Most Brides cross their fingers and toes for clear skies on the big day. But worst case scenario, rain makes for incredibly gorgeous images. And if you’re anything like this Bride, you may get some lovely Hunter Rain Boots as a keepsake. From an outside perspective, it’s a win win and from the perspective of Lindsay Madden Photography, that win win is so, so pretty. See it all right here.
From the Bride… I feel incredibly lucky saying that the year and half wedding planning process was really…fun. From getting drinks to better know our talented and super cool photographer, to late night chats with our Etsy program designer, all of our vendors seemed to really understand Rich and I and were excited about helping make our vision a reality. Although I really enjoyed working with all of our vendors; I had the most fun working with Rich’s sister, Meaghan, a total DIY guru if you ask me. Meaghan spent countless weekends finding picture frames for table numbers, painting a mailbox for a card holder, and designing a seating chart for our 200 guests! Working with Meaghan not only gave me a new appreciation for her creativity but was a great bonding experience.
In the days leading up to the wedding I was really nervous about the weather. We were in the middle of a beautiful stretch of dry, warm, early fall weather and every news station and weather website (I checked them all) was calling for a very, very wet wedding day. I knew I couldn’t control the weather, but the uncertainty of what the day would bring was pretty anxiety producing. After coming up with some last minute rain plans, and rushing to rent umbrellas I forced myself to let it go. This was going to be our one and only wedding day and I knew it would be great, rain or shine. The morning of the wedding, it poured. I remember being at the salon with my bridal party, looking out the window, and my whole bridal party was silent, waiting for me to react. I took a few deep breaths, thought about seeing Rich, and told the girls to turn up the music. A few hours later I was back at the hotel and as soon as I started to get ready the rain just stopped. We decided to do our “first look” inside just in case the weather decided to act up again. The first moment Rich and I first saw each other was so special – I am really happy I took our photographer, Lindsay’s advice, and had the “first look” be just Rich and I. That one, private moment is something I will cherish forever. After the “first look” Rich and I decided we wanted to venture outside for the rest of our pictures; we had beautiful umbrellas and I happened to have my favorite pair of Hunter rain boots with me…so we might as well have some fun!
The rest of the day was just incredible. The food and drink at our venue, the Stone House at Stirling Ridge was delicious, our Olde English Bulldogge, Lily, who was also our flowerdog was very well behaved, and most importantly, we had all of our family and friends together, celebrating in our love. Our wedding day may have not been “perfect”, but it truly was the perfect start to Rich’s and my journey as husband and wife.
Wedding Photography: Lindsay Madden Photography (Lead Photographer) + Carmen Santorelli Photography (Second Shooter) / Wedding Venue: Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, New Jersey / Bride + Groom’s Prep Location: Sheraton Lincoln Harbor / Floral Design: Rose Petals and Lace Floral Designers / Cupcakes: Rudy’s Pastry Shop / Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Entertainment + Lighting: Eclipse Entertainment / Bride’s Dress: Watters / Bride’s Veil: RK Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: J. Renee Rosina via Zappos / Bride’s Rainboots: Hunter / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Hair + Makeup Salon Rouge / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic / Groom’s Shoes: Allen Edmonds