A Radical New Idea When It Comes To Planning Your Outdoor Wedding
Sometimes, we spend so much time planning a wedding that we forget we can't control everything. Crazy, we know, but there are things like the weather, and us mortals are at the mercy of their whims, no matter how special the day may be to us. Instead of planning for or against the weather, this team had a different approach, "What if we work with the weather?" (a bold statement for an outdoor spring shoot in England). They arrived at the venue with a general design, but no real locations for any of the day's events. Dodging in between rain showers, they set up the ceremony and reception, changing locations at the last minute. At the end, they were pleasantly surprised. Not only did they pull off a gorgeous outdoor wedding inspiration shoot, but they did it all in the rain without a tent and according to Leah Marie, it turned out even better than if they had planned it all out ahead of time.
Leah Marie, the photographer behind this beautiful shoot at the Stansted House, came up with this radical idea and set out to assemble a team of vendors that were just as daring. Camilias Creations signed on to design the florals and created several arrangements that could be easily moved or repurposed in case there needed to be a change of plans. Hanh Made Films was also there through it all, getting all of the special moments on video as they unfolded. You can see all of the photos from this inspiration shoot in the full gallery. Read on to hear more from Leah Marie about how you can work with the weather instead of against it.
THE FIRST BLOOMS
The idea for this shoot began in the winter, dreaming of springtime and the delicate flowers that begin to bloom. Spring is such a wonderful time of the year but it is often overlooked for outdoor weddings here in England. The spring showers that arrive with the changing of the season can be very unpredictable which makes planning a British spring wedding outdoors difficult. I wanted to change that narrative and prove to couples that no matter the weather, an outdoor wedding in the springtime can be just as beautiful as a summer wedding.
IN BETWEEN THE SHOWERS
In the weeks leading up to the shoot, the forecast predicted rain, which we were always anticipating, and, on the day of, it continued to pour. However, pockets of glorious sunshine burst in and out of the showers creating a gentle warmth and glow all around us, it still felt very magical. I originally wanted to set up in the fields at Stansted House, however, on arrival, the showers began and we made a quick decision to set up on the porch, home to the famous steps and Italian marble columns that guard the house.
CHOSEN BY THE RAIN
Setting up for dinner under the porch was unexpected, but possibly the best newly discovered place for an outdoor dining experience. As we set the table we were all in such awe of this magical space that had been chosen for us by the rain–the character of the 17th-century house, the marble columns, the wondering, who had walked through those grand doors? There we were sat beneath so much beauty and history feeling so incredibly lucky. This editorial was to planned to encourage couples to think outside the box with their dinner setups if it does rain and to not be afraid of the weather, to plan a day truly unique to them. We were the first to set up on this wonderful porch, and I hope we won't be the last.
- Accessories & Lingerie: Kiri And Belle
- Cakes & Catering: La Boheme Cake Design
- Couple: Yinsey
- Dress & Apparel: Bella And Belle Shoes
- Dress & Apparel: Unveiled By Sophie
- Flowers: Camilias Creations
- Groom & His Men: Moss Bros.
- Model Couple: Yinsey & Han
- Officiants: Maxine Clara
- Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Made by Wood & Wood
- Photographers: Leah Marie Photography
- Rentals: Neptune
- Rentals: Academy Furniture Hire
- Venues: Stansted House
- Wedding Dresses: Adrea Hawkes Bridal
- Wedding Films: Hanh Made Films