What is a bridal portrait session?

Bridal portraits are a classic southern tradition. Here in North Carolina, it is so common for brides to schedule a bridal portrait session with their wedding photographer 1-4 months before their wedding day.

The bride will traditionally choose a portrait (or a few) to have on display at the wedding reception. These portraits are professionally printed and framed for everyone to see and enjoy at the reception. Not to mention, it also makes a great keepsake and portrait to display in your home after the wedding day! I have had many brides in the past gift a portrait to their mom or grandma after their session.

Why should I have one?

A bridal portrait session is also a great trial run before the wedding day! Use this as an opportunity to get fully dressed in your wedding attire and see yourself as a bride before it’s time to walk down the aisle.

It’s a great opportunity to see if you will need additional alterations and make sure everything fits well. If you’re deciding between two pair of earrings, you can try both at your bridal portrait session. Once you get your photos back, you can decide which one you like best!

I always encourage my brides to use this as a time to do their hair and makeup trial for the wedding day too. You may decide after an hour of photos that your hair needs to be tighter. Maybe you are still deciding between wearing your hair down and your hair up! Maybe you want to change your lip color! A great hair and makeup artist is going to coach you through all of this and help you choose the perfect look for your day.

Find a date that works with your venue, hair and makeup artist, and your photographer. You will want to look as close to your wedding day as possible. This way you can truly see yourself as a bride on your wedding day!

I hope this blog post helps you understand a little more about what a bridal portrait session is, and why you should do one! I absolutely adore doing bridal portrait sessions with my brides! For more information on booking your bridal portrait session, contact Sarah Hinckley Photography here.

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Raleigh Bridal Portraits | Rachel