virginia bridal portraits

The Importance of Bridal Portraits | Business

The Importance of Bridal Portraits | Business

One area of the wedding world that I didn't know before entering into it was the idea of bridal portraits. I thought this meant taking pictures of just the bride on her wedding day - and of course it does! However, a tradition that I have seen (especially because we live in the South) is when the bride gets her hair and makeup done, gets in her dress, has a bouquet made, and takes portraits prior to the wedding. Then on the wedding day, she will often have a large print made of an iconic bridal portrait and place it at the reception entrance.

While I firmly believe that each bride should choose what works for them and not feel pressured to do what everyone else chooses, I have fallen in love with bridal portraits and believe that more brides should have them done! There are a few great reasons I'll mention if you're on the fence - or even if you've never thought about taking them before. I hope this helps as you decide if this is the right choice for you...

Stephanie's Bridal Portraits // Oak Grove Lake Chesapeake Photographer

This day was every photographer's dream! Stephanie and Tim have been married since May, but she wanted a full set of bridal portraits to gift to her family, as well as keeping some for herself. When she asked me if Tim could come along for a few pictures, I just smiled. I got time with both of them during a perfect fall day at sunset, with nobody else and no other timeline to adhere to. And I was overjoyed!

First of all, can we talk about Stephanie's dress? It was incredible. The bodice is beautifully woven, and petals make their way all down the train. Her hair and makeup was done to perfection! And her bouquet...she made it at home, by herself, that morning. Everything came together perfectly for her portraits. Even though it was cold, Tim kept her warm with his hugs (and his jacket, on occasion), and Stephanie looked like a glowing bride despite the wind.

Tim and Stephanie, I can't thank you enough for spending time with me on a chilly fall day. You two are such a beautiful picture of what marriage is after the wedding - an amazing friendship that continues to unfold each day. I can't wait to see what life brings your way!

Hair and Makeup: Major Tease Designs

Gorgeous wedding dress with a crossover bodice and petaled train
Fall bridal portraits in Chesapeake, Virginia
Great ideas for taking bridal portraits after your wedding day
Cute picture as a groom walks with his bride, holding her train
Bridal portrait posing ideas
Blue and white checkered shirt with pink bow tie for the groom
Classic bridal portraits in a park
Intimate black and white classic 1950s bridal portraits
Cute, fun fall bridal portraits in Virginia
Classic bride and groom portraits in the fall
Giggling bride and groom share a sweet embrace
Gorgeous petaled wedding dress and checkered blue and white shirt with pink bowtie
Classic bride and groom portraits with beautiful fall leaves
Pink rose necklace and gold bracelet with beautiful crossover wedding dress
Sunset black and white bride and groom portrait with gorgeous glowing light
Pink rose and white petal bridal bouquet
Glowing sunset bridal portraits with a gorgeous petaled dress
Ideas for bridal portrait poses and lighting
Bride wears groom's jacket over her wedding dress as they walk hand in hand into the sunset