Behind-the-Scenes: A Magical Rainy Seattle Wedding with Nick Hanyok Imaging
One of the best parts of being a Seattle wedding photographer is turning unpredictable PNW weather into pure magic. Today, I'm excited to take you behind the scenes of a recent real Seattle wedding I photographed – a beautiful, rainy-day celebration that perfectly captures the authentic emotion and romance our city is known for.
Emily and Alex's wedding was held at a stunning waterfront venue with views of the Puget Sound. They embraced Seattle's classic drizzle from the start, incorporating clear umbrellas and cozy indoor spaces into their vision. As your Seattle wedding photographer, moments like these are why I love what I do – rain doesn't ruin the day; it elevates it with soft, dreamy light and intimate vibes. Follow along for a peek into the day, from getting ready to reception highlights!
Morning: Getting Ready and Details The day started at a downtown Seattle hotel with soft natural light pouring through the windows. I focused on capturing the quiet excitement – Emily slipping into her gown, laughter with bridesmaids, and thoughtful details like custom invitations and heirloom jewelry. These unposed moments set the tone for authentic storytelling.
First Look and Portraits in the Rain We opted for a private first look under a covered patio overlooking the water. The emotion was electric – tears, hugs, and pure joy. Then, we embraced the rain for portraits! Clear umbrellas allowed for romantic, moody shots without getting soaked. The diffused light created ethereal skin tones and a romantic haze that sunny days can't match. Pro tip: Rainy days are a Seattle wedding photographer's secret weapon for intimate, timeless images.
Ceremony: Emotional Vows with Waterfront Views The ceremony was indoors with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the rainy Sound – it felt like a cozy, enchanted bubble. I captured wide shots of the setup, close-ups of vows and rings, and the guests' reactions. The soft outdoor light made everything glow naturally.
Golden Hour Sneak-Away (Yes, Even on Rainy Days!) As the drizzle lightened, we snuck out for quick golden-hour portraits on the dock. The breaking clouds created dramatic skies and warm tones reflecting on the water. These are always couple favorites – relaxed, connected, and full of PNW drama.
Reception: Joyful Celebration and Candids The party kicked off with toasts, first dances, and epic dancing under string lights. I love capturing the energy – grandparents on the floor, friends lifting the couple, and all the unscripted laughter. Low-light expertise ensures vibrant, sharp images without disrupting the fun.
This wedding reminded me why I specialize in Seattle wedding photography – our weather adds character, venues offer endless backdrops, and couples here prioritize genuine moments over perfection.
Want to see more from this wedding or others? Dive into my full wedding portfolio for complete galleries and stories.
Planning your own rainy-day romance? I'd love to capture it. Check availability and reach out via nickhanyokimaging.com/contact.
What's your favorite behind-the-scenes wedding moment? Or would you embrace rain on your day? Share in the comments!
