Every wedding couple hopes for sunny skies on their wedding day, but mother nature doesn’t always get the message. Jessica and Steve were married one year ago today at beautiful Lingrow Farm in Leechburg, PA. Having rain on your wedding day worries a lot of brides – especially if you’re hosting your ceremony and reception at a venue with great outdoor spaces like Lingrow that you want to take advantage of! The key is to be prepared work with the weather and plan to have a good time no matter what. (It also helps to have a photographer that is comfortable in the great outdoors!) I firmly believe that BAD weather makes for GOOD photos – scroll down to see why !
The rain was already falling softly when we arrived. Jessica was getting ready in the restored farmhouse at Lingrow Farm. She was mid hair and make up and smiling ear to ear. We love to shoot in the farmhouse because every room has its original architectural details and great light. We had already endured one very rainy day of photos together when we shot their engagement session so when Jessica saw the weather report for saturday, she went out and got herself a bright yellow pair of Hunter rain boots and a yellow umbrella to match. Nothing was going to stop her from enjoying her wedding day!
She wore a soft lace gown with a classic twisted updo and pearl earrings.
Meanwhile, Steve was getting ready in the carriage house on the farm property.
Jessica had planned plenty of time for photos into her wedding day, and when the raindrops started again, we took advantage of the farmhouse for some shots before the ceremony. Even the water lilies on the pond bloomed in the rain and the colors matched her bouquet. With the radar showing more showers on the way, they opted to move the ceremony under cover.
With rain softly falling in the background, Jessica’s father walked her down the aisle onto the huge back porch of the barn where Steve waited with their guests.
They exchanged vows surrounded by their family and friends with the view of the lake behind them.
Good news! The rain stopped during the ceremony and we were able to get outside and get all of the family and wedding party photos done outside! Jessica rocked a pair of comfortable yellow flats.
Cocktail hour appetizers were fresh and colorful with summer time fruits and vegetables.
While we were finishing up family photos just off the patio, we heard thunder in the distance.
Within moments, the sky let loose and it rained again – but this time it RAINED!
The horses made a run for the barn. Jessica and Steve mingled with their guests who had all gathered on the deck – AND IT RAINED more.
This is one of my favorite shots! It perfectly sums up their day – it rained and they had a great time anyway 🙂
Guests didn’t even care that it was raining because they were enjoying all of the beautiful and delicious food from Twisted Thistle and interacting with Jessica and Steve’s puzzle guestbook! Each person chose a blank wooden puzzle piece, wrote their own message on it and then dropped it in a box for the couple to have fun assembling after the wedding. (They love board games and puzzles!)
Did I mention that it was raining? Actually it was POURING! And you know what? No one cared! All of the guests were comfortable enjoying food and drink and getting a chance to talk with the newlyweds!
I love details. Someone recently asked me at a wedding why I was taking a photo of the bread display. “Do you really think anyone cares about a picture of bread?” “YES!” Having planned a wedding myself, I know that everything from the ingredients for the meal to the socks you put on your feet are carefully selected. It’s my job to make sure all of that hard work is remembered! You never know when a small detail has a lot of meaning behind it. Instead of traditional flutes, Jessica and Steve had glass Mr. & Mrs. tumblers.
When the rain was over, the dark blue clouds brought out all of the deep green of the landscape and Jessica grabbed her boots and umbrella!
The barn was sparkling when guests moved upstairs for the reception.
Cookies! One of the best parts of any pittsburgh wedding!
At the end of the night, Jessica and Steve changed into street clothes to make their get away! A car and driver waited for them to take them straight to the airport to start their honeymoon! They ran out through a tunnel of sparklers, waved goodbye and everyone cheered as their tail lights headed down the road.
Happy First Anniversary!! 😀
There’s even another happy milestone on the horizon, Jessica and Steve are expecting a baby later this year 😀
A great job! Your photography shows a lot of creativity and insight.
I was there for a wedding reception for Morgen Pisone and it is really a beautiful place.
I’m very proud to know you.
Your second grade teacher,
Mrs. Altemus
Amanda, great work as always! You are amazing