For many brides, rain would be their worst wedding nightmare. It’s really not that bad, and the photos end up looking incredibly romantic. You can tell my friend Cecile here didn’t let the rain get her down — she and her now-husband seem to embrace the rain on their St. Patrick’s wedding day.

Photo by Leila Peterson

I remember the day well — it was raining cats and dogs. Save for the umbrella, however, you wouldn’t know it — they’re grinning at each other as if it was sunny and warm.

Photo by Leila Peterson

This wedding, while significant because she and her family are longtime friends of my family, was especially important for me to blog because my brother and his design partner, Sophia Truong, did the flowers. And, man, did they do a good job. Check out that bouquet! Isn’t it beautiful? I would never have thought to put green and orange together, but it looks so festive.

Photo by Leila Peterson

And the decision to have the bridal party colors be gray was shrewd, because the vibrant color of the flowers just pops out from the hands of the bridesmaids and maid of honor.

Photo by Leila Peterson

For more photos of this wedding, head over to Leila Peterson’s blog.