Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
As the saying goes, “A wet knot is harder to untie,” meaning a rainy wedding should yield a strong and inseparable marriage. That’s how Mount Pleasant couple Madison Smith and Alex Terrell view their big gray day.
Ever since Madison’s first visit to her mom’s home on Spring Island, she’d wanted to say “I do” beneath giant oaks, surrounded by winding waterways and untouched Lowcountry landscapes. An interior designer, Madison envisioned a day imbued with Southern, traditional, and feminine touches. She wanted pinks, greens, and splashes of yellow pulled through fabrics, furnishings, flatware, and florals. And she imagined a tented reception filled with candlelight, dinner, and dancing. What the bride didn’t envision was rain.
Thankfully, the couple had Carolyn Albritton of CA Events, and a good planner always hopes for the best but plans for the worst. The photographer and vendors do, too. “Executing a seamless event requires watching multiple forecasts, radar systems, and storm tracks to make the best possible call,” explains Albritton. On this particular June day, just as the girls finished hair and makeup, thunder began to rumble. Photographer Virgil Bunao’s team quickly identified beautiful indoor photo spots and took great care to protect the bride’s gown between outdoor shots. When the rain lightened, Albritton’s crew snapped into action, towel-drying every ceremony chair and greeting trolleyed guests with Champagne and umbrellas. The sun peaked through just in time for the outdoor ceremony, which Madison regarded as heaven shining down on their marriage.
Here, Albritton shares some wisdom for navigating a wet wedding.
Charleston Weddings (CW): As a wedding pro, how do you plan for rain on a wedding day?
Carolyn Albritton (CA): I check multiple weather apps and subscribe to local weather report emails. My team also collaborates on the best options for a variety of scenarios. We discuss timelines and walk through possible weather situations. I then relay those plans to my clients and vendors in advance.
CW: Do you have any advice for taking rainy day photos?
CA: Rainy day photos lead to some of the most genuine, in-the-moment memories. I give the photography and videography teams the time and space they need to execute their jobs well in wet conditions. Flexibility within the timeline allows more freedom to capture candid moments, which often become everyone’s favorite shots.
CW: What do you say to couples staring down possible inclement weather on their wedding day?
CA: Focus on the positives, and don’t let the weather stress you out. This day is about taking in the moment of getting married and sharing it with the people you love. Your family and friends have gathered to celebrate—if you’re having fun, your guests will, too.
