I am convinced Silver Oaks has the best couples ever, though sometimes I can’t forget a pair. Almost two years later and I think about this wedding a lot. It was a beautiful day in early summer but there was a humidity in the air that meant rain was coming. Elizabeth and Scott shared a first look and were able to capture amazing photos before their ceremony, but spending time together beforehand gave them that release of pre-wedding jitters that, believe me, are all too real.

About 30 minutes before the ceremony, rain hit. And not like a playful drizzle… we are talking a downpour. Guests were starting to arrive and we had to make a decision, quick. When Todd and I (you all know Todd by now, right?) realized the rain would let up about 5 minutes after the ceremony was set to start, we knew we could make it happen, albeit late. We gave ourselves a 5-10 minute window to dry off every chair and get the guests out and seated so we could still have the outdoor ceremony the couple dreamed of. Still, I’m sure “late” isn’t what you want to hear on your wedding day.

I remember being so nervous to tell the bride and groom that, if they wanted to keep the ceremony outside, we would be running a good 15 minutes behind. I had never had this happen before. I first approached Scott, who was just happy as can be while he chatted with guests and waited for his ceremony. I stumbled over my words as I let him know the plan…and he never stopped smiling. “Sounds good!”

Wow. Okay. I still had to tell the bride… Let me just tell you, that you never want to knock on the bride’s door 30 minutes before her wedding ceremony to tell her it was now raining and we needed to throw together a plan. Oh, and start 15 minutes late.

Elizabeth didn’t bat an eye. She was just happy. A happy gal 30 minutes out from being a Mrs. She already got to see Scott and feel all the feels. All the people she loved were arriving to celebrate her and her new husband. She was about to spend a night celebrating and having the time of her life. What could be wrong with that?

And it happened. Guests were seated and wedding was underway about 15 minutes after the start time. But no one noticed. The guests were happy to wait as long as it took to witness such a gorgeous and emotional ceremony.

Scott and Elizabeth Hotaling Wedding-3 Ceremony-0137.jpg

The day had just gotten started, and with it came more reasons to think back to this day. The PHOTOS that came out of this day are just unbelievable. We all know overcast can make for some amazing photos but these will take your breath away. Further, the colors, the florals, the cake, and all of the little details were so reminiscent of how fun and loving these two are. The little details are sure to inspire you. Oh, and if you were considering getting uplighting, this might seal the deal for you.