Planning your bridal portrait session with your photographer is the secret to getting the style of bridal portrait you want.

First, have your hair and make-up trial runs scheduled for the same day as your bridal portrait. This will give you an idea of how the whole ensemble will look prior to the big day and, if there's something you want to tweak, you now have time to do some tweaking to get the look you really want.

Second, go into the bridal portrait session with a purpose. If having the 24x36 wall portrait of yourself gazing down at your bouquet isn't your style, that's ok. Many of the brides I've worked with in the past are not interested in the bridal portrait for themselves but their mother's have been the one's who wanted that image for their home. As your photographer, I listen and want to take care of both needs....the mothers and the bride's. If you are more interested in a fashion style shoot, we can do that too. Communication is key so ask questions, brings ideas with you and share what it is you want to receive from the session or, if it's easier, what it is you do not want to receive.

Lastly, be BOLD! If there's ever a time in your life where vanity is a "good thing" it's during your bridal portrait session. Your photographer will love you for it!!!

The bridal portrait session is steeped in tradition but doesn't have to be stuffy, all posed and the like. Depending upon the desired results that have been discovered and shared from the planning session, there can be a fashion twist added into the session that meets the tastes of both the bride and her mother. The traditional portrait can highlight the bride in her gown while the fashion twist can highlight the bride's personality while wearing her gown. Both go well together!