Photographing Love Amidst Raindrops: Your Guide to a Wedding at Gold Mountain Golf Course at | Belfair WA

lorianamarie
Jun 27
7 min read

Picture this: a cozy, romantic wedding day filled with laughter and love, surrounded by the the people you love, who have traveled across the world to witness your love. While many couples dream of sunshine, which Is how the day started. The reality of rain on your wedding day In the PNW Is always a gamble. If It happens It can turn into a magical memory. Grant and Elodie experienced this firsthand at the stunning Gold Mountain Golf Course, also known as “The Wedding in the Woods.” They embraced the rainy day as part of their love story, creating an enchanting atmosphere that brought their dream wedding to life.

Bride and groom play golf in wedding attire on a lush, rainy green course. They swing energetically in their wedding attire, while dirt flys through the air. — Smashing divots on the golf course in the rain! Freaking awesome! Their first swings together as husband and wife.

Nestled in beautiful Belfair, Washington, Gold Mountain Golf Course was the perfect backdrop for Grant and Elodie's journey. Their love story sparked during their college days as they both excelled on the golf team. With Elodie coming from Paris and Grant from Washington, their unique backgrounds added layers to their special day.

Let’s uncover some delightful tips for capturing a wedding in the rain, inspired by Grant and Elodie’s unforgettable experience.

Bride and groom exchange vows under a floral arch in a forest wedding. Guests watch under string lights and umbrellas, creating a serene, romantic mood. Gold Mountain Golf and country club — The serene Gold Mountain Golf Course landscape & wooded ceremony space creates an enchanting atmosphere for a wedding, in the rain or shine!

Photograph & Embrace the Atmosphere | The Wedding In The Woods | Gold Mountain, Belfair WA.

Rain creates a mood that is hard to replicate. The gentle sound of raindrops, the contrast of vibrant colors against a gray sky, and soft natural lighting are all perfect for stunning photographs. I was sad for Elodie that it started pouring, but I reminded her that this will be something her and her guests will never forget, and to remember the whole point. Grant and her forever.

She walked through these doors and seen, not only her dad for the first time, but the rain that was pouring down as well. She was nervous, and rightfully so, but she handled it like a pro!

A bride holding white flowers waits in anticipation before walking down the isle, her dad in a blue suite holds her dress so it doesnot get wet on the ground — Elodie's dad holds her dress before loading into golf carts to head to the ceremony location, The Wedding In The Woods.

a rainy windshield of a golf cart, looking on to another golf cart full of a wedding party & bride and groom — A glimpse of rainy haze through the golf cart window, just to give you the feel of the weather. Their best man is standing in the back of the cart. probably not allowed, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Bride in white holds bouquet under flowered arch in a forest setting. String lights hang above. Soft focus foreground of umbrella and raindrops adds dreamy effect. — It was important (and always is) to document an event as it is. The two clear umbrellas really incapsulated the bride, all while telling a story. The way she is looking at Grant, yet he's not even the main subject in the photo, speaks volumes to me. It's almost like he is the main subject.

Wedding in a forest; officiant reads vows under floral arch. Bride and groom face each other, flanked by bridesmaids and groomsmen. Candles line the aisle. — What a beautiful ceremony space that "The Wedding In The Woods" gives you!

Bride looks lovenly into the grooms eyes, as her bridesmaids watch, with beautiful pink and blue flowers, forestry , and raindrops set the mood. — Gosh I love my "job!"

Here, the parents all look up at their child. They are doing it. They found someone to grow old with. A partner. A best friend.

Bride in white and groom in black tux celebrate outdoors under rainy skies. Floral arch in background; guests clap, atmosphere joyful. — They did it!!!!

Bride and groom kiss in a rainy forest wedding, surrounded by guests with umbrellas. String lights glow softly in the background. — Honestly. The photos coming back up the isle are my absolute favorite of the "ceremony"

Bride and groom in rain on golf course, touching foreheads. Bride in white dress, groom in black suit, both holding golf clubs. Lush greenery. — This is my favorite photo. It tells a story of love, and really shows the rain and their love, not only for one another, but also for golf.

Photographer Settings to consider while shooting in the rain | Gold Mountain Golf

Believe it or not, my shutter speed was at 1/5000. Just to give the photographers reading this blog, how crazy the rain is. For these photos, and how hard it was raining, I knew there was a risk of rain being on my lens or even just in front of their face, which could obstruct the view of the main focus. Them! So I wanted to freeze the rain in a quick manner. if I wanted the rain to have a more streaking / motion effect in the photos, I would have had the shutter speed around 1/200. But with wedding photos, there is no margin for error. Im glad I froze the rain in its moment in time.

Bride and groom in white dress and black suit stand joyfully in the rain on the green of Gold Mountain Golf & Country Club, arms raised, bouquet in hand, forest in background, rain falling from the sky. — They embraced the rain on their wedding day, celebrating with arms raised and smiles under a "gentle" shower. I asked them if they wanted to embrace what was going on, or if they wanted to get under cover. They stated "we are already et, lets do it!" I am so glad they trusted what was going on!

