Lotte and Arash's Wedding at the Spinnaker Tower: A Love Story Amidst the Storm

Weddings are magical, no matter the weather. But when Lotte and Arash chose the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth for their December wedding, they weren’t just embracing the beauty of the iconic landmark — they were also bracing themselves for one of the most dramatic storms I’ve ever witnessed!

December 2024 brought fierce winds, heavy rain, and what felt like the ultimate test of love. But when you’re as in love as Lotte and Arash, not even a storm can dampen the joy of your wedding day.

The Calm Before the Storm

The day began like any other wedding — with excitement, nerves, and plenty of anticipation. Lotte and Arash had envisioned their ceremony at the top of the Spinnaker Tower, surrounded by panoramic views of the city and the sea. The view would be breathtaking, and their smiles even more so.

But as we made our way to the tower, there was something in the air that suggested the day might not be as calm as we had hoped.

As the couple prepared for their first look, the clouds began to gather, and the wind picked up, but neither Lotte nor Arash were fazed. In fact, they were both so incredibly calm and excited that I knew this was a couple who could weather any storm — quite literally!

The Storm Hits

By the time we reached the Spinnaker Tower, the storm was in full force. The winds were howling, rain was pelting against the glass, and the views — normally so spectacular — were obscured by the storm's intensity. I was ready to suggest an indoor backup plan, but Lotte and Arash’s response was unwavering.

“We want to get married up there,” they told me. “We’re not going to let a little rain ruin our day.”

And so, we carried on with the plan. The ceremony took place high above the city, with the breathtaking backdrop of Portsmouth’s coastline shrouded in mist and rain. Every now and then, a gust of wind would shake the tower, but the love between Lotte and Arash was the anchor that held us all steady. It was raw, emotional, and completely unforgettable.

Moments of Magic in the Storm

Despite the crazy weather, there were so many beautiful moments. Lotte’s laughter as she stepped into her dress, Arash’s tear-filled eyes when he saw her for the first time, and their vows — which they recited to one another, seemingly undeterred by the world around them. In fact, the storm almost felt like a symbol of their strength as a couple: unpredictable, powerful, and a little bit wild, but full of beauty.

Once they were officially married, we braved the weather for a few portraits. The wind whipped through Lotte’s veil, creating the most dramatic, fairy-tale-like images. Their love — unshaken by anything — stood in stark contrast to the storm surrounding them. The images from this part of the day are some of my favorites: raw, intimate, and a true testament to their bond.

The Reception: Warmth Amid the Chaos

After the ceremony, we moved indoors, where the atmosphere was as warm and welcoming as the love between the couple. The reception was filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches. Guests were cozy inside, enjoying delicious food and celebrating the newlyweds, while outside, the storm raged on.

And though the weather had been wild, the joy and energy in the room made it feel like the calmest, most beautiful celebration imaginable. The storm was nothing but a distant memory as everyone danced the night away.

A Wedding to Remember

Lotte and Arash’s wedding was a reminder that love doesn’t wait for the perfect weather. It flourishes in the face of challenges, and sometimes, the most unforgettable moments are the ones that happen when everything is a little bit out of control. Their stormy wedding day will go down as one of my all-time favorites — not because it was perfect, but because it was theirs.

A big congratulations to Lotte and Arash! You are an inspiration — not just for your love, but for the way you embraced your wedding day with joy and resilience, no matter what the storm threw your way.

Here’s to a lifetime of love, adventure, and facing every storm together.