Rain on the Big Day

Is it lucky?  I've always thought this was just something everyone said to the bride who wakes up to less-than-desirable wedding day weather to make her feel better.  Which is the same thought that crossed my mind this morning when they announced on The Today Show that the Today wedding, taking place September 30th, would "unfortunately" be under tents due to rain and the always optimistic Al chimed in, " It's lucky!"  I'm sure there are countless stories of both happy and unhappy marriages between couples who tied the knot in the extreme of each condition, but I think a lot of brides would prefer the sunshine and maybe not so much "luck." 

While doing a little background research on the myths of wedding day rain, I saw that those who say it is lucky believe that the rain represents fertility, as it does for farmer's crops, therefore the couple will be blessed with children.  On the contrary, those who say it is bad luck believe that the rain symbolizes all of the tears the bride will cry during her marriage.  What kind of bia would ever say this?!   Please don't let this Debbie Downer come to my wedding!

I, for one, happen to know of a very blessed and happy marriage that all started on cold, rainy day in August.  My parents!  With strong, gusty winds, torrential rain and a temperature that our SC August's have probably never seen, my parents were married in North Providence, RI on August 12th, 1979.  In their case, the rain happened to be nothing short of good luck!  My parents just celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary last month.  I may have to be reminded of this on my actual wedding day, but if it means I could have the love and commitment they have for each other after all these years, I wouldn't mind a rainy wedding day at all!

Wedding Day

Before the kids

At a family wedding

One of my fave more recent pics :)