Just as we finished getting ready, Dr. Bridesmaid noticed that the men had arrived at our venue, Pippin Hill. You’d think that after knowing Mr. Mink for seven years this wouldn’t be a big deal, but I actually got butterflies when I saw him coming down the little hill.
Photo by Elisa B Photography
Minutes after the men arrived, the inevitable happened. The rain I knew was coming arrived.
Photo by Dr. Bridesmaid
If you look at the bottom of these images, you can see the ice-cube-sized hail on the ground. I don’t know why someone even bothered to put two ceremony chairs outside, but I was worried they’d get carried away because the wind was so strong.
Photo by Dr. Bridesmaid
I had been so anxious about how bad the rain would be all morning long. When the downpour started, my bridesmaids went into consolation mode. Instead of the anticipated breakdown, I started laughing so hard that my stomach hurt. What else was there to do at that moment? It was a spectacular storm.
Photo by Elisa B Photography
When the lights flickered, I was thankful that I had accumulated my massive cache of candles for Pippin Hill’s main room. Just as I was wondering if they had a generator, Kelly from Pippin Hill’s staff came into the bridal loft to assure me that they did.
Within minutes, the storm had blown through, but there was a lot of water left behind. The bottom of the path that led from the parking area down to the venue had been turned into a moat, but at least the storm had passed.
Photo by Dr. Bridesmaid
The timing was actually perfect. The guys were getting ready, so we had time for one last glass of champagne before our first look and bridal-party portraits.
Did you miss a Merry Mink recap?
Oh wow! If rain on your wedding day is good luck, then you are one of the luckiest girls in the world. What a storm!
That rain is just crazy! Glad you guys got to the venue before the skies opened up!
Oh my goodness what a storm! You handled it in the best way possible, with laughter.
As a fellow Charlottesville bride and a Weddingbee reader I had my mind on your wedding that June day, and I remember my heart sank when I saw the rain start. And then, yes, it was most definitely not an ordinary storm, as these pictures captured! Sounds like you faced Mother Nature’s change to your plans with grace and humor.
What a spectacular downpour! Love your coping mechanism: laughter and champagne. 
oh wow, that is a spectacular storm. I will say though, in the last picture, the world seems to be perking up a bit after the storm. Such a difference between the two shots
Well, those pictures are really spectacular, I rarely see rain (desert girl here) and rain like that is considered a hurricane around here. I’m glad it stopped.
I know storms on your wedding day isn’t nice, but gosh does it look gorgeous.
I am so happy for you and how you handled this, Mrs. Mink. At least you got some great pictures?
Mrs. Mink, Charlottesville, Virginia Age and Occupation: 34, College Administrator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 40, Craft Beer Consultant Engagement Date: November 26, 2010 Wedding Date: June 2012 Venue: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards About Me: I left a pre-war brownstone in Boston six years ago to live in a funky, Southern city where Thomas Jefferson, Dave Matthews, and urban chicken keepers enjoy equal social standing. I still love my Patriots and Red Sox, but have fallen in love with Virginia. I work in education and specialize in integrating technology into my work to improve the student experience. I’m a diehard blogger, animal lover, jamband follower, and DIYer. I paint to relax and have transferred by energy from home projects to wedding projects in recent months. When Mr. Mink and I started talking about marriage, we knew our wedding would be outdoors, that my golden retriever would be part of the day, and that the music would be fantastic. We’ve taken a few risks during our planning process and we’ve been enjoying the process immensely!
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