bridal portraits are completely foreign to anyone that lives above the tennessee line…apparently, it is a southern thing we do! well, i take that back, they’re pretty popular in south carolina as well.

so let me fill you in…
brides usually go for a ‘trial run’ for their hair and makeup to make sure that what they chose is flattering to their face shape, photographs great and is long lasting! the best way to really test it out, is to test it at a portrait session – the bridal session 🙂

a bridal session is a southern tradition. this is also a bonding experience for the bride and her mother. mom usually comes to help with the veil or add a little lip gloss throughout the session!

so when is the best time to schedule your bridal session? well…what kind of dress are you wearing? is it strapless, is it long sleeve, is it shorter than most?

i suggest having your bridal session at least 6 weeks before your wedding day. by this time all of the alterations are done with your dress and you can confidently wear it and know that it will reflect how you will look on your wedding day.

i absolutely love bridal sessions and encourage all of my brides to book one. a lot of times {especially in the south!!!} the bride has a bridal portrait displayed at her wedding reception or beside the wedding cake.

i still take portraits of the bride alone on the wedding day, but a separate session dedicated solely to the bride is a great way to have portraits taken at a special location and to devote a little extra time to the bride!