Tracy Aviary
Ariane & Ronda’s formal wedding portraits
