A Tyler Arboretum Wedding

Love sometimes writes its own weather report. When Cory proposed to Lary, the sky opened in a sudden downpour. Instead of running for cover, they laughed, soaked and breathless, and said “yes” in the pouring rain. So when their Tyler Arboretum Wedding in Media, Pennsylvania arrived on a storm-tossed September 4th, 2025, it felt perfectly poetic that they would once again exchange vows beneath a rainy sky.

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Afternoon Preparations

The day began in cozy anticipation. Inside the Arboretum’s getting-ready suites, Lary’s friends carefully fastened delicate pearl buttons while the groom and his groomsmen joked and adjusted ties. I moved quietly through each space, documenting details like the hand-written vows folded neatly in Cory’s jacket pocket. Rain streaked the windows, but the atmosphere inside was warm and full of joy.

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A Ceremony Born of Rain

Originally, the couple dreamed of a lush garden ceremony, surrounded by the endless backdrops that make Tyler Arboretum a favorite among Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia-area couples. But by 6pm (the same time the ceremony was supposed to start) the rain was relentless, forcing the venue and vendor team to improvise, and to improvise quickly. In a spot they have never before used for a wedding ceremony, staff quickly transformed a sheltered area into an intimate gathering place for Lary, Cory and thier guests.

Thirty cherished guests gathered close, umbrellas dripping just outside, as Lary and Cory exchanged thier vows. The sound of rainfall became the soundtrack to their promises. It was romantic, unplanned, and unforgettable and will fill their hearts for the rest of their lives!

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A Five-Minute Miracle

After the ceremony, a small miracle: the rain paused for five glorious minutes. We seized the moment, sprinting across the Arboretum’s grounds to a grove alive with late-summer greens. Those impromptu portraits—Lary’s dress brushing damp droplets on the barn entry way, Cory’s hand steady on her back, both of them laughing at the wildness of it all—are among my favorites of the 2025 wedding season. The soft, cloud-filtered light gave every image a luminous, painterly glow.

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Reception in the Historic Barn

As evening fell, guests stepped into the Tyler Arboretum barn, a space brimming with rustic elegance. Dim lights and strings of twinkle bulbs cast a romantic glow across wooden beams. Lush greenery and flickering candles lined the tables. The couple’s first dance was sweet and unhurried, a quiet moment of calm before the celebration took off.

The best man and maid of honor delivered heartfelt speeches, each bringing laughter and tears, while the bride’s sister spoke of childhood memories and the steadfast love she witnessed in Cory and Lary’s relationship. When the music started, the party never stopped—proof that a little rain can’t dampen a truly joyful crowd.

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Why Tyler Arboretum Is a Dream Venue

Even in a storm, Tyler Arboretum shines. With more than 650 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodlands, it offers an endless variety of portrait backdrops and ceremony options. Couples can choose from wildflower fields, historic stone structures, and that charming barn reception space. Whether under blue skies or, like Lary and Cory, beneath a dramatic gray canopy, the venue provides a naturally romantic setting for a wedding day. Not only is it a beautiful venue, but the staff are quick on their feet when things need to change. If your looking for a wedding venue that is professional and timely, but also flexible and quick to adjust when needed, Tyler Arboretum Weddings is the perfect venue for you! As a photographer, I hope to work with them again in the near future!

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Photography Notes

For photographers, rainy weddings present unique challenges and opportunities. Cloudy skies create soft, even light—perfect for portraits. I kept gear ready with weather protection and scouted covered spots for group photos. The five-minute dry window gave us just enough time for sweeping couple portraits, while indoor candlelight allowed for moody, intimate reception images. A clean umbrella is a also a must! While we didn’t have one on hand that day, it would have made for some beautiful fun and creative in the rain shots!

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Words from the Couple

Later, Lary told me, “It felt like the rain was part of our story—Cory proposed to me in a downpour, so it only made sense that we married in one too.” Their easy laughter and sense of adventure made the day feel effortless, reminding everyone that marriage is about embracing the unexpected together. Myself, along with all the staff at Tyler Arboretum wish Lary and Cory a long life of embracing the sunshine and the storms together.

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Planning a Tyler Arboretum Wedding

If you’re dreaming of your own Tyler Arboretum wedding in Media, PA, here are a few tips:

• Have a rain plan. Embrace tents, covered patios, or the barn itself for backup.
• Allow buffer time. Extra minutes for weather delays mean less stress.
• Trust your team. Venue staff and vendors are experts at quick pivots.

For couples who love nature and want a venue rich with history and scenery, Tyler Arboretum remains one of the most versatile choices in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions.

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Ready to Capture Your Wedding Story?

Rain or shine, your wedding photographs should tell the full story—moments planned and unplanned, grand and quiet. If you’re searching for a photographer who embraces every element of the day, I’d love to document your celebration. Contact Voir Clair Photo to begin planning your timeless wedding photography for your own Wedding at the Tyler Arboretum or any other Lehigh Valley venue. To view weddings at the Tyler Arboretum, click here.

See pricing and packages with Voir Clair Photo, click here.