What is a Bridal Photo Session? Why should you schedule one?

 

What is a Bridal Photo Session? Why should you schedule one?

Practical Tips for Bridal Portrait Session
 

 

What is a Bridal Portrait Session?

A bridal shoot, also known as a bridal portrait session, is a beautiful and intimate photography session that captures the bride in her wedding gown before the big day. While the tradition of bridal shoots which originated from Europe has waned in popularity over the years, it still remains as a cherished custom in the places where these portraits are considered treasured family heirlooms.

Planning your wedding is an emotional journey, filled with joy, excitement, and sometimes a bit of stress. The bridal shoot offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on this special time in your life. It's a moment just for you—to celebrate your beauty, your gown, and the love that awaits you.

In a world that's constantly changing, holding onto traditions like the bridal shoot can be a deeply meaningful way to honor your personal journey and the love stories that came before you.

 

Why Should You Schedule A Bridal Portrait Session?

A bridal portrait session is more than just a photo shoot; it’s a chance to perfect your wedding day look. This session lets you see your entire ensemble—hair, makeup, and dress—in action. If something isn’t quite right, you have the time to make adjustments. Also some brides enjoy choosing between two distinct gowns.

Deciding whether or not you want to have it is purely a matter of personal choice! But I do think it’s important to go through the reasons in detail why a bridal session can be very beneficial and think about it.

In summary

• Decide whether you want to change anything about your final look – It’s not only exciting to see how gorgeous your hair and makeup look with your dress and test it with the photos but it also gives you the opportunity to tweak anything that doesn’t look the way you imagined.

   

• Bridal portraits give you a bit more posing practice – Like your engagement session but more intimate. To tell you the truth most groom-to-be don’t have enough patience for extra photo shoots, they do it to make ladies happy! So that is an opportunity for you to spend one-on-one time with your photographer practicing poses that highlight your dress and your best features, getting comfortable in front of a professional camera, and learning your good angles.  In this way, you will be completely at ease on your wedding day and will be able to lead your spouse in the couple’s portraits.

   

• Capture beautiful, stress-free bridal portraits – Scheduling a bridal session is the perfect time to capture glamour photos. These portraits offer a moment to shine without any wedding day stress, allowing you to capture your radiant self in a relaxed setting. You’ll still have photos taken of just you on your wedding day, but this is a chance to get extra special photos without being worried about your timeline. You just get to focus on looking amazing! You’re going to spend so much time planning out your bridal “look.” It makes sense to dedicate 1-2 hours of bridal photography to capture all of your hard work!

  Plus, I personally think playing dress-up is a lot of fun! Experts say increases creative thinking and communication skills. :)

Practical Tips:

Schedule Accordingly

You will probably have a handful of fittings that you will need to schedule around.  Make sure your bridal shop (or whomever is taking care of the alterations) knows that you are planning bridal portraits.  We will need to schedule at least 4-6 weeks in advance to allow plenty of time for editing and print ordering.

Find a Good Location

Both outdoor and indoor locations can be stunning for bridal portraits. Many wedding venues will allow you to schedule your bridal session there at no extra cost as part of your booking package.

Schedule your Trial Hair and Makeup Session

Use this opportunity to schedule a trial for your hair and makeup.  You will want to be sure to contact your artist(s) in advance to get on the books, as they fill up quickly.  Keep in mind that your makeup may look a bit darker than expected, but the color and contrast will look great on camera.  Once you see your final images, you can discuss any changes that need to be made (if any!) with your hair/makeup team. You can contact Beauty Refinery (Website ) for more information on Trial Sessions.

Think of Accessories

It’s a great idea to bring any accessories and jewelry you plan on wearing for your wedding day.  That way, you can ensure that everything looks cohesive and just the way you want it!  Try to keep it all in one bag for easy transport.

Flowers are Important

If you contact your wedding day florist and let them know you are taking bridal portraits.  They may be able to provide a bouquet that matches the one you will carry down the aisle!  We know first hand, About Design(Website) includes a trial bouquet or centerpiece for certain packages. 

Just be sure to keep the bouquet in water until you arrive at your portrait location.

 

Creative Partners

Beauty Refinery NY   Makeup & Hair Website  More than 20 years of experience servicing TV & Film Celebrities.

They are a boutique agency that offers celebrity experience in beauty, and men’s styling. They know what looks good on camera, personal, and professional photo shoots. They also specialize in press appearances, red carpet, special events, elopements, and weddings. Kristen Kiyan, the principal artist and owner, is truly exceptional and deeply passionate about her craft.
 Do yourself a favor, and book them early.

 

About-Designs   Florist Website  

About Designs is a small family-run business based in Weehawken, New Jersey. The Owner Sonya is an Interior Designer. They keep things local and love to collaborate on design solutions for your next special event, wedding, urban garden, or photoshoot.

 

Sample Room NYC   Bridal Shop Website   NYC’s Well-kept Secret.

They sell a carefully curated collection of designer bridal gowns at discounted prices in an appointment-style setting. These are bridal gowns that we get directly from the designers or other stores. They have many unique, one-of-a-kind dresses. They also offer a wide range of accessories from veils, combs, and tiaras to gloves, garters, and jewelry, some specially made items, and one-of-a-kind unique jewelry for special occasions or everyday casual wear.   You may also want to check out this Blog Post about Why Sample Dress? Blog Post

 

We sincerely thank inside and out beautiful Model, Alanna Kerr Helen.