A Downtown Fairhope Engagement Session

What do we do if it rains? This is the most common question I get ahead of a wedding day. I also have couples ask this when we schedule an engagement session. My answer for wedding days is obviously different for engagement sessions. We can’t reschedule a wedding day due to rain and on the Alabama Gulf Coast we are no strangers to rainy days. For engagement sessions, the decision on whether or not to reschedule due to weather is a tricky one. Sometimes it’s tricky to get three schedules to align in the first place. Other times, my couples are coming in from out of town for their session, as was the case with Hannah and Austin.

The day of this engagement session there really wasn’t much rain in the forecast. In fact, I later found out that it never rained in Mobile on this same afternoon. I was already in Fairhope for a shoot at The Fairhope Inn earlier in the afternoon. I saw the rain coming down outside and said a prayer it would clear up before my session with Hannah and Austin was supposed to start. Just in case it didn’t clear out, I decided to come up with a backup plan to keep us dry. Since The Fairhope Inn wasn’t open on this particular day, I asked if we could use their porch for this session and it literally saved the shoot!

The great thing about a deep front porch is that you still have access to natural light, while also being able to stay dry. It was a bonus that this porch is painted white with blue accents. Talk about the perfect compliment for Hannah’s and Austin’s outfits! We spent half of their session time at this one location, which isn’t something I’d normally do. However, it was a fun challenge to get variety in such a small space!

A Blessing in Disguise

I love that these two were so chill about the rain. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Even though I love this porch, I probably would not have asked to use this spot if it had been a sunny day! I am so thankful that Hannah and Austin trusted me with this location choice. The images we took in this spot are some of my favorites from the whole shoot!

When the rain cleared out we were able to head to two of my other favorite Fairhope locations. Because the weather had been dreary, we practically had the Fairhope Pier to ourselves, which is definitely not the norm. The water was so calm and still and we got to see the most beautiful October sunset. This is why I encourage couples to stay calm even if it rains on their wedding day. Backup portrait locations can turn out to be a dream!

Hannah and Austin are high school sweethearts. I found out after the shoot that they took Homecoming pictures here back in their high school days. I love that we returned for their engagement photos!

I’m not sure what got these two laughing, but I love this moment!