Bridal Session Planning Guide
More than just a photographer…
I’m also here to support you as an session planning assistant and guide throughout your planning process.
With over 300 weddings/elopements/sessions under my belt, I’ve seen it all—from the tiniest details to the grandest moments. This guide is designed to offer you insights, tips, and resources to help you feel confident and organized as you navigate the create a unique and authentic bridal session. Let’s make this process as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
Locations
There are a ton of factors that will affect your session, but picking your location is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle that will determine the overall experience! Your location should feel right for you—it should be somewhere you feel overwhelmingly happy, somewhere you feel absolutely alive, somewhere you know you and your partner can focus on each other and truly be in the moment.
SCENERY AND VIEWS
What type of scenery do you and your partner feel connected to? What views fill you with a sense of happiness, inspiration, and peace? What scenery would fulfill that experience that you’re dreaming of?
Take into account how far of a drive it might be from your accomadation and consider the time of day: sunrise offers the most privacy!
seasons & weather
Some types of scenery and landscapes really shine at certain times of year—so consider the season you’ve chosen, and what types of scenery are best at that time of year.
To prep for hot weather make sure you are hydrated, sunscreen, and perhaps bring a parasol and/or fan with you.
To prep for cold weather be sure to get underlayers (nude color thermal leggings under a dress work great!) and bring layers that can be easily taken on and off for photo opportunities. Fur coats photograph beautifully!
Activities
Beyond taking portraits, what else do you want to do on your experience during your session? Whether you want to relax in a hammock between the trees, take a helicopter or float plane ride, go sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, paragliding, wine tasting, or stargazing—some locations will lend themselves better to certain activities. When you are planning these activities as a part of your session and your overall trip, keep in mind realistically how long they will take and how long it might take to get from one to the next!
Vendor Recommendations
For many couples, a bridal session is a wonderful opportunity to revisit the magic of the wedding day, but with a more relaxed vibe. To really elevate the experience and ensure the photos look as polished and stunning as possible, many of my clients choose to add professional hair and makeup services. This gives you the chance to feel pampered and camera-ready without the time constraints or stress of your actual wedding day. A fresh, flawless look will help you feel confident and create those dreamy, magazine-worthy photos you’ve been imagining!
Another popular addition is a floral bouquet and boutonniere, which can bring an extra touch of romance and elegance to your bridal session. Whether you’re after a lush, traditional bouquet or a more modern, minimalistic design, having flowers to complement your bridal attire really completes the look. It’s also a great way to incorporate personal touches or colors that you might not have been able to include in your wedding florals. If you’re interested in adding either or both of these services, I’d be happy to help you arrange everything so that your session feels just right!
Florists
Turning your floral dreams into a bloom of beauty!
Hair and makeup artists
Glamour that lasts all day, beauty that lasts forever.
If you have any other questions or need further help planning your bridal session, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to make sure everything goes smoothly and that your session is everything you envision.