BRIDAL PORTAIT SESSIONS
By: LaRae Lobdell, Lifework ImagesA pre-wedding happening that is still a tradition in the South and on the East coast is the formal Bridal Portrait session done 2-3 months before the wedding. At the wedding, a large portrait of the bride from the session is displayed for everyone to see. The Bridal Portrait session doesn’t have to be formal if you don’t want it to be. It can be a fun session of you in your dress, and can be a fun time for really cool, stylized shots that you might not have time for the day of your wedding.
Many brides like the experience of doing a “test run” of their hair and makeup and knowing how much time to allow themselves to completely get ready on the day of the wedding. It also gives you the opportunity to practice moving around in your dress and feeling completely confident and comfortable in it.
In February, we went to Gig Harbor and Tacoma to shoot Jessica’s bridal portraits. Afterwards, while in the midst of planning her dream Mississippi wedding, Jessica was kind enough to do a little Q&A with us about her session experience and the reasons why other brides-to-be might want to consider a formal session before their wedding.
Q&A with JessicaL.I. Why was having your Bridal Portrait taken before your wedding important to you?
J.J. Growing up in the south, bridal portraits seem to have long been a timeless tradition. I can remember going to weddings as a little girl and seeing the beautiful portraits on display at the reception all the while making notes in my head of how I would want mine to look. It seemed only natural that I should have bridal portraits taken and continue the tradition.
L.I. How far in advance did you start planning for your bridal portrait session?
J.J. I started about 6 weeks before the session to make certain that I would have plenty of time to find the perfect locale for the bridal portraits. I did not want to have to settle on anything and I had to as my options were limited and I wanted to be sure these were indoor as the portraits were being taken in February!
L.I. What was your deciding factor in choosing your locations for your portrait session?
J.J. Kensington Gardens offered a very beautiful and elegant background. The setting was immaculate both indoors and outdoors. I especially loved the plush antique furniture and the natural light that flowed in from the many windows. The grounds were pristine and the fountain in the front was a great focal point.
The historic and architecturally grand Union Station rotunda was a last minute idea that offered the perfect contrast to the warm and inviting English-Manor style setting at Kensington Gardens. There was beautiful glass artwork by Dale Chihuly hanging throughout and magnificent marble walls and floors that really made everything dramatic and completely amazing.
I knew each of these locations would give me completely different portraits and yet still remain classic and beautiful.
L.I. What was your deciding factor in choosing your photographers for your portrait session?
J.J. LaRae and Cory were recommended to me from a friend and after going to their website I immediately knew that I wanted them to photograph my bridal portraits. They could artistically capture a moment in such a beautiful and timeless manner and I think that was absolutely accomplished during my session.
L.I. How will you display your portrait at your wedding?
J.J. The 16 x 20 framed portrait will be displayed on an easel next to the guest book table.
L.I. Will you be giving any portraits to your groom as a wedding gift? If so, will he like a framed print or small album?
J.J. I will not be giving any portraits to Kevin [the groom] as his wedding gift but I will absolutely make a small photo album with both of our favorites after the wedding.
L.I. Did you use any of your bridal portrait images for a newspaper announcement?
J.J. No, I did not use any of the bridal portrait images for a newspaper announcement because we wanted to submit an actual wedding day image of both Kevin and I. (But, I have heard of plenty of brides that have!)
L.I. Do you have any tips for other brides who want to do this?
J.J. Have fun with it! This is the time to get the portrait you want without being rushed to make it to the ceremony or reception. So it should be relaxing and fun. I also love that it gives you an opportunity to be creative with the different settings offered in the Northwest and that you may not necessarily have on your wedding day.
L.I. Do you mind sharing a little bit about your bridal portrait experience to get other brides excited to plan a similar photography session before the wedding?
J.J. That day was really special to me. It’s hard to describe the feelings I had when I put my dress on for the first time with my hair and make-up done. It was just a special memory for both my mom and I. I went through emotions of giddiness and excitement throughout the day thinking about my upcoming wedding and all the while LaRae and Cory were quietly in the background capturing every moment. It was a wonderful experience and I couldn’t be happier with the portraits taken. It’s also a reassured feeling for me that I won’t have to worry on the day of the wedding if there will be enough time for bridal portraits to be taken. I already have the most beautiful portraits and now I can relax and focus on the day.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your experience and thoughts of your Bridal Portrait Session. It was an incredible honor to have shared the day with you!
p.s. visit all 3-parts of this feature and see all the gorgeous images on our blog!Bridal Portraits: Jessica, Part I - Kensington GardensBridal Portraits: Jessica, Part II - Tacoma Union StationBridal Portraits: Jessica, Part III - The Q&AVENUE no. 1 –
Kensington Gardens, Gig Harbor
VENUE no. 2 –
Tacoma Union Station, Tacoma
BRIDAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY –
LaRae & Cory Lobdell of
Lifework Images, Seattle & Chicago
"ALYSSA" GOWN BY LEA-ANN BELTER –
The Bridal Garden, Kirkland
VEIL & GOWN ALTERATIONS – Tami Lane
CAPPAROS SHOES –
DSWWEDDING JEWELRY – Earrings in La Sposa box from
The Bridal Garden, Kirkland
HAIR & MAKEUP– Tiara Whitney of
Tiara’s on Location, Renton
We are honored that Jessica's bridal portrait images have been featured in multiple blogs!
