Bridal Sessions 101
What are they and Why Consider One
Bridal sessions are an opportunity to see all the details come together before the big day. This is a chance for you to optimize your hair and makeup trial by seeing how it will photograph and give yourself a chance to get comfortable with me and the camera. And the best part? Beautiful bridal portraits for you to have and cherish for a lifetime.
These sessions offer a unique opportunity for brides to capture their beauty, grace, and elegance in a more relaxed and intimate setting before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins. In this blog, you’ll gain insight into the world of bridal sessions, explore what they entail, and determine if it’s a good idea for you to consider one!
Bridal Sessions 101: What are they?
Bridal sessions are dedicated photoshoots where you will be photographed in your wedding attire before the actual wedding day. Most often, this is a solo photo session of just the bride.
Typically done a few weeks or months before the wedding, these sessions allow you to showcase your gown, hair, makeup, and overall bridal look in a relaxed environment. Unlike the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, bridal sessions offer a fun and intimate atmosphere where you can fully immerse yourself in the moment, allowing us to connect and capture the essence of your wedding day look with precision and artistry.
Benefits of Bridal Sessions
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One of the biggest advantages of bridal sessions is seeing all of the details come together and being able to make adjustments before the wedding day. This allows you to be fully present on your wedding day without having to worry or make any last minute decisions about hair, makeup and wedding attire the day of. Understanding how it all looks before the wedding will give you time to plan or adjust things as needed.
Real-life example: I once had a bride who was going back and forth between wanting a reception dress or just wearing her wedding gown the entire day/night. She booked a bridal session and about an hour into the session, she realized the gown restricted her arms from moving above her shoulders so she knew she wouldn’t be able to dance in it. Ultimately she decided to get a reception dress so that she could dance the night away in comfort! Had she not worn her gown beforehand, she wouldn’t have made the decision to get the reception dress. Additionally, on the wedding day, brides sometimes find themselves juggling multiple tasks, dealing with nerves, and adhering to a schedule. In contrast, bridal sessions offer a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere, allowing the bride to focus solely on looking and feeling her best.
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Unlike the limited time available for portraits on the wedding day, bridal sessions typically span a few hours rather than 30-60 minutes. This extended timeframe allows for more creative experimentation, varied prompts, and diverse backdrops, resulting in a diverse gallery of stunning images.
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Bridal sessions allow you to ensure that every aspect of your bridal look is flawless. From intricate hairstyles and flawless makeup to the fit and styling of the gown, you can perfect your look and plan ahead, knowing that each detail will be captured beautifully.
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Bridal sessions offer flexibility in terms of location, allowing you to choose locations at your venue that complement your vision and style. Whether it's a picturesque garden, a historic mansion, or an urban cityscape, together we can select locations that resonate with your personality and aesthetic preferences, adding depth and meaning to your photos.
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Many brides use bridal sessions as an opportunity to schedule a trial run for hair and makeup. By working with your chosen hair and makeup artists ahead of time, you can experiment with different styles, ensuring that they achieve the perfect bridal look for your big day. And make any adjustments as needed.
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Bridal sessions often serve as a bonding experience between the both of us. This pre-wedding photoshoot allows us to build trust, get the wiggles and giggles out and communicate overall vision/wants and needs about photography that can enhance the overall photography experience on the wedding day.
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For many brides, the wedding dress is the centerpiece of your bridal look. Bridal sessions provide a dedicated opportunity to showcase the gown in all its glory, allowing you the experience to revel in the excitement of unveiling the dress before the wedding day.
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Bridal sessions offer creative freedom for both of us. From experimenting with different prompts and lighting techniques to incorporating accessories, bridal sessions provide a canvas for artistic expression, resulting in unique and beautiful images as well as a fun experience to highlight this exciting chapter of life you’re in.
Why You Should Consider a Bridal Session
1. Timeless Memories: Your wedding day is a momentous occasion filled with love, joy, and celebration. A bridal session allows you to capture the beauty and essence of this special time in your life, creating timeless memories that you can cherish for years to come. Also prints or a photo album make for a great gift idea to give to your future husband on your wedding day!
2. Enhanced Gallery: Including bridal session photos in your wedding gallery adds depth and diversity to your collection of photographs. These photos serve as a beautiful complement to your wedding day photos, offering a more intimate and personal glimpse into your bridal journey.
3. Personalized Experience: Bridal sessions are tailored to your individual preferences and vision, allowing you to create a truly personalized photography experience. Whether you envision a classic, romantic aesthetic or a bold, avant-garde style, your bridal session can be customized to reflect your unique personality and taste.
4. Confidence Booster: Stepping in front of the camera can be daunting, especially on your wedding day when all eyes are on you. A bridal session provides an opportunity to build confidence and ease any pre-wedding jitters by familiarizing yourself with the photography process and becoming more comfortable in front of the lens.
5. Legacy for Generations: Your bridal session photos are more than just photos; they are a legacy that future generations will treasure. These photographs serve as a visual heirloom, preserving the beauty and elegance of your bridal journey for your children, grandchildren, and beyond.
Bride and Groom Couple Portraits
Pre or Post-Wedding
We live in a new age of weddings - some that throw tradition out the window. If you’re a couple who values quality time and a more holistic and mindful approach to your wedding day - consider a Bridal (Bride and Groom session) either before or after your wedding day - you’ll have all the benefits discussed above while also opening up your wedding day agenda to have more time with family, friends, and guests.
Bridal sessions offer many benefits for brides-to-be, from stress-free environments and extended photoshoot times to personalized experiences and timeless memories. Considering a bridal session, you can enhance your wedding photography gallery, build confidence, and create a lasting legacy of beauty and love. Whether you're a traditional bride seeking classic elegance or a modern bride embracing bold creativity, a bridal session is a valuable investment that will enrich your wedding experience and provide cherished memories for years to come!
Let's Connect!
Hi there, I’m VAL
The hopeless Romantic behind the lens
I value kindness, mindfulness, connection, good conversation, and love. I feel so lucky to spend my days photographing weddings, traveling to new places, and witnessing couples sharing their heart. I can’t think of a better way to navigate this life. As someone who is married, I have a deep understanding of how significant and special a wedding day truly is.
It’s about the love, the people, and all the emotions felt. The moments you’ll cherish and reminisce for decades to come.
Based in Portland, Oregon | Passport ready for travel
