Last Updated on December 6, 2022

The day has finally arrived, everything you’ve been dreaming up about your wedding is finally here! Your wedding day is a day focused on you and your spouse to be, not to mention a whole lot of celebrating with all your loved ones! I do have to say, did you get to experience all bridal celebrations because I know just how much wedding days can be crazy busy, I cannot express enough how fast your wedding day can go by especially if you have a timeline to go by. So the real question is finding some downtime for yourself and I know just how to make that possible with a bridal session solely focused on the bride.

Palm Desert Vibes

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // CROWN Fawn & Sparrow Crystal Crowns // FLORALS Bohemian Branches

WHAT IS A BRIDAL SESSION

Let’s go back to when you were a child; do you ever recall finding or seeing old vintage wedding portraits or maybe you’ve seen some wedding portraits in old history text books? Ah, now this is starting to ring a bell. Ok, so traditionally, bridal sessions originated from Europe’s elite, this was a way for the bride’s family to proudly showcase to all their wealthy comrades. The early stages of bridal sessions started with royalty, portraits were done with fine oil paintings which eventually led to photography as cameras became more reliable and equipped. Fast forward to today, and you will find that all brides around the world including yourself can too experience a bridal session.

After all, bridals are meant to be solely for the bride, it is in fact their wedding.

Urban City Rooftop Inspo

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS David’s Bridal // FLORALS Bohemian Branches

WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A BRIDAL SESSION

SELF LOVE – EMPOWERMENT – STRENGTH – HAPPINESS

So let’s be honest, I know you spent time, money, and a whole lot of energy into picking out your wedding dress, so are you really sure you only want to wear it once? Remember, you only get one day for your wedding, this is also a perfect solution for taking away pressure from the timeline.

I’m sure your venue will be amazing but also look at this opportunity to take advantage of a second location and control of the lighting situation. Having your bridals done will also help with the pre-wedding jitters, break in those wedding shoes you’ll be more than prepared and ready to have some fun!

TIP: This is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day and the bridal photos will make a great gift for the parents & grandparents.

FINALLY

Keep the celebration going! You just had the wedding of your dreams, why not plan an intimate moment for you and your husband. Perhaps a beach getaway or going on an hiking adventure in the mountains!

Yellowstone Inspired

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Ruedeseine // CLAY EARINGS Sunny Pacific Co

HOW TO PLAN FOR A BRIDAL SESSION

GET INSPIRED and or do something UNIQUE! You’ll want to brainstorm, the sky is the limit! you can start by looking at Pinterest & Instagram. From there you can start to make decisions about what type of setting you will want (home, airbnb, or outdoor) and which vendors can help bring your vision to life.

Be SPONTANEOUS do something you enjoy doing, it can be simple to extreme. You basically want something that will resonate with who you are as a person. Such examples are:

• Picnic
• Ice Cream
• Fast Food
• Airbnb/Studio – Throw in some flowers
• Hot Air Balloon
• Ocean/Desert – Run WILD!

A FINAL THOUGHT

Invite your HUBS to be & make it a party! Sure you can most certainly plan for the bridal session to be all about you but if you can find some time within your session go get your man and get a little wild & funky! It’s a great option to consider and will also guarantee more photos, less stress about your timeline, and most importantly more time to celebrate!

Adobe Airbnb Inspiration

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Daughters of Simone // FLORALS Rustic Roots Floral

WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE YOUR BRIDALS

I’m more than sure that you have questioned yourself: How do these brides find the time to take bridal photos on their wedding day, the answer is simple, they do not. Traditionally, bridal sessions are taken prior to the wedding day; yet, I believe that to truly embrace this experience that you should take this moment and make of it as you wish. Truthfully, there is no wrong or right, you can choose to do your bridals the prior or after your wedding, heck you can go as far as planning it the weekend after or a whole month after. The thing about bridals is that there are no rules; bridals give brides more time to take in this moment as a bride to be, not to mention more time to enjoy that dress of yours!

A few good tips to consider when planning your bridal session :

• Plan your bridals the day of your hair & makeup trial
  • What a great way to take in this moment, pampered and all
  • This is also a really great way to get to know your photographer and more or less get a glimpse of how your photos may look
• Or you can plan it after your wedding that way you can capture the beauty of the tear and wear
  • There’s nothing like reminiscing the time you slipped and the laughter that spilled after wards

Remember this is meant to be stress free and fun!

Modern Bridal Inspiration

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // SUIT Shona Joy // FLORALS Emerald Grace Floral Design //

PREPARING FOR YOUR BRIDAL SESSION

Find some time to relax, perhaps having a spa day the day before which can include a facial, body massage, a manicure, and pedicure. You can end the night with a rose petal bath and some fine wine, and make sure to add some oils & candles to set the tone.

Mojave Desert Inspired

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo

WHAT TO BRING

DETAILS

• Accessories: Basically bring whatever you will be wearing the day of
  • Family Heirlooms
  • Jewelry
  • Veil
• Shoes
• Bouquet
• Touch up kit (Hair & Makeup):
  • lipstick
  • makeup brush
  • blotting Cloths
• Support:
• Engagement Ring:
• Moral Support: It’s always great to have someone that is close to you, they can help you get comfortable and assist with minor details
  • parent or sibling
  • pet
  • friend

WHAT IF YOUR SESSION IS OUTDOORS? HERE IS A LIST OF ITEMS TO BRING IN NOT ALREADY LISTED ABOVE:

• Bag: You will need something to carry your items
• Blanket/Jacket: You’ll want something to keep you warm throughout your session
• Comfortable shoes: I highly recommend you bringing some comfortable shoes to walk in, most of the time you’ll have to do a short walk to get to your destination. Once you’ve reached your destination you can change into your desired footwear
• Wedding Gown Under Skirt
• Water & Snacks:
• Props:
  • umbrella
  • chair
  • glasses:
    • wine
    • sparkling water
      • a great substitute for champagne as it is not good for wild life

Utah’s Salt Flats Inspiration

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // FLORALS Harper Florals

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Eleanor’s Bridal // FLORALS Willow Floral Design

THE DAY OF

Remember this is your day so why not go all out and get your glam team together for hair & makeup.

The most important thing is to have fun! You’ll want to be in the right mindset as your photos will reflect your energy. I usually will have a playlist selected by the bride that way she can be her most comfortable, so have fun and enjoy this day!

Botanical Garden Inspo

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // FLORALS Bethany Anne

Joshua Tree Inspiration

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo

South Lake Tahoe Forest Inspired

Canvas Tent Inspiraton

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // AIRBNB The Moon Dust

California Garden Inspiration

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Daughters of Simone // MUA Beauty by Emily Barton // VENUE The Gardens // COORDINATORS Something Blue

Airbnb Vintage Inspired Bridal Session

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Kamperett // FLORALS Emerald Grace Floral Design // AIRBNB The Tipping Pointe

St. George Inspired Bridal

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // SUIT Chantel Lauren

Intimate Home Inspired Bridal

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // FLORALS Emerald Grace Floral Design // AIRBNB The Tipping Pointe // MUA Makeup by Mekate

Utah Inspired Bridal

PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Chantel Lauren // FLORALS Olive and Sage Floral // HAIR Liz Farnsworth // JEWERLY Stil

Lets start planning your next bridal session, let’s meet Jacque Nieto Photo