Today we are sharing Jess and Jarad’s rainy Moss Vineyard wedding day that we just shot in the Charlottesville area. 

It rained basically the whole day, but we don’t even mind. It was magical.  They actually had a friend of the family marry them, and he did such an amazing job.  So they did an official ceremony before with a sheriff. 

Rainy Wedding Day

If you are getting married soon and you’re worried about the weather, don’t.  So much of the attitude and vibe of the wedding day is going to be determined by your reaction to the weather.  

Jess has the most amazing style.  Her dresses for the engagement session were awesome. So we knew the wedding day was going to be fabulous. And it was.  Then her second outfit for the reception was somehow even better.  I LOVED it. 

But her wedding dress was a huge ballgown.  So it got soaking wet.  Every time I had to lay it down I checked with her to make sure it was OK.  And she got some of the most AMAZING portraits because she was OK with getting a little wet.  They both just leaned into the weather and were super flexible. 

Also the great thing about rainy wedding days is that is hardly ever rains ALL DAY.  So if you can be flexible, you’ll most likely be able to go outside at some point for portraits. We went in and out of coverage for the rain for their whole portrait time.  

Also their planner – Marie – did an amazing job with this rainy Moss Vineyard wedding and was such a great part of making sure everything was organized and flowed well even with all the changed for weather. She was great! 

Their attitudes, and the fact that they did a first look saved them on this rainy wedding day. 

Bride and Groom time

I also loved that before they joined cocktail hour they went into the bridal suite and popped a bottle of champagne together.  The wedding day really does go by soooo fast, so if you don’t schedule intentional time together on the wedding day, you might not spend that much time together.  

Your first look can be part of that intentional time too.  Also they spent so much time on the dance floor together.  And if you aren’t a huge dancer – or you aren’t both dancers, we’ve also heard of couples choosing songs at the reception so when they play they both go find each other and dance.  It’s just a fun way to make sure you get to spend some more time together on the wedding day.  Jess and Jarad didn’t need to do that though, they were dancing the whole time.  It was amazing. 

Classic Champagne Wedding Details

They also had the most amazing wedding day details. She designed the invitation (two weddings in a row were the bride designed the invitations), her sister did a watercolor for the envelope liners, and her mom did the calligraphy on the front. 

Her sister also painted a champagne bottle for Jess and Jarad to pop after the ceremony.  It’s gorgeous and such a fun detail. 

Jarad also had custom embroidered smoking slippers for his shoes with their wedding date on it.  He also had his grandfather’s cufflinks. 

Jess wore Jarad’s mom’s ring as her something blue.  Her engagement ring was a family diamond. It was all SO fun. 

Three things you should steal from this Rainy Moss Vineyard wedding if you’re planning your own. 

Things to steal

Plan out the bar 

People were shuttled in for this venue.  Champagne was pre-poured and ready as guests arrived.  We always love a champagne welcome.  

Also, after the ceremony, they had two signature drinks that were poured and passed immediately.  So the one bar in a smaller room wasn’t super slammed by everyone at cocktail hour.  It was such a fun idea and such a treat for guests. 

Guests that didn’t want the signature drink, could go to the bar, but others could just easily grab a drink that was being passed. 

Family style dinner 

Instead of plated meals or a buffet, they had a family style meal.  Plates of food were brought to each table, then each person could grab what they wanted.  It’s fun and different and opens up conversation for everyone at the table. 

Welcome your guests 

Immediately after being introduced, Jess and Jarad grabbed the mic and welcomed everyone.  They had it all written out and knew what they wanted to say.  I think it’s a sweet way to let everyone hear from you and say a quick thank you to everyone for coming. 

We love this couple so much.  Enjoy a few of our many favorites from this rainy Moss Vineyard wedding day. 

Congratulations you guys! 

The Creative Team
VENUE | Moss Vineyards
PLANNER/COORDINATOR | Marie Fernandez (Heart & Soul Weddings)
CATERER | Exchange Events
FLORIST| The Faded Poppy
BAKERY | Sandy’s Sweet Treats
ENTERTAINMENT | The Tight Slacks (Band) | XLS Entertainment (DJ)
HAIR & MAKEUP | K&K Bridal Collective
VIDEOGRAPHER |
DRESS | Pronovias AND Catherine Deane
MOH | BHLDN
BRIDESMAIDS | Revelry
GROOM | Alton Lane
PAPER PRODUCT | bride and family designed, printed by Marsupial Papers
Transportation | James Limousine Service
Bride’s shoes | Loeffler Randall Bride’s earrings | BHLDN
Groom’s shoes | Shipton & Heneage

All rings | Lustre by Adolf (family diamond)