A couple candids of their favorite people, as they talk love, and golf! Elodies bestie (I love her!) was swinging her bouquet like it was a club.

Capture Genuine Moments

While posed photos are essential, the beauty of a wedding in the rain lies in candid moments. The laughter when someone splashes in a puddle or the shared excitement as a couple / guests walk hand-in-hand under their umbrella can tell a heartfelt story of joy.

Make sure to capture interactions between family and friends that illustrate their support and happiness. Small, genuine moments often become the highlights of the day, so aim to document those unique connections. It is important to listen to everyone, in he photo below, the groom asked if they could do something fun with their friends. I asked them to jump for joy.

Bride in white dress and bouquet jumps joyfully with five men in suits on a golf course. All have raised hands, and lush trees are in the background. — Just some best friends jumping for joy

Bride and groom holding hands, walking on grass. Bride in white dress, groom in black suit and bow tie. groom looking at bride. Forest background, black-and-white image. — The subtle looks that are exchanged between people will always be my favorite.

After the rain cleared and the sun appeared (typical Washington weather for you) mother nature gave us this beautiful foggy haze on the golf course! It's something I will never forget! It was a true fairy tale from the outside looking in. The mood shifted, yet stayed the same. Honestly felt like magic.

Bride and groom smiling, embracing outdoors in sunlight and fog. Bride holds bouquet of white roses. Green blurred background of the golf course — The glowing light from the sun through the fog/steam from the rain... is some kind of magic

Just a few portraits.

In all my couples delivered galleries, I add a whole folder of black and white photos.

I am obsessed with this photo. the way the silhouetted shadow of the bride and groom kissing with the veil the way it is. The symbolism of the green golf course as its backdrop.

Golf course scene with two clubs, wedding vows booklets, "Save the Date" card, and a ring near a hole on green grass under sunlight. — Grant and Elodie brought their clubs to their wedding, to take photos with. I felt it important to incorporate them into their detail flat lay for the day. I love the way the shadow of the putting green flag is also Integrated into the photo. They also love Disney, which is something we all bonded over.

Bride and groom ride a golf cart on a foggy, grassy course. She's in a veil holding flowers, sunny day with tall trees in the background. — The bride and groom driving off into the steamy sunshine to greet their guests at their reception. Gold Mountain Golf course is sure stunning!

Always Prepare for the Rain, especially in the PNW

Planning for a wedding needs some thought and preparation, especially when rain threatens the forecast. It's wise to have a backup plan ready, whether it’s an indoor space at Gold Mountain Golf Course or umbrellas. Luckily Hailey ( event coordinator whom was amazing! ) came to the rescue with every umbrella she had available. the clear umbrellas really did make for some cool photos! We keep the most GIANT umbrella in our truck for these very moments. Hailey was even so kind to hold it over our videographer and equipment. A true gem!

As far as photography gear, our video was set up under the umbrella and I just went about, business as usual. I've been at this for about 20 years, I am not afraid of rain, and I know NIKON stands the test of time from experience. I would pop under the umbrella when needed, but ultimately I was there to get all the shots!

I do highly recommend a rain bag for your camera and lens just in case. Or, improvise with a plastic grocery bag or zip lock if you need to. Also, keep a dry set of clothes (especially socks) in your car. You never know whats going to happen. It would be terrible to be shooting in the rain at 1pm and still damp by 6 pm.

Luckily on this day, everyone was dry within the hour.

Guests seated around a table at gold mountain event room, smiling and engaged. Wood paneling and large windows reveal a green outdoor view. — This photo of everyone exchanging smiles is during a toast/speech. I think I really enjoy toasts because I get to see everyones genuine heart through their reactions, to words of affirmation.

Tell a Story

Every wedding has a unique narrative, and it’s your role as a photographer to capture that story in your images. Pay attention to special moments, like the way Elodie and Grant exchange affectionate glances or the heartfelt speeches from family and friends. Capturing these authentic moments will help narrate the essence of their special day.

Communicating with the couple ahead of time is critical. What moments are most meaningful to them? Is there favorite spots on the golf course that hold sentimental value? Understanding their story allows you to take the most impactful shots that truly resonate.

Four people in formal attire smiling inside a wooden venue with string lights. Festive atmosphere, natural light from large windows inside of Gold Mountain Golf Venue — Mother of the groom and three other guests get together for a quick photo together

A Thoughtful Wrap-Up

Photographing a wedding in the rain at Gold Mountain Golf Course presents its challenges but also opens up creative and beautiful opportunities. Regardless of whether you are a photographer or a couple planning, remember that love remains powerful no matter the weather. I think these photos and smiles speak for themselves. Couples, photographers, guests, I am here to tell you "It is okay! Go with the flow, leave the stress for another day."

Celebrate the ambiance rain offers, capture those genuine smiles and laughter, be prepared for any changes, and experiment with innovative elements like light and reflections.

Like Grant and Elodie discovered, the most magical moments often come from the unexpected. So embrace the rain and let it enhance your special day. With the right preparation and a positive, carefree mindset, you can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime, come rain or shine.