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rainy wedding day

Big Rapids Beige

0 · Mar 18, 2016 ·

Grand Rapids Wedding | Rainy Wedding | The Day's Design | Jamie & Sarah Photography

Photography: Jamie & Sarah Photography

Mud, muck and icky mush.  So much brown.  It’s all I can think about.

We’ve been here a 7 nights now.  The days attached to the nights have been filled with packing, sorting, boxing, taping, loading, traveling, unloading, resorting, unpacking and the piling up of so. many. boxes.  The reoccurring question of the moment is how am I liking Big Rapids so far? So far, I feel like a work horse tromping through the sludge, splashing, mopping, sweeping and dealing with an endless trail of mud.

I know March is a naturally muddy month in Michigan.  I’m realistic enough to realize that.  But somehow living in an asphalt neighborhood you forget.  You see the gray and the undesirable tones left behind on the snow piles.  And of course the mile long lines at the carwash on a sunny day don’t go unnoticed.  But when you head out to where the blacktop ends the word “dirty” takes on a whole new meaning.  I have worn rain boots out of pure necessity for the last week straight, with no end in sight.

In other news, my house is very brown as well.  There’s a reoccurrence in the palettes of this area that I’ve come to know as “Big Rapids Beige”.  It’s everywhere.  The warm and fairly unwelcoming tones of brown, brown and more bland brown.  Perhaps is to camouflage the mud.  Maybe it’s what soothes people here. Perhaps the locals know something I have yet to learn.  But at the moment, I cannot wait for a fresh coat of paint. And I’d like to feel clean.

Redecorating adventures are just around the corner, I’m trying to fit as many in as I possibly can before wedding season swings into full gear.  I’m so excited to add a dose of personality into our new home and create a space I am proud to call home.

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Life Adventures Big Rapids, Jamie & Sarah Photography, mud, new house, rainy wedding day, the day's design

Wet Weather Weddings

0 · Jul 10, 2014 ·

If you’re planning an outdoor affair it’s likely that the thought of rain has crept into your mind.  Or at least it probably should have.  This summer seems to be extra wet, and while I love not having to water my garden and how my lawn is remaining green, it does stress me when it comes to wedding planning.

I’m guilty of saying “the show must go on” and just going for it – I can talk a big game.  So we get a little wet, we’re not going to melt.  Brides with umbrellas are cute.  There are some fabulous opportunities for unique photos.  I can look at the glass as half full, for sure.

And I simply adore outdoor parties.

The start of wedding season for The Day’s Design was a drizzly one despite the weatherman’s positive outlook on the day.  In fact, we later found out that just a few miles away, they didn’t even receive a drop of rain. That’s crazy Michigan weather for you.

We stayed optimistic throughout the setting up process.  We kept moving and utilized our tarps and other coverings.  And we pulled though.  But it wasn’t as easy as glamorous pictures are sure to show.  The heat and humidity cause your clothing to simply stick to you.  Papers were soggy and limp.  My rain boots rubbed on my toes.  There were bugs.  And every time we thought the skies were clearing, fresh droplets were released from the clouds.  How the bride remained staying so fresh and beautiful is beyond me.

I don’t share this to complain about the wedding day. I simply would like to point out the comfort or perhaps discomfort you and your guests might endure should you decide to move forward with an outdoor ceremony on a rainy day.  I wish to express the importance of having a backup plan – although I do understand how hard it can be to utilize that, unless the day is calling for monsoon conditions.   But grounds become muddy and even after the showers have stopped, the canopy of trees above us still produced sprinkles every time there was even the slightest breeze.

You should also consider the policies other vendors have regarding rain.  Some equipment cannot get wet – cameras, sound systems, etc.  And how will the rental company feel if their upholstered lounge seating is returned saturated?   Are you risking damage deposits and extra fees?  Are there wedding details you’re going to have to give up if the rain doesn’t let up?

Wedding in the Woods | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Even with the weather, it was beautiful start to the summer 2014 wedding season– the way the light shown through mist in the woods that day was breathtaking. I can’t wait to share more  peaks from Kelly Sweet Photography.  And after seeing this picture, I’m not sure I would change a thing – including the weather forecast.

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Business Planning, Celebrations, Wedding Planning & Advice flowers by The Day's Design, Kelly Sweet Photography, outdoor wedding, rain, rainy wedding day, the day's design, wedding in the woods, weddings in Holland Michigan

Oh Rainy Wedding Day…

0 · Apr 11, 2013 ·

I spent the first part of my week in Chicago, while they had a little rain, I was able to escape from the floods we are seeing in West Michigan.   I will be the first to admit my distaste for rain – it makes my hair go flat, my pant legs get wet and it creates an overall muddy mess.

On the other hand, there is something sensual and romantic about the rain.  It brings people together, it creates a reason to spend the day snuggling on the sofa with a good book or movie (or maybe you’re favorite wedding blog!)  Even if you see the beauty in the rain, it’s probably not the weather you would ideally pick on your wedding day.  But don’t despair, instead feast your eyes on these beautiful images captured of couples who were able to weather the storm.

Rainy Wedding Photo

Rainy Wedding Day

yellow rain boot and umbrellas

Rainy Day Photos1

So how do you plan for rain?

Check the weather.  If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, I am fairly certain weather is one of your biggest concerns, so you’ll probably check the 10 day forecast, as well as 9 days before and so on.  If there is a strong possibility for rain, start brainstorming.  How can you avoid this being a disaster?  What cute props can you pick up for some rainy day photos?  Can you find umbrellas in your wedding colors?

Have a backup plan. If your ceremony is outside, is there a small local church you can have on standby?  Or can the ceremony be moved to the reception site (providing the reception is indoors)?  Does your venue provide you with a backup?

Pack an extra-large bridal emergency kit.  Include an extra pair of shoes (or rain boots!) as well as lots of waterproof mascara and you might want to consider having a blow-dryer handy.

Inform your guests.  Have someone stationed at the original ceremony site and redirect them to the new location.  If most of your guests are staying at one hotel, ask the staff to help you deliver a note detailing the change of plans.  Allow extra time and consider delaying the ceremony just a little so no one shows up as you’re walking down the aisle.

In all your planning, don’t forget the best part of rain… the rainbow!!!

Rainbow Wedding Photo

{1. Photo by HRM Photography / 2. Photo by Onelove Photography via Love and Lavender / 3. Photo by Cade Martin  /  4.  Photo by Vesic Photography  /  5.  Photo by Lucinda Photography via Intimate Weddings  /  6.  Photo by JMK Photos via Borrowed and Blue  /  7.  Photo by Gia Canali via Rangoli}

Do these images have you almost hoping for rain on your wedding day?  I feel like I should grab an umbrella and go dance in a puddle!!!  Happy Thursday!

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Wedding Planning & Advice rain boots, rainbow, raining wedding photos, rainy wedding day, rainy wedding photo, umbrella

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