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.
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // CROWN Fawn & Sparrow Crystal Crowns // FLORALS Bohemian Branches
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.
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS David’s Bridal // FLORALS Bohemian Branches
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!
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Ruedeseine // CLAY EARINGS Sunny Pacific Co
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:
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!
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Daughters of Simone // FLORALS Rustic Roots Floral
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 :
Remember this is meant to be stress free and fun!
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // SUIT Shona Joy // FLORALS Emerald Grace Floral Design //
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.
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo
DETAILS
WHAT IF YOUR SESSION IS OUTDOORS? HERE IS A LIST OF ITEMS TO BRING IN NOT ALREADY LISTED ABOVE:
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // FLORALS Harper Florals
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Eleanor’s Bridal // FLORALS Willow Floral Design
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!
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // FLORALS Bethany Anne
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // AIRBNB The Moon Dust
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Daughters of Simone // MUA Beauty by Emily Barton // VENUE The Gardens // COORDINATORS Something Blue
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // DRESS Kamperett // FLORALS Emerald Grace Floral Design // AIRBNB The Tipping Pointe
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // SUIT Chantel Lauren
PHOTOGRAPHER Jacque Nieto Photo // FLORALS Emerald Grace Floral Design // AIRBNB The Tipping Pointe // MUA Makeup by Mekate
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
Come and wander in the Sequoias between the tree groves and say your vows surrounded by some of the tallest trees in the world.
Want to climb a mountain and say I Do at the top? Celebrate with a shot of tequila and a big ol’ joint? Hop into a hot air balloon and have a once in a lifetime adventure?
Then do it. I’m not gonna stop you. In fact, I encourage it.
If you want to ditch tradition, shed expectations, and get married your way, this guide will tell you how to plan your Yosemite elopement, and how to get married in the park!