It didn’t just rain on Holly + Jess’ wedding day… it POURED!  But that didn’t stop them from celebrating their love in style with a gorgeous waterfront soiree at the Rice Mill in downtown Charleston.  The rain officially moved into the area just as Holly + her girls finished up their hair + makeup and it didn’t let up for the rest of the day.  I’ve never experienced a rainy day like this before… but as I kept saying throughout the day, there isn’t any other couple I could have imagined conquering this day with!  Despite an obvious reason to freak out about the weather, Holly + Jess were completely calm and focused on what was really important… getting married to each other.

Holly + Jess chose to go the traditional route and not share a First Look before the ceremony.  We were able to utilize their hotel’s portico for pre-ceremony photos before heading over to the Rice Mill for the ceremony.  Mother Nature let loose as soon as the ceremony started and Holly + Jess stated their vows as the rain thundered on the tent above.  It proved to be a welcome relief to Jess, who preferred that their vows remained as private and intimate as possible!

We all crammed into the small lobby of the Rice Mill for post-ceremony photos, as all of their guests enjoyed cocktail hour inside of the reception space due to the weather.  Holly + Jess were troopers throughout the entire process and I was able to snap just a few bride + groom portraits of the two of them in the doorway of the Rice Mill before they opted to join cocktail hour.  I’m hoping that they’ll get back into their wedding attire sometime this spring so we can go out and get some beautiful portraits of them in the sun!!

The rest of the night was a blur, to be honest!  The dance floor was packed all night and, despite the weather, everyone had an amazing time celebrating Holly + Jess.  It was surely a day I’ll never forget and I know the same can be said for Holly, Jess, their family, and friends.  Here are some of my favorites from Holly + Jess’ rainy waterfront wedding at the Rice Mill…

Wedding Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Planning + Coordination: Elevents and Co. | Venue: Historic Rice Mill | Floral Design: Duvall Events | Cake: Wildflour Pastry | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia from Gown Boutique of Charleston | Hair + Makeup: Pink Dot Beauty Bar | Bride’s Shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson | Bride’s Jewelry: personal | Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale from Gown Boutique of Charleston | Band: Emerald Empire Band | Men’s Attire: Michael Kors | Catering: Good Food Catering | Lounge: 428 Main | Rentals: Ruth’s House | Stationery: The RSVP Shoppe