What if it rains on your wedding?

By Jack Day

What if it rains on your wedding?

Undesired weather on your wedding day is a common occurrence that can easily be dealt with by adding a few preparations. So as wedding photographers, we at Shutter Island will give you the best advice we have for preventing rain from ruining a good wedding.

Before the ceremony

Firstly British weather is notably unpredictable so don’t get too worried. But since the possibility is present; here’s how we’d suggest planning your wedding to consider the prospect of rain. Make sure your wedding venue has available indoor space and create a wet-weather plan. Have umbrellas and area covers prepared and devise potential alternative portrait locations if the primary choice proves to be inappropriate for rainy weather. Ask guests to bring footwear for walking over wet surfaces; wellies and trainers can be concealed under formal wear and can be quickly switched for other shoes. Remember that you don’t have to spend the entire day outside. Weddings and their receptions often have indoor sections too so be sure to incorporate them into your service.

The indoor spaces of the venue can often be used as portrait locations alongside sheltered spaces outdoors. Even with the outdoor portions of the ceremony the photographer can work around showers and even take photos from indoors via dry windows. If the originally scheduled time for the couple portraits ends up occurring at the same time as a torrential downpour, it may be easier to simply postpone taking the photos for half an hour before using backup locations.

During the ceremony

Preparation is one of the most important things for any wedding, whether you’re expecting rain or sunshine. When photographing outdoors during the rain, clear Umbrella’s work better than coloured ones as they block the rain without obscuring the holders faces or casting shadows. An umbrella is also great here because it can be easily picked up and put down for photography purposes. The bride and groom can pose under an umbrella held by others to be photographed, then briefly step into the rain for another set of photos before returning to coverage. This allows for a decent array of photos to be taken without risking damaging any applied hair or makeup. Specialist photography equipment can also work wonders here. The correct application of backlighting and a well-timed snapshot can create cinematic photographs from a rain soaked sky.

When planning photography also remember that Overcast skies and rainfall can be the source of beautiful photographs. Many famous photographers and visual artists have made masterpieces from recording what is typically considered dismal weather. So rather than expecting a sudden shower to taint your wedding photos; instead consider them a potential enhancement to the images. Perhaps the photographs of you and your spouse beneath a brewing storm can become an iconic image from your big day. A powerful symbol of the emotional strength contained within your union. But perhaps most importantly. Don’t let it spoil your day. Your wedding day is not about the weather outside; but rather the emotions you’re feeling inside. So regardless of if you’re walking down the altar beneath fair or stormy skies; remember that it will be a momentous occasion regardless.

We are a wedding and studio photography company based in Sunderland, operating throughout the North East and we look forward to helping capture your special day.

Need two wedding photographers?

Need two wedding photographers? Why you should trust Shutter Island

By Jack Day

One photographer can take some wedding photos, but two photographers can take them all. While many wedding photography services will only send one photographer to your big day, Shutter Island will send two. We are an independent photography business based in Sunderland and available for hire around the North East.

While a single photographer can only be in once place at a time. Two or more important moments or priceless shots can occur simultaneously. Hence, hiring two photographers can allow for both moments to be captured at once. Rather than choosing between potential mementos; we instead can capture both memories from different positions. Grandma’s uncontained excitement and your nephew’s enthusiasm replacing their boredom can both be the centre of different photographs. So instead of choosing between moments; we can instead capture both. Giving you a more complete collection of memories to reflect upon. Having two photographers also allows us to capture separate moments occurring simultaneously. We can photograph both bride and groom's preparation in detail without selecting which to focus on. We can capture different parts of the crowd and multiple events occurring throughout your big day. Meaning that details and events from the ceremony and reception will be fully documented rather than being reduced to a memory.

Even if you want photos of a single shared scene during the wedding; like the exchanging of vows or the bride walking down the aisle. Two photographers allows you to double the amount of pictures taken. Key moments can then be captured from multiple angles, allowing us to increase the amount of candid photos commemorating the day rather than limiting it to the lens of a single camera. This process will also reduce potential disruption during the ceremony as we can photograph from both sides of the aisle simultaneously without needing to move around and/or take the photos in succession. While a single photographer must take each photo successfully and regularly move around the aisle, potentially causing disruption and missing an important shot in the process. We can continuously capture both sides as the service occurs and provide full coverage photography without interruption.

So if you’re getting married in the North East and want professional quality wedding photography. Feel free to contact us about providing it for your big day. We do affordable but quality work with a focus on capturing every moment of this important day. Our two photographer system allows us to provide this detailed approach that we hope will make your wedding day feel extra special. We look forward to being booked for your ceremony soon.

Unlike what happens in the film. This time you should come to Shutter Island.