As a Maine wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories, each unique in its own way. But one particular rainy day at Portland Head Light, Maine, stands out as a truly enchanting experience. Despite the unpredictable weather, the rain brought an unexpected charm to the proposal session that I’ll cherish forever.

As the dark clouds gathered overhead, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The rain was steadily falling, creating a misty film that wrapped the Portland Head Light in a haze. While most situations call for a reschedule in inclement weather we knew the show must go on since Matt + Savannah’s trip to Maine had a tight timeline.

All geared up in my rain boots and massive umbrella I found a perfect spot with the Portland Headlight as the backdrop and waited for Matt to come find me and start putting our plan into action. The couple arrived alongside Savannah’s parents undeterred by the rain. Matt unsuspiciously asked me to take a photo of the family on his phone, and I told him I would take one on my professional camera and send it to them after to throw Savannah off our trail. Once I got a family photo, I asked Matt and Savannah if they wanted one together. Once it was just Matt and Savannah, Matt knew what to do. He got down on one knee and asked Savannah to marry him.

One of the joys of photography is capturing raw emotions, and the rain provided the perfect backdrop for authentic expressions. The occasional gusts of wind brought with them playful moments, like the couple sharing an umbrella or stealing a sweet, rain-soaked kiss. Their love was evident in every frame, making my job as the photographer effortless.

The rain at Portland Head Light was a blessing in disguise. The overcast skies softened the light, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a soft, dreamy glow on the couple’s faces. The deep colors of the couple’s raincoats contrasted beautifully with the moody backdrop, resulting in stunning photographs that exuded a sense of intimacy and charm.

As the couple stood on a cliff overlooking the sea, the rain seemed to intensify. It was as if nature itself was celebrating their love. With the iconic Maine lighthouse standing tall in the background, Matt got down on one knee, holding out a glistening ring box. Tears mixed with raindrops as Savannah said YES!!!

We spent the rest of our session time adventuring around the Portland Headlight and Fort Williams beach, eventually ditching the umbrella. Matt and Savannah were natural at just being themselves and embracing the warm summer rain.

This rainy proposal session at Portland Head Light will forever hold a special place in my heart. It taught me the importance of embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in every moment. Love is like the rain—sometimes it falls gently, and other times it pours, but it never fails to nourish and renew. As a photographer, I’m grateful for this extraordinary experience, reminding me that true love knows no weather and that magic can be found in even the most unexpected places.

Photographer: Emily Leonard Photography

Location: Portland Head Light / Fort Williams Park

Instagram Post: Matt + Savannah Post