David
Look at this picture...
what the heck? now I think it is BEEyoutiful...but how did I do it? It was not dark, I could see just fine, it WAS overcast...
but the camera was on automatic and I used the macro lens.
I guess this is a case of happy accident!!
That IS a very beautiful picture Jess!!! Totally awesome! You have a real talent there girl friend!
And how did it happen? Did you have the flash turned on? If so, the camera would have set a more narrow aperture, thus darkening the background. The camera needs less aperture when the flash is turned on. Of course you can force the aperture by using the manual setting. Then, the background probably would have been a bit more noticable, but not much. If you wish to have the background appear in the picture, try turning OFF the flash, set a narrow aperture (for depth of field) and a slow shutter speed (USE A TRIPOD!!). That may help the next time.
I think your picture looks very nice just the way it is Jess!
If you did have the flash turned off, it is my guess the background appears dark due to the overcast skies. A slower shutter speed (1/8 maybe) would have helped in this case. If, after doing this, your picture looks over exposed, try downing the EC (exposure compensation) by one or two stops (one or two 1/3) and that may help the picture to look less over exposed.