6 Tips for Rocking Your Bridal Photos

Hey there! I'm just popping in to give you all some tips to having the best bridal session possible. If you've already planned to do a separate bridal session that is not on your wedding day, then you are on the right track. Chances are, your photographer likely has formal sessions built into their packages. If this is not the case, these tips can still help you make the best of your wedding day portraits. Some people simply choose not to include a separate bridal session for convenience and timing reasons, and that is ok. If you want to hear more about why separate formal sessions are awesome, send me an email and I would be happy to chat! 

1. Schedule your bridal session for either before or after the wedding.
Do you want a first-look session? Or would you prefer not to see each other until the ceremony? These are both things to consider when planning and scheduling your bridal/formal session. Make sure you decide this early on, because it is likely that your photographer is very busy, and will need to know in advance when you prefer to take your bridals. There are other things to consider when deciding when to have your photos taken, but deciding whether or not you want a first-look session is going to help you plan the rest.
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I loved capturing the groom's emotions when seeing his gorgeous bride for the first time!

​2. Location.
This is obviously always important! But stay with me here, there are a couple of things to consider specific to weddings that you may not need to worry about with other photo sessions. The first is the theme of your wedding. Do you want to print the photos to display at the wedding? If you are creating an album, do you want the wedding day and bridal session photos to flow well? The second item to consider is whether of not you want to take the photos at your ceremony location or somewhere similar/that fits the scene. Talk with your photographer for help with finding the perfect spot! 
* Note that season will affect this! I have put two examples of similar wedding colors and themes that both looked lovely with two different backgrounds. 

Taken in the summer in a wheat field near the mountains

Taken in the early spring, in the hills near the city of Idaho Falls

3. Professional Hair and Make-up.
This is something I am passionate about. You want to know why? Because we learn from our own mistakes! Professional make-up can not only make you feel more confident and beautiful, but it also helps accentuate your best features, specifically for portraits. *An added note, false lashes or eyelash extensions are always recommended to help finish the look and accentuate your eyes in the best way. 
As far as hair goes, I just remind myself that I can never get my hair to look as good as my stylist can. They have all of the tools and products on hand. As a plus, if you visit this person regularly, they know the texture and behavior of your hair (is that a real thing? I think it is), and that can be helpful in preparation for your appointment. 
Now, for those of you who are maybe having a friend do your hair/make-up, or if you are confident in doing your own, I will say that at the very least, it is a good idea to practice ahead of time. Definitely a good idea to avoid trying a new hairstyle or look the day your wedding or bridal session...(Yes, I did this, and it was terrible! Learn from my mistakes! Haha).

Professional make-up with false eyelashes really helped accentuate Marissa's beautiful blue eyes, and helped her skin look flawless!

4. Plan who you want to include and how to carry it out. 
Do either of you have kids/do you have children together? You may want to bring them along to the shoot and include them in a few shots. Some people like to include animals, like special pets or one that is significant to them in some way. The most common animals I see in my sessions are dogs and sometimes horses. Whether you are including kids or fur-kids, give your a photographer a decent heads up. It can take extra time and planning and affect location choices to add in others.
Along with this heads-up, you probably will need another person to help while the two of you take your couple photos. Which brings me to my next tip...
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It was important to Karli to include her horse in some of the photos. Karli's dad was there to bring the horse in when we were ready.

5. Consider asking (or not asking) a friend or family member to help
As previously mentioned, you may need to ask someone to watch/bring your kids or animals to the bridal session for you, so that everything runs smoothly. 
However, this may not be the only reason to consider having someone tag along. Sometimes, it is nice to have someone there to help you remember all of the shots you want, to fluff the dress, hold the bouquet, etc. Occasionally photographers will have assistants to help with this, but most of the time, they fly solo for formal sessions. Make sure that if you do bring another person to your session that they are someone who makes you feel comfortable. If you prefer not to have anyone there (for a more intimate session where you aren't including kids and animals), that is definitely more than okay. If mom wants to come, but you aren't feelin' that, let her know (gently). This is your time. I only bring up this point separately as something for you to consider. I don't feel there is a wrong way to go here. My tip honestly is exactly what it says - to consider what you want - and nothing more! 
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Jessi (the bride) brought her lovely sister along to help with her daughter, so that she and the groom could have a few photos with them all together.

​MY FINAL TIP 
6. Details, details, DETAILS!
I LOVE details. Details can add interest and dimension to your bridal photos, and bringing them along will also give the photographer extra time to capture those precious items you want to remember. I'm going to break this one down into a few sections as examples.
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 - The bouquet. I love bouquets! I absolutely love it when my couples are able to have a bouquet that is the same or similar to their wedding bouquet. Having a bouquet at your bridal session may affect the timing of your session. Some brides do their sessions or first look the evening before or morning of their wedding (provided the photographer is available) in order to use the same bouquet. However, most of the time, you will probably have to purchase a separate bouquet.

- The rings. Make sure you have your wedding rings at your session! Ring shots are some of my favorites, and definitely are something you should wear in your bridal photos. Make sure they are clean and ready to go! 
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- Any other wedding accessories. Any jewelry, veils, ties, etc. that you are wearing on your wedding day should also be included in your bridal photos.
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A lovely bouquet made by MauLoa Florals

That's it! If I think of more, I'll be sure to add them. Thank you all for reading, and feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions! I can't wait to see you all rock your bridal sessions! 

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