Cuong & My: A Rainy Elopement, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Photoshoot at Dambri Waterfall, Da Lat

Most couples check the forecast and pray for sunshine. Cuong & My did the opposite. When the rain rolled in over Dambri, one of the tallest waterfalls in Vietnam's Central Highlands, they walked straight into it, and it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to their elopement.

Why Dambri Waterfall

Dambri sits in the Da Lat highlands of Lam Dong, a couple of hours from the town itself, and it is enormous, a wall of white water that throws up so much spray it creates its own weather. For an adventure-minded couple it is hard to beat: dramatic, wild, and almost empty. My wore a soft ivory gown and a long veil; Cuong a light suit, and neither of them minded getting soaked.

Embracing the rain

Rain changes everything about a shoot, and if you let it, it changes it for the better. The light goes soft and moody, the colours turn muted and cinematic, and the whole scene fills with mist. Instead of fighting it, we leaned in, and Cuong & My gave us frame after frame of the kind of raw, unposed emotion you just cannot fake on a bright, easy day.

Just the two of them

This is exactly why we love elopements. No crowd, no schedule, no one to perform for, just a couple, a photographer, and somewhere breathtaking. Wrapped in her veil, holding on against the wind, Cuong & My could have been the only two people in the world.

Thinking about a waterfall elopement in Vietnam?

A few honest words if a wild, weather-and-all elopement sounds like you:

• Do not fear the rain. Some of the most beautiful, emotional photos happen in bad weather. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and an open mind.
• Da Lat and Lam Dong are made for this. Pine forests, mist and waterfalls like Dambri give you drama you will not find on a beach.
• Keep it simple. Flowing fabrics move beautifully in wind and spray. Leave the fussy details at home.
• Let go of the plan. The magic is in what you cannot control.

Dreaming of running away to marry somewhere wild? See more of our elopement photography across Vietnam, or if you would rather stay dry, our Da Lat pre-wedding and couple shoots. New to the idea? Start with our guide to eloping in Vietnam, then get in touch and let's plan yours.