The Tradition of the Bridal Portrait Session
WHAT ARE BRIDAL PORTRAITS?
SME: Bridal portraits are typically a popular Southern wedding tradition where the bride dresses up in her wedding gown, gets her hair and makeup done and gets photographed by her wedding photographer. Usually a portrait from the bridal session is displayed at the wedding reception near the wedding cake!
WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND THEM?
SME: I recommend doing a bridal session because it allows me to spend more time with the bride before her wedding day. A perfect opportunity to see how well your dress fits too! And who doesn't want to get all dolled up and get pictures of them in their amazing wedding gown?! A bridal session not only allows me time with the bride, but it's a time for me to capture her when she is relaxed and feeling beautiful which results in classic, timeless photos. It's a great opportunity for the bride to get comfortable in front of the camera too!
We also love the fact that you get uninterrupted time for the best possible bridal photographs with your photographer. Let's face it - your wedding day is going to be your favorite day, but it will indeed be a bit chaotic! By scheduling bridals, you can align your hair and makeup trial with your session and ensure you'll get the photos you've always wanted!
WHAT SHOULD A BRIDE TO DO PREPARE?
SME: I highly recommend the bride chooses a preferred location type that would make for a stunning backdrop in the photos whether it's at your planned venue or a spacious field. I can help with location options if needed! I always tell my brides to pick out a scenic place that you enjoy going to that makes you feel relaxed. A scenic backdrop and a relaxed bride yields in better photos! Another thing I recommend to my brides before their portraits is to relax! Bridal sessions should never be a stressful situation. It's a time for you to get glammed up and feel beautiful in front of the camera! So have a drink during your prep and we can play some music while we shoot!
WHAT VENDORS DO YOU RECOMMEND BEING INVOLVED?
SME: I definitely recommend having your desired hair & makeup artist involved. This is a good idea because you sneak in a trial run before the wedding day and make sure your hair & makeup is exactly how you envisioned for your wedding day. I also recommend having your florist create a trial of your bouquet for portraits. You will have your bouquet with you most of the wedding day, so again, this is another great opportunity for a trial run!
TIPS FOR EASY-GOING, RELAXED PORTRAITS?
SME: One of my biggest tips for having beautiful portraits...smile, relax and have fun. You are getting married to your best friend and you get to spend the rest of your life with them. This is your moment to feel beautiful and not have to worry about a thing before the wedding day. This is your time to show off your beauty. Relaxed, happy brides create the best pictures!