Some days, even the best laid plans can’t prepare you for what mother nature has in store! Last spring at Stella Plantation was no exception, with April showers surprising our bride and groom the week of their outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. As we always advise, no matter what happens with the weather, you’ll be no less married to your best friend at the end of the day!
We had originally planned for a gorgeous ceremony location to take place under the centuries-old live oak trees on this private estate. Working with our creative team of vendors, we put together a classic, traditional wedding ceremony design that would set the stage for Julie and Nick’s married life together. What we were not able to control (and can never predict!) was that mother nature would crash the wedding, uninvited! As the wedding day grew closer, our team as well as our couple all kept an eye on the forecast.
It was certain that throughout the week of the wedding, there was a good probability of heavy rainfall. Because of the terrain on the property, we knew that the ground would remain soggy even in the event that there wouldn’t be any rain storm on Julie’s actual wedding day. Julie remained calm, cool, and collected about the forecast and ordered Wellington boots for the bridal party: a floral pattern that coordinated with the tea-length bridesmaid dresses, and brown boots that would look good with the groom and groomsmen’s khaki suits. She also sent out a message to her guests letting them know to pack appropriate footwear for the muddy conditions.
When the wedding day arrived, rain was in the forecast. There was a torrential downpour on the property that began just as the ceremony chairs and florals were being set up. Assessing the situation, our team decided to pivot the plan and bring the ceremony in a bit closer to the main building, where the bride and bridesmaids were staged, so that if the rain let up, she would not have to walk very far in muddy conditions. When the rain continued, not letting up, we made the decision at the very last minute to bring the ceremony floral arrangement under the covered walkway that connected the main home to its private cottages.
With plan “C” underway, Julie and Nick both took the developments in stride. Having a focus on the wedding itself, in whatever conditions, they married with their guests standing around them under the intimate setting of the age-hold home sheltering them from the storm. After the ceremony, the newlyweds lead their guests to the reception tent, where the seated dinner gave way to a raucous reception as guests reveled in the good news of Julie and Nicks special day.
The results on this damp spring wedding could not have come out more perfect – and the memories from this day are sure to last a lifetime! These photos from Catherine Guidry Photography captured the essence of the day perfectly. See more of this classic New Orleans wedding in the rain featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: