We’ve discussed engagement sessions, so now we’re moving onto bridals today. Here’s some frequently asked questions to fill you in on everything you need to know about how this photo shoot works.

Bridal Session FAQ:

Q: When should I schedule my bridal session?
A: I typically schedule bridal sessions 6-8 weeks before the wedding day at the latest. This gives me plenty of time to edit and return the photos to you, so you can make prints for displaying at the reception and order your large portrait from me (if applicable).

Q: How should we decide on location for our session?
A: Luckily, we have great locations right here in the Upstate. Here’s a few to consider:
– Duncan Estate
– Bleckley Inn
– Chattooga Belle Farm
– Ryan Nicholas Inn
– Poinsett Hotel
– Falls Park/Cleveland Park
– Gassaway Mansion
– Clemson campus
– Kilgore Lewis House
– Lindsey Plantation
– Furman campus
Please let me know where you would like to schedule your session and I’ll call to check the venue’s availability. Most venues are booked with weddings on weekends, so sessions need to be scheduled during the week. Also, expect to pay a site fee with almost all of these venues. While some are free (Clemson, Furman, and the parks) the others vary from $30-$200 per hour.

Q: What should I expect at the session?
A: Bridal sessions are a bit slower paced and slightly less fluid than engagement sessions. I want every aspect to look perfect, so we take extra time fixing the dress and veil, brushing back stray hairs, and making sure you feel gorgeous.

Q: How should I prepare?
A: I know it may feel awkward, but practice at home in the mirror. I do not want to give you a gallery of images where you’re smiling at the camera in every single pose. Mix it up with a serious face, or a soft smile, or looking off out of camera, looking down at flowers, looking back over your shoulder, giving me a laugh, and more. So, take 15 minutes before the session and spend some time in the bathroom practicing your expressions and moving your body. I promise, it helps!

Q: What should I bring?
A: Anything that you’ll be wearing on your wedding day: dress, shoes, veil, jewelry, etc. Most brides bring a copy of their wedding bouquet for their session too. It will give you a chance to see what the bouquet will look like on the wedding day, and you can make changes with your florist if necessary. However, if you want to save money, you can always put a bouquet together on your own with store-bought flowers.

Also, it’s always nice to have an extra pair of hands to help with holding your veil or flowers, fixing your dress, and calming nerves, so feel free to bring along your mother and/or maid-of-honor. The bridal session is a special part of the wedding experience and I’m sure they will be glad to be a part of it.

One last tip for bridals, have your hair and makeup trial runs scheduled for your bridal session day. You can mark this off your to-do list and you won’t have to go back again! The next part of this series will discuss planning your wedding timeline…stay tuned!