Bridal portraits are a series of formal pictures of the bride in her wedding dress taken weeks before the wedding sometimes at the photographers studio but more commonly on location. If the session is done outdoors and special steps are taken to ensure the dress does not get dirty. Sometimes a couple may choose to have a picture taken of them both (similar to an engagement/”e-session”) in addition or instead of a bridal portrait.

Many brides use the bridal portrait photos in wedding announcements, albums, online, as well as display a large print at the reception. These sessions are great for a bride who is picky and is concerned about getting the best photo without the rush and nerves of the wedding day. Step forward a couple years, when the bridal portrait is on the grooms desk or framed and displayed at family members’  homes, the bride is happy she had these portraits done. Going to school at Clemson in South Carolina, I noticed several brides getting these bridal portraits.

The best time to do these may need to be timed along with local newspapers and invitation designers as the bride will have to check with them to see what their time lines are. Other things to consider are getting hair and makeup done to ensure the bride has a polished elegant look similar to her wedding day. As for flowers, pho-flowers or a quick trip to a farmers market for local flowers will do. Spending tons of money on a bouquet for the bridal session isn’t necessary.

In addition to the Trash the Dress Sessions I’ve been doing, I’ve done some elegant bridal sessions. Most recently, I shot Kyissa in Columbus, Indiana in a studio like setting. We did not harm the dress and even did some almost trash the dress-like shots as we used my vintage french fainting couch outside, but her dress did not come in contact with dirt.

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Columbus Indiana Bridal Photography | Stacy Able Photography Blog |Bridal or Wedding Availability