Not everyone chooses to do a bridal session as part of their wedding experience. However, there are some really great benefits in this southern tradition if you are on the fence about having one.
First, I never require a bridal session. I will absolutely make sure that come wedding day we make time to take some beautiful photos of just you in your dress. However, If your wedding day is condensed to 6 hours there won’t be as much time to block out for bridal photos. I always make a point to capture some bridals throughout the day but if you are wanting more than 2-3 poses or if you are wanting to utilize more than one location then I always suggest doing a bridal session. Having a bridal session really allows us to maximize your timeline the day of your wedding so that we can flow through the day better and ultimately you’ll be more relaxed!
Speaking of being relaxed, when you have a bridal session you get to enjoy taking these photos with out any stress! No time crunch, no thoughts about logistics for the day, or who is making sure your partner is getting ready. You are free of all of that and can laugh and have fun.
HOW TO PREPARE
LOCATION
Choosing a location is a fun part of the experience. Your wedding venue is a beautiful choice for your bridal session. We get to have fun and explore all the beautiful angles that your location has to offer. Ranches are vary popular in the Texas Hill Country so if your family has property in the surrounding area a bridal session can be the perfect way to incorporate the ranch in your wedding story. Not to mention it can offer some fun opportunities to take photos with wild life!
SCHEDULE HAIR & MAKEUP
Bridal Sessions are the perfect opportunity to utilize your hair and makeup test to the fullest. Think of it as a sneak peak for your wedding day. Often brides will make slight changes to their look after seeing the photos from their session. It’s easy to communicate to your stylist that you want more or less of something in your look when you have photos to show. Then you can go into your wedding day with full confidence in your final look.
GET A SMALL BOUQUET
Talk to your florist about creating a mini version of your big bouquet! This gives you something to hold and pose with as well as getting comfortable holding a bouquet before the big day.
BRING SOMEONE ALONG
Bring your mom, your grandmother, your maid of honor, or bring them all. Make your bridal session an event that is filled with fun and laughter while we take beautiful photos. A bridal session is also great practice to getting into your dress, bustling it, and getting familiar with how your dress moves. An extra pair of hands is never a bad thing either when you are on location and working to keep your dress clean.
PUT THEM ON DISPLAY
We’ve done the bridal session now what? Print your favorites for display at the reception! These portraits can accent the various gift, cake, and guest book tables, just be sure someone knows when to put them up so that your partner doesn’t sneak a peek at your look before you’re ready.
Thank you so much for reading about why you should do a bridal session. I hope you found the information helpful and that you’ll include this beautiful shoot in your wedding experience.
Want to tell me more about your wedding or get pricing information? I’d love to chat! Email me and let’s learn about your story!
Leah is local to the Texas Hill Country, and is currently booking wedding photography at any destination in the San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg area.
