We really love photographing weddings in Laramie, but we especially love being in the Snowies near Centennial. This Laramie wedding at Brooklyn Lodge was a lot of fun. Brooklyn Lodge sits about 45 minutes outside of Laramie. It's a great venue nestled in the pines near Brooklyn Lake and Lake Marie. It has plenty of room for outdoor ceremonies and tent receptions. It gets really dark up here once the sun is down, which is amazing for star gazing, but not so awesome for guests getting around on the rugged terrain. However, that is easily fixed with a tent and some additional lighting.

I don't think I have photographed a wedding at Brooklyn Lodge when we haven't gotten a torrential downpour. Madison and Jeremiah's wedding was no exception. Right as we were preparing for a first look, the skies opened up and just dumped. It really didn't clear up until right before ceremony time. But by that time, their wedding party and family had been moved inside the tent. Madison and Jeremiah opted to continue with having it inside.

Always Have A Plan B

It seems Laramie gets rain showers every afternoon in the summertime. If you're planning an outdoor wedding anywhere in Wyoming, it's good to have a plan B. But even more than that, it's a good idea to have a point person who knows your plan and will get the ball rolling. Decide on a "make or break" time. For example, if you have a ceremony time at 4 pm, you might decide that 2 pm is the time at which you will decide to move to an indoor plan B. The person whom you've appointed to make that decision should know all your wishes for how both plans A and B are to unfold. They should also know specific parameters that will trigger your plan B.

Appointing someone to make that decision helps eliminate the "what ifs" and helps to keep you from being too stressed. It also helps prevent too many people from getting involved who don't really know your wishes for the day.

Think Creatively About Plan B

Plan B doesn't always have to be, "move the ceremony inside." As long as you have a plan to keep everyone dry and sheltered, you can get a little creative with changing up your plans. We've had some couples move cocktail hour up to pre-ceremony while they wait out the rain. Guests enjoy some drinks inside the tent, wait for the rain to clear, and then head outside again when the sun comes back out. This plan either requires chairs to be moved in and then out again, or it requires someone to dry chairs off with towels before guests head back outside. Your plan should include who would be responsible for both of these tasks.

Madison and Jeremiah's day turned out to be stunning, and the weather cleared up later in the day. They opted to move the ceremony inside because the forecast was really hard to decipher with limited service in Centennial. I cannot believe how chill Madison stayed the whole time. She didn't even flinch when it was absolutely pouring outside. And their first look truly might be one of my favorites of all time. We tucked them under the eve on the porch just outside the lodge. They decided to also use this time to read their vows privately to each other. I'll never forget how amazing that moment was; just the sound of their vows and the rain coming down. It was magical.

Thanks for letting us be a part of your day, Madison and Jeremiah! We adore you two!! Congrats!