I actually ran into Erin and Mike walking through Dingle, Ireland this summer, amidst an after-many-Guinness stop for Murphy’s Ice Cream. This was just perfection because I knew Erin had been to Ireland before, and also Erin is probably the most Irish looking bride I’ve ever photographed with her gorgeous red hair and stunning porcelain skin. And, well, because her name is Erin too and I always love meeting other Erins, and meeting up in this teeny port in Ireland just felt right. But back to their wedding day….

A rainy fall wedding day at Willowdale Estate

Rain on a wedding day can be tough to work with, but its something you need to embrace. In order to fully enjoy your day you need to be able to LOVE your venue in rain, hail, sleet, snow, and hot summer sun. You need to accept that at least here in New England there is a really good chance it could rain for some if not all of your wedding day. And you need to have a plan B for photos, ceremony, and getting people from point A to point B without getting drenched. Both Erin and Mike, and Willowdale Estate, had such a calm and easy going approach that it made for smooth sailing.

Willowdale Estate in Rain or Shine

This venue is perfection in rain, shine, or any other kind of weather, but let me tell you about how it worked out for us on this chilly fall day with more than just a mist for most of the day.  First up, that crazy awesome bridal suite.  Willowdale has a bridal suite for both the girls and the guys to get ready in. This is so great because you don’t have to worry about getting in and out of the car in your dress in the rain, etc. It also has really pretty sidelight! The stunning full-length mirror, unique bathroom, and just a huge space to chill with your friends and get done up is great too.

Next, the Library and Solarium. These two big rooms at Willowdale allow for indoor spaces for photos. I prefer the light in the Solarium, but we often use the library because there are cocktail hour setups happening in the Solarium itself. I’ve had a few weddings where the ceremony took place in the Solarium too! The library dramatic light let me capture those stunning shots of Erin’s beaded gown.

Lastly, overhangs. Scoping out overhangs on such a gorgeous building is important for rainy days. This allows me to have more space to back up and get wide shots, utilize my favorite natural light, and encompass the natural environment in photos. Luckily, Willowdale has at least 3 if not more awesome overhangs for us to sneak under and get great portraits.  Not to mention their perfect Sperry Tent to utilize for the ceremony and flip to dinner when folks go inside for cocktails.

Vendors:

Venue: Willowdale Estate / Flowers: La Jolie Fleur/ Hair and Makeup: Gretta Cole Salon/  Dress: Maggie Sottero/ Cake: Mayflour Confections/ Band: The Loving Cup