As we close out 2025, I want to share one of the most unexpected and unforgettable weddings of the year.

In April, the weather had been nothing short of beautiful. Sarah and Braden spent an entire year thoughtfully planning an intimate wedding at their home—every detail carefully considered. As their day approached, the forecast showed rain for just one day: their wedding day.

And it didn’t simply rain—it poured.

Family and friends sprang into action, racing to Costco to buy every overhang and cover they could find for the dinner tables. The catering team was soaked. The guests were soaked. I—and all of my gear—were soaked. And yet, somehow, it became one of the most joyful, laughter-filled celebrations I’ve ever witnessed.

Nothing about the weather could diminish what truly mattered. Love was felt deeply. Connection was everywhere. The day unfolded beautifully—not because it was perfect, but because it was real.

Sarah and Braden reminded me that life rarely goes exactly as planned. There will always be moments beyond our control. But when we choose gratitude, when we lean into the present instead of resisting it, those moments often become the ones we cherish most. Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.

A Practical Checklist for Planning a Private Property Wedding

1. Always Have a Weather Backup Plan

Even the most perfect forecasts can change.

• Rent or purchase tents, canopies, or overhangs
• Ensure coverage for both ceremony and reception, not just dinner
• Plan for rain and extreme heat or wind
• Communicate the backup plan clearly to vendors and family helpers

Pro tip: If rain is possible, assume it will happen and plan accordingly. Anything less is a gamble.

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2. Power, Restrooms, and Infrastructure Matter More Than Décor

Private homes aren’t designed to host 50–150 people for hours.

• Rent portable restrooms (even if the house has bathrooms)
• Confirm power needs for catering, lighting, DJ/band, and rentals
• Arrange generators if necessary
• Plan lighting for pathways, parking areas, and outdoor spaces

These details are invisible when done well—and very obvious when overlooked.

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3. Designate a “Problem Solver”

Someone needs to make decisions so you don’t have to.

• Choose a planner, coordinator, or trusted person
• Give them authority to handle weather calls, vendor questions, and logistics
• Make sure vendors know who this person is

Sarah and Braden never once looked stressed—because they didn’t have to be.

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4. Prepare Vendors for the Environment

Private property weddings are different from traditional venues.

• Share photos of the property with vendors in advance
• Discuss load-in logistics and parking
• Ask caterers about rain-safe service plans
• Provide covered areas for vendors when possible

A supported vendor team can pivot calmly when plans change.

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5. Plan for Guest Comfort

Happy guests create joyful energy—rain or shine.

• Offer umbrellas, blankets, or towels if weather shifts
• Include footwear guidance on your website or invitation
• Provide covered gathering areas
• Keep signage clear so guests know where to go

When guests feel cared for, they roll with anything.

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6. Let Go of “Perfect”

This may be the most important item on the list.

Private-property weddings are deeply personal. They reflect real life, real homes, real relationships—and sometimes real storms. What Sarah and Braden showed everyone that day is that flexibility creates freedom.

When we choose gratitude, when we lean into the present instead of resisting it, the unexpected often becomes the most meaningful part of the story.