This past weekend I met up with some dear family members that I’m not in touch with very often…except via social media. They were asking me about my daughter’s recent wedding, which made me realize that I never really wrote about it or shared any photos! So, three months later ( boy, how time flies…) here is the beginning of the story…
We had spent a full year planning this wedding, focusing on every detail from decor to dining to the ceremony and music. But what we learned that day is despite your best efforts, you just cannot control Mother Nature. During the week leading up to the date, we all kept checking our iPhone weather apps and noted little sunny icons in a row with the exception of the zero hour- 5pm on the wedding day-which was clearly marked by a lightning bolt and dark rain clouds. Hmmm. So, with our wedding planner checking the weather continuously on his radar, he decided we should go ahead with the outdoor ceremony as planned and rehearsed, keeping our fingers crossed that we made it before the weather hit.
The warm, sunny day started out rather promising, with the groom leading many of the wedding guests…
in a Wedding Day 5K along the rocky Maine coastline.
While the bride and her party were busy being primped
and pampered by hair stylists and the lovely Kate from Kosmetics by Kate…
preparing for the day ahead.
After their run, the groomsmen were also getting set for the big day
(hair and makeup consultants not necessary here, just a brew or two : )
After the groom and his entourage
made their way to the reception site,
it was time to get some dancing shoes on and get this party started!
As our amazing photographer, Paul Granese, of Paul Granese Photography and other family members snapped away, creating pictorial mementos to last a lifetime,
in the bright, hot sunshine,
there were umbrellas at the ready to protect everyone from the heat…
so we optimistically assumed it was all going to be fine.
But, as the ceremony time rolled near and our guests gathered in their seats on the green expanse of lawn near the lighthouse…
ominous, threatening black storm clouds gathered overhead,
so we quickly gathered the wedding party together to begin the ceremony. Just as the dashing FOB (Father of the Bride, for those wedding-uninformed : ) took our daughter’s arm to begin their walk down the aisle,
the first gentle raindrops fell. Someone from the crowd dashed over to hand him an umbrella to protect the beautiful bride…
and as the first notes of the lilting folk music were sung by the lovely Andrea Magee of BeatRoot– the ceremony was interrupted by a startling flash of lightning and a tremendous clap of thunder.
At which point the wedding planner raced down the aisle and asked the bride and groom if they would like to move the ceremony inside…which they agreed would be a good fantastic idea…
…creating a scene right out of an adventure film…everyone ducking for cover and looking back over their shoulders
while scrambling to race inside as the pelting rain soaked suit jackets and shawls and created a “bad hair day” for all…
…and a pond of water where the lawn games had been played just moments before.
But then, something quite magical happened. Dampened by the downpour but not shaken, the bridal party quickly reassembled, then entered the small function room (not really meant for the size of this crowd) to cheers and applause,
something you don’t often see at a wedding ceremony…and exchanged their loving
and oftentimes quite humorous vows,
surrounded by a very close circle of family and friends.
Was this our ceremony space of choice? Nope. But it was perfectly suited for this happy couple and their guests…providing a much more intimate and moving ceremony that ended with a rousing rendition of “All You Need Is Love” by BeatRoot (and our guests : ).
A crazy start to an unforgettable wedding day celebration! Part Two: The Party is next! Have a great weekend everyone-hope it doesn’t rain on your special day! Susan
Country Design Home 
Exactly as I remember it!
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Gorgeous!!!
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