What is a bridal session, and why should I schedule one?

Outlasting Memories Photography

Here on the blog today we are talking about portrait BRIDAL SESSIONS and why you should consider scheduling one!

Let’s dive in - Often talking to brides and grooms I realize that not all wedding traditions are commonly known, hence the BRIDAL SESSION?

WHAT IS A BRIDAL SESSION?

A bridal portrait session is a fairly old and specifically Southern tradition that began in Europe. The bride schedules a portrait session focusing solely on herself which takes place well before the wedding day. She is photographed dressed in her wedding dress and She might also have her hair and makeup done by the same person she is planning on using for her wedding day.  The resulting bridal photos are kept secret, and in many cases a large print from the session is later displayed at the wedding reception. Now a days the Groom will participate in the session giving time for a first look and multiple shots of the couple to be displayed on wedding day.

I know, I know … The groom and the bride together all dressed up and seeing each other before the wedding day! WHAT! Let us share 5 reason why you should consider this tradition in getting a bridal portrait session complete.

WHY SHOULD I SCHEDULE A BRIDAL PORTRAIT SESSION?

Capture beautiful, stress-free bridal portraits – you had to know I was going to say this! Scheduling a bridal session is the perfect time to capture photos of you all glammed up.  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!  

Sneak Peek - When planning a wedding, you work with a hundred different puzzle pieces and have to wait until the day of the wedding to see how they perfectly fit together. The same is true with your wedding day style. You have the dress, the shoes, the accessories, the hair and the make up but why wait until the day of the wedding to see how they all come together? Scheduling a bridal portrait shoot with your photographer gives you the opportunity to see exactly how you’ll look and allows you the opportunity to make desired changes prior to the big day.

Get Comfortable - A bridal portrait shoot is a win-win situation for both you and your photographer. Your photographer learns which poses work best for you and what techniques to use to get the best quality pictures. You get a relaxed and stress-free setting to explore how to become comfortable in front of the camera and how to interact with your photographer. Instead of working together for the first time on the wedding day, you and your photographer already have experience and can maximize the available time to get the best pictures possible without adding unnecessary stress to a wildly emotional day.

Location, Location, Location - There is no rule that says your bridal portrait needs to be at the same venue as your wedding. It doesn’t even have to fit within the same theme. You’ll get hundreds of pictures at your wedding venue on the wedding day so why not take the opportunity to explore a different location, style or season? You’ve invested a lot in your dress and should have pictures that showcase it and you in various locations.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - The tradition of displaying a bridal portrait at the wedding reception is still prevalent in weddings today and if you opt to display one, a bridal portrait shoot is necessary in order to do so. Even if you don’t want something that grand, a bridal portrait shoot gives you tangible pictures to have and hold on the wedding day. Why not give a framed picture of you in your gown to your parents or grandparents on the day of the wedding as a thank you? It’s a gift and moment they’ll remember long after the wedding day.

Outlasting Memories Photography

Outlasting Memories Photography

Thank you to Outlasting Memories Photography for sharing this beautiful Bridal Session with us.

Enjoy

XOXO

A Wedding Inspired By Valentine’s Day

Rich Faiva Photography

Are you getting married on Valentine’s Day? Here at The Wright House it has seems like every year we have a Bride and Groom who are ready to tie the knot on the romantic day.  Even if you decide not to tie the knot on that actual day, you can still use Valentines as the theme, which will still have that romantic effect. Let’s fill the air with romance, below are some essentials to make the day perfect;

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Share your Story:

To get started, think about Valentine's Day and what it means to your relationship. Look for inspiration from your own love story, like where you met, your proposal story or your favorite things to do together.

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Play the classic colors:

Valentine's Day is basically synonymous with pink, purple and red. Depending on your style, you can go with those traditional hues or do something unexpected. For example, choose a classic black-and-white palette and add subtle pops of red or pink in the florals, signature cocktails, napkins, favors or wedding party accessories. You could even give the slightest nod with pink satin ribbons around the tiers of an all-white cake. Another way to make these romantic hues stylish is to go for contrast. Think deep crimson paired with ballet-slipper-pink and some chic metallic accents. 

Rich Faiva Photography

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Play meaningful music:

It's more than likely your first dance will be to a love song, but to keep the mood romantic all night long, ask your guests to fill in their first dance song (or simply the name of “their song") on their RSVP card. Mixing some of those tunes into your playlist is a lovely way to honor them and help them relive their favorite memories.

Rich Faiva Photography

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Incorporate private, heartfelt details:

If more obvious Valentine’s Day decor isn’t really your thing, infuse a few private details into your wedding look. Something like heart-accented shoes, a Cupid’s arrow bowtie or a secretly inscribed ribbon bouquet wrap adds holiday spirit without taking over your entire wedding style.

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Don’t forget the mood lighting:

Use lighting to set the mood. Soft bistro lighting creates a romantic setting, while glowing LED lights on the border of the dance floor keeps the focus on the music and dancing. And, of course, nothing says "romance" like a candlelit dinner, which will shine even brighter if you choose sequined or silky table linens. Go for ornate, flower-draped candelabras, or create a more contemporary vibe with floating tea candles in narrow hurricane vases.

A infused Valentine Wedding is already built in romance, right! Plus, you'll definitely never forget your anniversary...

Cheers to making your wedding the day you’ve always imagined.

XOXO

Rich Faiva Photography

Rich Faiva Photography

A MORNING GARDEN WEDDING

Morning weddings aren’t the norm really any where but here at The Wright House its very typical we have a few each month. It’s a vibrant and whimsical event when you are in the garden so early in the day. In which we are happy to bring you this beautiful morning wedding to inspire some of you that might be on the fence about it.

Jen Lynn Studios

Jen Lynn Studios

Jen Lynn Studios

Jen Lynn Studios

So, are morning weddings better than evening weddings? No. Evening weddings are fantastic too. But morning weddings are the unsung heroes of the wedding world.

Enjoy XOXO