It was a February wedding day. Not the season for rain, and even less so for a full-on stormy day. But that was the hand dealt for Victoria and Christopher's intimate wedding at Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort. 

The wedding planning process was effortless with Victoria and Christopher: they inquired, booked, filled out my wedding day questionnaire, and approved the timeline. There wasn't much conversation before the wedding, so I was excited to meet them as we captured their wedding day finally.

Wedding day getting ready at Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort

My assistant and I arrived early at Victoria & Christopher's suites for their getting ready. There were still many ladies in the hair & makeup queue in Victoria's room, so after photographing the details, I headed out to meet Christopher.

Christopher's room was quiet and calm, allowing me to chat and get to know him better as he put his final accessories on. His entourage arrived just in time, and we did groomsmen portraits and, finally, a few groom portraits by himself. Next, we set up a game plan for their upcoming first look session, and I departed to finish things up at the ladies' suite.

When I returned from Christopher's room, Victoria's hair and makeup were ready. We did some candid bridesmaid photos before dressing her up and going down to her first look.

A photography game plan for rainy wedding days

When the weather forecast isn't good, hotels and planning teams put the indoor backup plan in motion. This usually implies a slight delay in the ceremony time to set up the secondary location, which means extra time for pre-ceremony photos.

Since it was raining, we opted for a First Look session and all the family portraits right afterward. Our post-ceremony time would be separated exclusively for indoor couple portraits or outdoor portraits if the rain ever stopped.

The Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde features some lovely landscapes by the lobby's entrance, perfect for photos when it's raining, as it has a roof. We did the first look there, and also the family portraits.

The indoor ceremony location was ready, so we started moving. Christopher and Victoria's ceremony was so beautiful, full of incredible energy, and the love between them and towards them was palpable.

They were declared married, and as they walked out the aisle, a miracle: the skies opened for us! I quickly grabbed them and took them outside, took my shoes off so I could be quick on my feet: and captured as many outdoor beachfront portraits as I could in three minutes. Then, the rain started again, and we were so happy to have our time out by the ocean.

Wedding Reception at Courtyard Isla Verde

The reception started with that same fantastic energy, first dances, toasts full of love, and a family-centric gathering. Everyone looked and felt so lucky to be present in this celebration; consequently, I felt like the most fortunate photographer ever, because I am!

On a stormy day with many changes of plans, Victoria and Chris enjoyed their wedding day from beginning to end. Their attitude kept us all happy and warm throughout the event. It allowed us to seize all opportunities for great pictures and fun!

xo,

Cami