Kayla & Brendan….. Lake Oak Meadows Wedding

After almost 11 years of shooting weddings, you would think I had seen it all. But do you want to hear something surprising? Up until this week, I had NEVER shot a wedding in the rain. Slight drizzle, drops here and there, yes. Rain in the morning only to clear up before the ceremony? Yes. Finish the ceremony only to have it start raining during cocktail hour/reception? YES!

But this last Wednesday, the rain gods smiled on us, and decided to start POURING right in the middle of our first look. We knew rain was a possibility, but the skies had looked pretty good all day, and I was feeling confident. I did bring some adorable clear umbrellas just in case. When Kayla stepped out of the bridal suite to do a first touch and a first look with soon-to-be-hubby Brendan, it started as a drizzle, shifted to some little drops, we shifted to move under a more protected shade tree, but within about 5 minutes- it was a downpour.

But did they mind? NOT ONE BIT. Kayla and Brendan were so overjoyed that this day had finally come, they grinned, laughed, giggled and kissed their way into their new life together, and I could not be more proud of ALL of these images and how they turned out. The venue was Lake Oak Meadows, in Temecula Ca. Nestled in the foothills of wine country, a private lake, dock, grapevines, fire fountains and flowers were a stunning backdrop. Lake oak meadows can book YEARS in advance, so every time I get an inquiry to shoot there, I jump at the chance- it is one of my all time favorite venues. And in true Lake Oak Meadows fashion, they did not disappoint. The ceremony was moved to under a clear tent, adorned with chandeliers and twinkly lights.

After the ceremony, it was still coming down pretty good, so we did our bridal party and family formals under the tent. When it came time to do the ‘romantics’ (bride and groom only shots), I busted out the umbrellas, asked if they were ready for an adventure, and sure enough- they were!! We danced and played in the rain, got soaked to the bone, but the glow on Brendan and Kayla’s faces certainly outshone the gloomy sky.

AND as luck would have it- after dinner- the rain cleared up- and we ventured outside to get a few more shots before it got dark (and those fire fountain shots- whew!!! Some of my favorites from the whole day).

I can’t wait to hear what you all think about it! Let me know in the comments. Are they the cutest, or what??

Congratulations Kayla & Brendan!!! You two make me sick. (in all the best ways, of course!) Go get a room, you two.

Joie de Vivre!!