If there’s one thing Michaela and Ryan’s wedding taught me, it’s that rain doesn’t ruin a wedding day—it makes it unforgettable. On the rainiest wedding date of the year, these two proved that they can weather anything. With their shared elegance, sense of adventure, and knack for turning challenges into beauty, Michaela and Ryan’s Shepherd’s Run Wedding in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, was nothing short of incredible.
September 21 was gloomy from start to finish, with relentless rain and gusty winds setting the scene. But instead of letting the weather dampen their spirits, Michaela and Ryan embraced it. Their first look took place in the courtyard, with wind whipping around them and rain softly pattering down. They exchanged their vows in this raw, atmospheric setting, and it was as romantic as it gets.
Michaela’s bridesmaids had a genius solution to keep her dress pristine—they pinned a shower curtain underneath the skirt to protect it from the mud. G E N I U S!!!!
The ceremony was originally planned to take place outdoors amidst the stunning architecture of Shepherd’s Run. But when the weather had other plans, Michaela’s bridesmaids sprang into action. Armed with umbrellas, they ran outside to cut late-season hydrangeas and transformed them into gorgeous, last-minute indoor décor. It was a perfect example of turning a curveball into something magical.
Once the vows were exchanged and the tears dried, it was time to party—and Michaela and Ryan’s reception was nothing short of legendary. The dance floor was packed the entire night, with family and friends cutting loose and celebrating to the fullest. These two know how to throw a party, and their guests were there for every moment of it.
Michaela and Ryan’s wedding had so many unique elements that reflected their personalities. Guests took turns posing with custom sunglasses that featured Michaela and Ryan’s initials and wedding date. The winery’s private room, with its stunning wall of wine barrels, was the perfect backdrop for some truly epic photos. Every detail of the day—from the hydrangeas to the sunglasses to the rain itself—felt uniquely theirs.
Working with Michaela and Ryan was an absolute dream. They’re the kind of couple who are sophisticated yet incredibly down-to-earth. Even with the rain throwing a wrench in their plans, they stayed calm, creative, and fun. Michaela even left me this glowing review:
“I could not have asked for a better person to capture my wedding! On our wedding day, it poured rain and I was absolutely devastated that the outdoor wedding I had been dreaming of was not happening. As I was sitting there faced with that reality, about to ruin my makeup with tears, Andrea swooped in like a superhero and genuinely made me feel like the rain was a good thing. She was the only voice of reason that made me feel like everything was still perfect.
She ran around in the rain with us all day capturing the most gorgeous photos and I didn’t feel like I missed out at all. She was prepared with clear umbrellas and we actually had fun!
She is also just so talented, the pictures and the saturation are just absolutely gorgeous, and not only that but she also has an absolute talent for capturing joy and movement.
All my vendors have chosen to use her photos from my wedding on their websites, seriously just hire her!!!”
Moments like these are why I love what I do—capturing the beauty in the unexpected and celebrating the real, human connection that makes every wedding unique.
Michaela and Ryan’s wedding day wasn’t just about overcoming rain—it was about embracing it. Their ability to adapt, find joy, and stay true to themselves made their celebration one for the books. If you’re planning a wedding and want to focus on the raw, authentic moments that make your day uniquely yours, I’d love to be a part of it.
Having your wedding at Shepherd’s Run? Need a photographer? Click here!
Photographer: Andrea Van Orsouw Photography
Venue/Wedding coordinator: Shepherds Run
Caterer: Blackstone Catering
Florist: The Flower Shack
Rentals: PEAK Entertainment Services
Hair & Makeup: Lockstar Beauty
DJ/Band: Epic Entertainment Boston
Cake: Bibi’s Bittersweets
Videographer: b remembered