When we started off our day with Lori and Mike at Stroudsmoor, the sun was shining, and everything was going smoothly. Of course, as soon as we were about to take the ladies outside for some photos before the ceremony, the first storm cell appeared. Luckily, we timed it just right and were able to get just enough time to make a few images before we all headed towards the ceremony site, on the top of a beautiful overlook.
Just as we were breathing a collective sigh of relief, we heard the rumblings of another storm. Since all the guests were already seated, the coordinator thought we might have enough time for the ceremony. As is the case with life sometimes, the timing of Lori’s entrance could not have been more dramatic if it was planned. Just as Mike got his first sight of her rounding the bend with her Father, thunder resonated all around us, and the sky grew darker. Everyone quickly snapped into action, and made a valiant effort to have a ceremony in fast forward, but mother nature had other plans.
Thankfully some guests had umbrellas, and were able to shelter the bride and groom. Wil ran for cover in the trees in the back, while I ended up huddled up next to Lori’s Grandma, praying that the camera and pictures would be safe, and that the huge lightning bolt we saw strike in the valley just behind Lori and Mike wouldn’t come any closer. After the rain started to pour down in buckets and it was clear it wasn’t a safe situation with lighting, we had to accept defeat and regather, and for the first time we were able to witness two ceremonies in one day.
Lori and Mike quickly recovered, and even though the DJ’s speaker had blown in the weather (so there was no music), it turned into one of the most beautiful entrances we’ve ever witnessed, as all of Lori’s friends and family sang “Here comes the bride” while she strolled down the aisle, take two. Of course the sun came out again a few minutes later, and everyone was able to enjoy the rest of the evening, as planned.
