Rainy Tulsa Botanic Garden Wedding

Ashley and Alberto were not about to let a rainy day get in the way of their Tulsa Botanic Garden wedding. A few days out, the forecast had called for thunderstorms and heavy rain, but in typical Oklahoma weather, that prediction changed several times. As their wedding photographer, I was pleased to see that when their wedding day arrived, it seemed like the weather would give us perfect breaks in the rain that fit the timeline well. I pause while collecting my last load from my car. I thought to myself, “If I take my clear umbrellas, it won’t rain. If I leave them, it surely will, and I won’t have them.” So, I scooped them up and walked into the venue to get settled and start with Ashley and Alberto’s first look.

A Sweet First Look Along the Garden Paths at Tulsa Botanic Garden

It hadn’t started raining yet, but I kept Ashley on the garden pathways because there were many areas still soaked from the previous night’s rains. Ashley tapped Alberto on his shoulder, and when he turned to see her, his mouth fell open! He was in love! As soon as I saw Ashley and Alberto together, their energy matched one another, and the reason why they were getting married was obvious! They were truly comfortable and themselves in each other’s company, and it didn’t matter that I was just off the pathway, documenting the moment. Although they knew I was there, in that moment, it was just them.

After several minutes, Alberto noticed his two sisters and Ashley’s brother spying and videoing them from afar. A fun candid memory!

Soft Light and Sweet Moments
Bride and Groom Portraits at Tulsa Botanic Garden

By the time we started the bride and groom portraits outside of the Mabee Grange event space, I could feel the air getting thicker. I thought it would be best to keep Ashley and Alberto very close to their reception/indoor space, where we could run for cover if we needed it. They effortlessly mastered the poses and were so easy to photograph, we were done in no time! Ashley told me, as she was touching up her hair, that if it was at all possible, she wanted her ceremony to be in the gardens. After all, this is the reason that she booked the venue—to be married on their beautiful waterfall. I looked at the radar and realized we may be able to start the ceremony, but I had no idea if the rain would hold through the whole thing. It didn’t look like it.

Rainy and Romantic October Wedding Ceremony at Tulsa Botanic Garden

Guests were greeted with champagne, hugs were shared, and the ceremony started without a drop from the sky. As soon as the sprinkles started, Olivia, the officiant, told the guests they were welcome to use umbrellas, and at that moment, three umbrellas quickly swooped in to cover the three of them at the altar. The clear umbrellas I grabbed from my car earlier that day and have with me at every wedding? This is why! Yes, it was a rainy wedding ceremony, but the clear umbrellas don’t distract too much from the photos.

Now, photographing a wedding day while it’s raining is a little less graceful. At that moment, I was very glad I’m in the back when the guests can’t see me struggling with operating my camera and holding an umbrella that’s propped up between my neck and shoulder and hanging over my head. The biggest blessing was a guest who took pity on me and held my umbrella for me! While standing in the rain himself! Such an act of kindness that I will remember for a long time!

As the ceremony concluded, Alberto flung his umbrella as he prepared to kiss Ashley. Seeing this, she immediately dropped hers and stretched out her arms with a squeal to hold him.

Wedding Reception at the Mabee Grange

After dinner, guests were moved by touching sentiments from Alberto’s sisters and entertained by Ashley’s family with stories of Ashley’s independence and how her travels led her to Alberto. Their love story is one of international travels and chance meetings, much like a fairy tale! Smiles filled the room with wonderful conversation, fun photos being taken in the photo booth, and when the dance floor opened, impromptu karaoke broke out after a guest grabbed the DJ mic. I laughed and thought, “Just when I’ve seen it all.”

Vendor Team Who Made it Happen

Venue: Tulsa Botanic Garden

Photographer: Amanda Hitchen

Florist: Mary Murray’s Flowers

Ring Vendor:  Moody’s

Wedding Dress Shop: Faccianos Bridal and Formal Attire

Hair and Makeup: Shawna Burroughs (Jara Herron Salon)

Grooms Tux Shop: Jos. A. Bank

Caterer, Bar & Rentals: Jaana Donathan by PARTYSERVE

Officiant: Olivia Lane (Southminister Church)

Band/ DJ:  Seth Hilsabeck

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Visit more blogs!

If you’re planning your wedding day in Oklahoma, you know the weather can change in about 5 seconds. It’s always good to have a rainy day plan (even in August)! Here’s a blog post I wrote that specifically covers how to be ready for rain and what a mindset can do to help. No bride wants rain on her wedding day but you can be better prepared if it does happen!

Although it’s February of 2026 and normally I have written what would be my “25 favorite photos of 2025” blog… I’m just realizing I haven’t done that yet. So here’s 2024’s blog post. Which really, as I scan it, has so many wonderful photos that I still LOVE and moments I was honored to document!

Are you ready to dive into the world of wedding photography and working together? Visit my weddings website here. And when you’re ready to reach out, please complete my wedding-specific contact form.

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