I am often asked by recently engaged couples, “What if it rains on our wedding day?” My answer is generally something about staying dry and comfortable and enjoy the atmosphere created by everyone huddling around the bar. Keeping an eye on the weather and utilising any break or easing off by the elements, perhaps braving outside with a white umbrella. – This advice was not required by Laura and Thomas on their wedding day at Manorbier Castle in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. The run of brilliant sunny weather we experienced during this years British summertime, came to an abrupt end. The heavens opened on Saturday 11th August 2018 and did not stop all day. Normally this would mean staying under cover in the castle’s marquee. However this bride and groom, where determined to make it to the beach. Prepared with a change of clothes and umbrellas, which however provided little cover as they were turned inside out by the coastal wind. We made our way to Manorbier beach, where the surfers were having the time of their lives. However wedding photographer’s were struggling a bit more with the elements, not only was rain pouring down, the wind combined this with a sea water spray blowing horizontally across the landscape. As ever I was armed with a lens cloth, unfortunately a wipe would only provide a few seconds of clarity before the rain/sea water combo covered the glass again. Nevertheless we managed to get a few images to celebrate the effort of this intrepid newly married couple. And for me it was an experience I shall never forget, it really is true, no two weddings are the same! Back at Manorbier Castle, hair was towel down and hair dryers aimed at damp shoes before rejoining the other guests for the remainder of the wedding reception.
“We just wanted to say a massive thank you for being our photographer at Manorbier this weekend.”
“You’ve been fantastic, and even in all that wet Welsh weather! We hope that your equipment didn’t get too wet and that your shoes have dried out.”
“We love the photos, and the ones in the sea are our favourite!”