While it’s true that Alanis Morissette might not want rain on her wedding day, it’s actually considered a good luck symbol in many cultures. (I love that in the Hindu tradition rain signifies a strong marriage because a wet knot is harder to untie.) So, imagine how lucky Nolan and Michelle are since the moment they began walking down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife the skies let loose and there was an insane torrential downpour! The thing that made it feel really symbolic though—and the perfect blessing— was the fact that it really only lasted as long as it took the wedding party to make it back down the aisle.

Nolan and Michelle’s day was absolutely the kind of wedding I love photographing. We started the day at Michelle’s childhood home, which was the perfect setting for a wedding with so many special touches. Michelle made her hairpiece and her bridesmaids’ bracelets, her mom made the veil, and all the rooms in the house were bustling with family members helping steam clothes, prepare lunch, and keeping the groom from peeking before the first-look.

Michelle and Nolan exchanged letters back-to-back before turning around and seeing each other for the first time, which adds such emotion to that moment. We then battled dipnetting traffic and wild wind to get photos at McHugh Creek before heading to Forget Me Not Nursery in Indian, Alaska (which is definitely one of my top three venues).

Their wedding was a wrap to my summer 2018 wedding season, and it was the best possible way to end it. (Don’t believe me? Just check out how wild this crew gets on the dance floor!)

Vendors:
Bride’s Dress: Justin Alexander from Anderson’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic
Accessories: Handmade by Bride and Mother-of-the-Bride
Flowers: Paper Peony
Catering: Froth and Forage
Desserts: Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop
Music: Boogie Shoes
Venue: Forget Me Not Nursery
Tables, Chairs, Dancefloor: Over the Top Tents