The Rhodenbaughs | Backyard Wedding

We had been watching the forecast all week, hoping and praying the rain would dissipate for Ellie and Chris’s wedding. The dream was to have a European summer-inspired day, set amongst the view of rolling hills with the bright June sun lighting up the day. Yet the rain came anyways. But it made for an even more beautiful day than what we could’ve hoped for or imagined. 

Ellie and Chris saved their first look for the aisle, so we opted for a first touch while they shared their personal vows. However, during their exchange, the clouds began to swell, and heavy raindrops began to fall. We rushed inside and continued their vows in the getting-ready suite as we looked on at the heavy rain pouring down over the hillside. 

The clouds rolled back shortly after, and the sun beamed through just in time for their outdoor ceremony. Ellie really wanted their wedding photos to exude summer, color, and brightness, and even though we were dodging rain clouds throughout the day, we were still able to achieve that vision. It felt like we were doing a sort of dance all day with the weather, but Ellie and Chris took it in stride and were determined to make the absolute best of it. 

The harp bellowed out a soft song that hung in anticipation as Ellie made her descent down the venue’s cascading stairs. All eyes were on her as she made her way to Chris, who was tearing up at the wondrous sight of his bride. The high sun broke through the rain clouds and beamed down behind her, giving her an ethereal glow. 

Shortly after the ceremony, we were taking portraits on the hillside when Ellie gasped and pointed off to the horizon. Through all of the back and forth between heavy rain and bright sun, a rainbow appeared. It felt like a very surreal moment, that in the quietness of their bridal portraits, when it was just me, Ellie, and Chris, the most beautiful sign of hope appeared. I didn’t stop holding my shutter down; I wanted to capture the magic of Ellie and Chris taking in their rainbow. I mean, how many couples can say they have a rainbow in their wedding photos? 

Later on, after waiting out another spurt of rain, we went down to the pond to take some more portraits. The rain had left behind it a haze that covered the hillside and gave the venue an enchanting feeling – picture that end scene in Kiera Knightley’s Pride and Prejudice. After an outfit change and portraits with a vintage car, Ellie and Chris tore it up on the dance floor with their guests, thanks to Josh Staley’s masterful djing, to end their glorious day. 

Private Residence 
Caterer – Mazunte 
Florist – Gia and the Blooms 
Cake – A Spoon Fulla Sugar 
Rentals and Tent – All Occasions