There’s a reason they say it takes 12-18 months to plan your wedding day. Big events naturally take more time to organize, and it’s only natural to want your celebration to be perfect, down to the very last detail. But some details you can’t predict or decide for yourself, no matter how long your engagement—like rain. If your big day is approaching this summer, chances are you’re obsessively checking your weather app. If that sounds familiar, read on for my favorite tips for dealing with rain on your wedding day—and how to get the best photos out of it.

What Rain on Your Wedding Day Means

I know that little cloud on the forecast can make your heart sink, especially if your wedding is outdoors, as most Colorado weddings are. But did you know that in some cultures, rain on your wedding day is actually considered a good thing? Afterall, a wet knot is more difficult to untie. So what better way to tie the knot than in the rain? Some parts of the world see rain on your wedding day as a true fresh start, celebrating a new union as you wash away the past and any bad memories. Others believe rain is a sign of future fertility and fortune. Whatever you believe, that leads me to my first tip:

1. Be Flexible

You know what they say… Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain! Since even the best planners can’t control the weather, letting go of expectations, going with the flow and not trying to force a situation will alleviate so much stress—and create some incredible memories in the process. Allow for a little more time in your schedule, and embrace the day for what it is! And be sure to add these memories to your photographer’s shot list:

• Have a friend or family member pick up some rain boots for your wedding party in plenty of fun, bright colors. Then show them off in a joy-filled photo session with your closest girls.
  
• Grab a cute umbrella, then sneak away with your photographer and your new spouse. The weather isn’t the focus of the day—your love is… The love you probably just vowed would weather the storms together! Rainy mist is so romantic. Why not make the most of it?
  
• Keep your eyes on the skies. Where there is rain, there are rainbows, and if one appears over your celebration, be prepared for your photographer to take full advantage!
  
  

2. Be Prepared

While you can’t control rain on your wedding day, you can plan for it, if it looks like a real possibility. Talk to your planner (if you’re using one) or venue coordinator, and have a plan B firmly in place for any parts of your day affected by the weather. (Think alternate ceremony spaces, or safe, secure tents for cocktail hour). Chances are they’ve dealt with the weather before, and can likely suggest vendors they’ve worked with before, if need be. Then be sure to tell your photographer! They’ll likely revise your shot list and timeline, bring the necessary items to protect their equipment and accommodate the drops and lighting, or even bring some great rainy-day props to use (like clear umbrellas). 

Once your backup plan is in place, you can be prepared with a list of items you’d need in that circumstance, or things you could provide your party and guests to make the most of the situation. These are a few of my favorites: 

• Candles/Lanterns
• Blankets
• Umbrellas
• Coffee/Hot Cocoa
• Towels

3. Protect the Glam

By all means, don’t be afraid to get wet if there’s rain on your wedding day—but be responsible for your look, too! You spent months tracking down the perfect dress, and gowns aren’t exactly machine-washable. And trust me, if there’s rain on your wedding day, you’re in for some amazing photos… shots you won’t want tainted by mascara running down your cheeks! Make sure to consider these options:

• If you head outside, try to stay covered, either under a jacket, an umbrella or tent.
• Have a member of your bridal party on train-carrying duty at all times to avoid a muddy hemline. 
• Have a change of shoes handy for walking from space to space
• Ask your hair and makeup stylist to stay longer for touch ups. Bringing some spare blow dryers and setting spray couldn’t hurt, either!

Even if you prefer clear skies, rain on your wedding day can make for memories you’ll never forget. If the forecast looks grim, your future together is bright! It will still be a beautiful day.

Senior portraits have come a long way since I was a graduate, awkwardly posing for maybe 20 images in a department store studio. Nowadays senior sessions can be customized to include meaningful locations, favorite outfits and overall composition that showcases each student’s personality like never before! So say goodbye to the stiff, cookie-cutter “senior pictures” of the past, and say hello to stunning photos that make your heart swell. 

Seniors have put lots of time and effort into becoming the young humans they are, and senior portraits are your one chance to capture their hard work and accomplishments, preserving them in a way that’s totally worth the investment—and totally worthy of showing off! Not sure how? Here are my favorite ways to use your senior portraits.

Grad Party Invitations/Decor

There are plenty of companies that will help you create amazing graduation announcements and grad party invitations with all your favorite shots (think Minted, Zazzle or Shutterfly, to name a few). But why stop there? Displaying senior portraits at the party itself is a great way to show them off. String your favorite images up like a banner, use them as centerpieces on tables, or create a path to the festivities that starts with kindergarten and finishes with a collage from your senior session.

Dorm/Home Decor

Sometimes the thought of displaying your own senior portraits can be a little cringe, but if you love your photos and still want to show them off, I get it! Framed portraits aren’t everyone’s thing, especially if you’re heading into your first apartment or dorm. So why not make it cute? Print out wallet sizes of your favorite shots, and collect a handful from your family and best friends, too. String them up or add them all to a bulletin board to keep your favorite people close!

Yearbooks

Believe it or not, most schools allow you to use one of your own senior portraits as your official yearbook photo now! And if not, they allow you to create custom pages and collages from your senior session with notes from families, mixed with childhood and other photos from over the years. I told you stiff, traditional senior pictures were a thing of the past!

Meaningful Gifts 

Maybe framed senior portraits aren’t every young graduate’s idea of home decor, but I guarantee their people disagree! Think of the countless hours and miles spent going to and from school, cheering at games and showing up for extra curricular activities over the years. Those moments count, and they’re etched into the hearts of every graduate’s biggest fans. These are the years you’ll never get back, and honoring those who supported the journey will always be important. So turn your senior portraits into a photo book or album, frame some prints, create some display collages and canvas prints. They make great (and meaningful!) gifts for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, coaches, mentors… you get the idea! 

Social Media

Did someone say #SeniorSunday? Sharing senior portraits with your friends and family is so much fun! And looking at all of their posts and pictures is part of the whole senior-year experience. Showcase your favorite shots by sharing them in your stories and posts, and I bet your proud followers will want to share them, too. You’ll only have this opportunity once. Share it with those who are nearest and dearest to you!