Some wedding days do not go exactly as planned... and thats okay! Sometimes those unexpected moments become the ones you remember the most.
For The Erken's wedding celebration in Philadelphia, the day started early! We left around 8 AM and made our way toward Philadelphia, and of course, we had to stop at 7 Brew along the way. I got an iced Cookie Butter Blondie (sooo good)
Originally, the plan was to arrive in Philadelphia around 12–1 PM to capture the drumming celebration through videography before the evening events began. At our coffee stop, my day-of contact reached out with an update. Because of the rain, the timing of the drumming celebration was pushed back closer to 3 PM.
When we got to Philly, when I saw the weather, I understood why!
The streets were literally flooded!
It was one of those moments where you realize the day might not go exactly how everyone originally
imagined, and you have to be ready to adapt.
I arranged an early check-in ahead of time. My plan was to have a place to settle in, recharge my camera batteries, organize my gear, and take a moment to reset before heading back out for the evening celebration from 6–10 PM.
And honestly, thank God I scheduled an early check-in at the Airbnb because it gave me enough time to change my clothes, dry off, and reset before heading out at 3 PM. With the rain coming down as hard as it was, that extra time made such a difference.
Once I was ready, we headed out to begin capturing the celebration.
When I arrived and started preparing my gear, I quickly realized something, the umbrella I brought was actually meant for my camera, not for me.
The original plan was for everyone to walk together to the bride’s house from the grooms ( about half a mile), which would have been such a fun moment to photograph and film. But as the rain started coming down harder, everyone decided to adjust. Instead of walking, everyone packed into cars and made their way over together.
When everyone arrived, they immediately started dancing their way up to the house. Watching everyone celebrate, laugh, and bring so much excitement despite the rain was one of my favorite moments of the day.
And yes. I was completely soaked!
But honestly, that is part of what I love about documenting weddings. Not every moment happens under perfect conditions, and my job is to be there through all of it.
Because these moments only happen once.
I would rather be standing in the rain capturing a real, emotional moment for my clients than miss it because the conditions were not ideal. Showing up for my couples means being willing to adapt, get uncomfortable, and do whatever is needed to tell their story.
The Erken's deserved to have their celebration documented exactly as it happened! Rain included!
Once we arrived at the venue, the rest of the night moved so quickly. The room was full of dancing, laughter, and so much energy. Everyone came together to celebrate them, and it was impossible not to feel the happiness surrounding them.
.
This day was a reminder that the most memorable celebrations are not always the ones that go exactly according to plan. Sometimes it is the unexpected rain, the last-minute changes, and the moments where everyone chooses to keep celebrating that create the best stories.
I will always do whatever I can to preserve my clients’ memories- whether that means adjusting timelines, working through unpredictable weather, or standing in the rain to capture a moment they will never get back.
Because at the end of the day, these memories only happen once.
xo alyce
📍 Philadelphia Wedding Celebration
📷 Lotus Dreams Photography
lotusdreamsphotography.com
