Do you want some advice on how to prepare for you Bridal Session and all those amazing tips to remember?

First of all, what’s a bridal session? It’s an old Southern tradition that originated over in Europe that focuses on the bride before the wedding day. This is such a wonderful opportunity to have some really beautiful portraits of the bride and in a more relaxed environment. This means the works…getting to work with your bridal hair and make-up artists, put on all your jewelry, see your bouquet, and most importantly you get to put on that stunning dress!! Everything should be cohesive so on your wedding day your portraits blend in with the rest of your portraits. This is a good time though if you did want to make any changes you will know whether or not if you absolutely want to!! These photos will be top secret until after the wedding of course, but some couples like to display a portrait for the reception!

Here’s a checklist on what you want to do or consider before your bridal session!

1. Chat with your bridal salon. If your dress is getting altered, when will you be picking it up and will everything be completed prior to your bridal session? Typically, sessions should be about 3-4 weeks prior to your wedding date!

2. What type of location are you considering? Strictly indoors or outdoors? There’s plenty of beautiful places in Pittsburgh but it’s good to keep in mind the crazy weather we get here and some indoor locations would require a fee to reserve the space. You can always chat with your venue to see if they would allow you on the property (more so during the week)! Keep in mind the train on your gown and also your veil as we will need to be careful to keep both clean and make sure we stay with the style and vibe of your wedding vision!

3. Hair + Make-up trials. This is the perfect time to schedule your trials with your HMUA team for your bridal look. Most HMUA teams will need a bit of notice, so make sure you contact them in advance so you can get on their books. Seeing your make-up and hair in portraits is a better representation of how you will look-sometimes in person you think it might be a bit too dark or too bold of a color but on camera it will be the perfect contrast! If you decide after seeing photos that it’s a bit much and you’d like to change anything, you can show them specifically what you’d like to alter.

4. Gather your accessories. This means earrings, necklaces, rings (don’t forget to have yours cleaned-at least before the wedding day!), and anything else that you are incorporating! I always suggest getting a little bag and putting these accessories into your shoe box so it’s all together and you don’t forget anything!

5. Talk to your florist. Having your wedding bouquet is a key part of your bridal portraits. Once you talk to your florist, they will be able to provide you with a duplicate of the bouquet you will hold on your wedding day. We will make sure we keep it in ideal conditions until we are ready to shoot so it can soak up all the water and keep out of the heat so it looks fresh in your portraits!

6. Don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated! The last thing you want to deal with is hanger. Bring along a water bottle, a bottle of champagne, or whatever makes you happy! A couple snacks that aren’t too messy are a great idea as well. A power or granola bar is perfect during breaks if you need a little pick me up!

7. Don’t come alone. Bring along 1-2 people you would be comfortable with having around for your portraits whether that is mom, a sister, a bridesmaid or another family member/friend that wouldn’t mind helping out moving the dress around and holding the bouquet every once in awhile. Plus, it will help you feel even more relaxed so you can have a great time!

8. Remember to relax. Going off of my last point, you want to ultimately enjoy your time with us and having your bridal portraits taken should be fun. This help calm you on wedding day, confirm your thoughts on the overall look, and have some really great memories and beautiful portraits to remember this season of life!

9. Ask questions. If you still aren’t sure and would like to discuss anything, shoot me an email or give me a call. We can walk through different options and come up with a game plan that you are super excited about!!

Photography- Happy Out Photography

Planning- Moelleux Events

Florals- Moelleux Events

Model- Ari Stant

Hair- no5hairco by Chanel

Make Up- Nataliya Kovchan

Dress- Lovely Bride / Designer- Emmy Mae Bridal

Cake- Dessert First

Invitation Suite- Paige Poppe 

Locations- Foothills Golf Club/Papago Park AZ