Daniel and Brandon got married at The Red Barn in the Waikato on one of those days where the weather had absolutely no interest in cooperating.

And honestly? It didn’t matter.

They’d chosen a venue with a great indoor ceremony option, so while the rain absolutely bucketed down outside, everything could carry on without any last-minute panic or trying to squeeze 100 people underneath umbrellas.

The ceremony

Both Daniel and Brandon wore white for the ceremony, but with completely different looks. Brandon paired his suit with an incredible statement headpiece, while Daniel’s white suit had so much movement to it and photographed ridiculously well.

The ceremony was moved indoors at The Red Barn, with florals from Amy’s Flowers filling the space and everyone tucked safely inside away from the rain.

And this is probably a good little reminder if you’re currently looking at wedding venues. Having a wet-weather option you genuinely like matters. Not one that you’ll begrudgingly accept if it rains. One you’d actually be happy to get married in.

Because Waikato weather is gonna Waikato.

Making photos work in the rain

After the ceremony we stayed inside for family photos, group photos and some portraits rather than sending everyone marching out into the rain.

The Red Barn has enough variety and covered areas that we could keep shooting regardless of what was happening outside, and whenever the rain eased off, we made a run for it.

We managed to get outside for portraits along the tree-lined driveway, photos with the wedding party and cars, and plenty of images around the property without anyone having to spend the entire afternoon getting soaked.

Well… mostly.

Because later Daniel and Brandon decided to fully commit to it and had their first dance outside. In the rain.

And it was SO worth it.

Then it was time to celebrate

For the reception everyone moved across to The Red Barn’s second building, Daniel changed from his white suit into black, there were speeches, plenty of laughs and an amazing cake from Sweet Little Treat.

Then came that first dance.

Instead of hiding from the weather they’d dealt with all day, Daniel and Brandon went outside and danced in it, which gave us one of my favourite moments from the whole wedding.

Sometimes the weather you didn’t order ends up giving you photos you couldn’t have planned anyway.

Photo + film coverage

I also photographed this wedding alongside Nicole, who joined me for our hybrid photo + film coverage.

Alongside their wedding photography, we captured their ceremony and speeches documentary-style, plus a highlight film and teaser trailer, so there was a LOT of content created across the day.

And considering how much rain we were working around, I love how much variety we still managed to create.

Vendors

• Venue – The Red Barn
• Makeup + Hair – Belles and Brides
• Celebrant + MC – Nicholas Gentile
• Florist – Amy’s Flowers
• Suits – Biblos and Suit Vibes
• Cake – Sweet Little Treat

Rain or shine, this day was pure joy, a true celebration of love, friendship, and individuality.