A Wet Knot Is Harder to Untie: Why Rain Can Be Your Best Wedding Guest
On Saturday June 14, 2025, weddings were happening across the East Coast…and so were the rainstorms. It is a normal reaction for couples soon to be betrothed to feel stressed when a cloudy day invites itself to their wedding. This particular day though, I had the honor to film a wedding that left me feeling happy, warm and full of love.
As I made my way to Phoenixville, PA driving through the heavy rain a saying came to mind that I will never forget. “A wet knot is harder to untie”. This is something I heard from the incredible Maggie Morris, a photographer based in D.C. Ever since hearing that, it is something I have always kept in my back pocket to aid in the calming of nearly-weds. Rain on wedding days is celebrated in many different cultures for various different reasons. In India, couples often pose with umbrellas to symbolize fertility; in Germany, rain on your wedding day is called ‘Glückstag’—a day of good luck. No matter your outlook remember, regardless of circumstances you are marrying the love of your life and beginning forever. Plus everything is more romantic in the rain, have you seen any romcom EVER? Kidding (sorta)
It is no secret that pre-ceremony is when all the nerves kick in. Between wrangling the wedding party, fine-tuning every detail, and keeping the day on schedule, morning-of jitters are inevitable. My bride, we’ll call her Mary, was feeling every bit of that, until she had her first touch with her soon to be husband, Barry. His touch was enough to settle her nervous system, turn stressed tears into happy ones and get her smiling and laughing. Witnessing the effect of true love in real time is magical. We asked them if they’d like to take a moment alone and they said yes, so we stepped out to let them soak in the moment.
After the calming effect of the first touch it was almost time to head to the Washington Memorial Chapel, where their ceremony would take place. Arriving early with Olivia, the photographer, we admired the Chapel’s soaring stained glass and stately stone walls. A few days prior we received a rule sheet for photo and video that was relatively strict, rightfully so as we were in a place of worship. Both of us were nervous, so we approached the Reverend to ask for clarification on how to be respectful whilst simultaneously performing our jobs to the fullest extent. The part that made me particularly nervous was the rule requiring video to be totally stationary. As a solo shooter, I tend to move around to grab various angles so the final film is left with a fuller picture. Luckily for us, Father Tommy granted us permission to be up front during the processional so we could capture the couple walking down the aisle and reassured us we could move around so long as we were mindful. We thanked him with a sigh of relief and got ready for the ceremony to start.
The ceremony unfolded beautifully. Mary stole the show with an adorable premature “I do,” prompting Father Tommy’s good‑natured “Not just yet!” that sent laughter rippling through the pews. Although their vows were before all their guests, the place in which they stood granted them some privacy. Personally, I found that to be perfect. Everyone witnessed their union whilst keeping the vows sacred to each other and a few witnesses. I imagine it takes some pressure off the moment and really allows you to be present.
After they were pronounced husband and wife, the bells rang, and their friends and family roared with applause! It was clear everyone in attendance was excited for them and their demeanour from the pre-ceremony jitters had washed away completely. The couple was now standing tall and full of love. After a few formal photos were snapped it was time to party!
Their reception at the Rec Room was clearly put together with love and authenticity. From the tables lined with beautiful greenery and elegant florals to the warmth of the cake table, it was shaping up to be a wonderful night. As the wedding party was announced the party immediately started. The father daughter dance may have been my favorite part. It was a mashup of various meaningful songs to them, with fun and silly choreography. Later, during the cake cutting Mary and Barry shared a playful and sweet moment, dotting each other's noses with icing as they exchanged kisses. In that moment I elected to film it entirely on my super 8 camera, the grainy warmth of film does something magical for sweet moments such as those.
I adore creating wedding films that capture the heart of your day—no matter how the forecast reads. Mary and Barry’s rainy June afternoon reminded me that love always outshines any circumstance. If you’re planning a Philly or East Coast wedding for fall 2025 or the year 2026—rain or shine—let’s chat about how I’ll capture every drop of emotion as your wedding videographer. Reach out here today! Enjoy the preview to Mary and Barry’s beautiful day below.
