Rain was not in the forecast. An outdoor early evening ceremony was planned with orange and white Chinese lanterns strung in the trees that stood guard near the spot where they were to say their I’Do’s. It was summer, after all. Unfortunately, Mother Earth was not in the mood to comply. The guests were gathered, enjoying a pre-ceremony cocktail, when the rain came without warning, requiring a mad dash to the indoor reception location 20 feet away. Within just a few minutes the rain stopped and the sun peeked it’s nose out a little so once again, the guests headed back outside. Until it began to rain. Again. Commence the mad dash back inside. Having given up hope that the weather would cooperate, the Kenilworth Club staff began to set up rows of chairs indoors, prepared for the last minute change of ceremony location. There’s is only so much to be done with Mother Nature refuses to cooperate.
But Matt stood in the door, looking outside. It was his call. Everyone waited for him to decide that the ceremony would indeed take place inside. The rain slowed to a drizzle and then a stop. iPhone applications detailing the weather Doppler maps were consulted; most said not to chance it. But Matt asked for a few more minutes. He knew how much that outdoor ceremony between the two tall trees festooned with Chinese lanterns meant to his bride-to-be and as he was about to pledge his love and devotion to her, this was just one small way that he could show that. Now, to many it may seem impractical to delay a ceremony simply to please a whim, but Amanda’s “whims” are important to Matt. Her dreams are his dreams.
“Let’s do it.” Back outside once more, everyone hurried to their seats knowing that Mother Nature could prove fickle and the rain could return. The music started, the groomsmen took their places, and the the audience caught their first peek of the bridesmaids’ gorgeous purple dresses. And then the sun came out. Not just its nose but its entire face. Amanda, who had been calmly oblivious to all of the drama, was able to have the ceremony she’d envisioned. Standing between the two big trees decorated with orange and white Chinese lanterns.
While the primary photographer Steve Koo spent time with the ladies as they got ready, I had fun hanging out with the guys. When I arrived, Matt was writing in a card to his Amanda.
I discovered that the “Men getting ready” scene is quite different from the “Ladies getting ready.” Start to finish it took maybe 15 minutes, with the rest of the time spent teasing one another and drinking a pre-game beer. The longest part in getting ready was deciding how to tie their ties. The Windsor Knot seemed to be the most popular.
Once dressed, we headed to the ceremony & reception location, the Kenilworth Club, to take some formals of the guys. As you’ll see, there was very little “formality” going on.
The rain, forcing everyone inside for the second time.
Until finally, the ceremony could begin.
After the ceremony the bridal party gathered with the parents and the newlyweds to share hugs and excitement.
We then took Matt & Amanda to a charming little train station just a block away for some additional photos, but that will have to wait until Part 2. Check back soon!
PS. If you’re needing more visit Steve’s “Part 1″ of the wedding HERE.
PPS. Ok, fine. Just one image to tease.
by Kelly Ry
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