Okay, brides. If you’re like most of us, the days you’ll spend donning a gown and your finest accessories are numbered. So why not enjoy a day of pampering and a photo shoot that’s all your own, completely stress free? Do I have your attention? Let’s talk about the benefits of bridal portraits — and why you should definitely take them!

What is a Bridal Portrait Session?

A bridal portrait session is an extra photo shoot, specially for the bride. Typically taking place a few weeks or a month before the big day, this tradition dates all the way back to World War II! And while this session is super fun, these bridal portraits offer the opportunity to both celebrate and preserve the occasion of your wedding (and your days as a bride) for generations. 

Why should I take Bridal Portraits?

1. It’s the ultimate test run. A hair and makeup trial is likely on your to-do list already, right? So why waste your look on a day of errands? Scheduling a bridal portrait session in conjunction with your final fittings is a perfect trial for your beauty routine, hair style, makeup look, accessories — even your photographer! This is a great chance to get to know the person shooting your big day, and it helps them get a feel for your personality, too. It’s a win-win all around! 

2. Document the details… stress free! Let’s face it. You spend a lot of time and money choosing the perfect dress, the perfect shoes, the perfect jewelry, etc. So can there really be too many pictures of the finished look? This is a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble, and a really special time in your life! Capture the moment and commemorate your wedding day with a session that’s all about you. Spend the day getting glammed up, then enjoy showing off the details you’ve worked so hard to create without the tight wedding day schedule or other stresses of the big day.

3. Give yourself options. With a separate bridal shoot already out of the way, when the wedding day comes, you’ve already saved yourself a ton of time! More time means less stress, and more space for your photographer to capture the day itself, extra family photos, wedding party shots, etc. You’ll also have extra bridal portrait options to choose from for canvases, prints, framing, gifts, wedding albums… you get the idea. 

Tips for a successful Bridal Portrait session

1. Be creative! This is your chance to design your perfect photoshoot, so choose a unique location and let your personality shine.

2. Bring your squad. Will your mom, MOH or siblings be helping with your bussell or train? Will someone be on flyaway hair duty, or lipstick reapply reminder? Bring those helpers with you to your bridal portraits! It’s good practice for everyone so there’s no wardrobe surprises on the big day.

3. Have FUN! Since you’ll look gorgeous and have your besties in tow, why not make a day of it? Bridal portrait sessions are stress free, and a great opportunity to unbury yourself from the details and stresses of planning to focus on FUN. This chapter of your life will only happen once. It’s important to enjoy every minute! 

Ready to reach out? Check out my wedding and portrait packages, then click through some of my work. I believe your wedding should be an unforgettable experience, culminating in stunning, timeless photos that will make your heart swell — ones you’ll be proud to share for generations!

Aside from finding the perfect dress and food your guests will be talking about for years, booking a wedding photographer might be the most important detail to set for your big day. After all, they’re capturing the images that will make this day last forever! That’s just one of the reasons why booking a wedding photographer should be one of the first things on your planning to-do list. But how do you go about it? Read on for my step-by-step guide for booking a wedding photographer—and why booking with Sarah Arnold Photography is as easy as 1-2-3!

Know Your Style

Is your wedding style more traditional? Maybe it’s a little more funky, artistic, rustic or beachy. Whatever your taste, your wedding photos should capture the mood exactly as you planned it, and immortalize it for generations. That means the angles, composition and shot list all need to reflect your style! Check out your potential photographers’ work. They’ll likely have photos on their website, galleries to share, and social media pages that snapshot some highlights from recent events. Do their images reflect the style you’re looking for? Does looking at their images make you feel the way you want to feel looking at your own wedding album? Those questions alone should narrow down your list of possibilities! 

Know Your Venue

Once you’ve found a style you like, there are some details you need to consider. A gallery full of gorgeous indoor photos isn’t a good indication of a good fit if your ceremony will be outdoors! Even if you’re booking a wedding photographer before you’ve locked down your exact location, you can still be sure to cover your bases. Are you planning a winter wedding? Will your photos be taken in natural or indoor lighting? An outdoor summer ceremony? Maybe you’re hoping for a traditional church service, or a beautiful sunset event. Whatever your dream day entails, make sure the photographers you’re considering have examples of those specifics in their portfolios.

Know Your Budget

Last but not least, be sure to sketch out your photography budget—and what your potential photographers charge—BEFORE you reach out and inquire. There’s nothing worse than hitting it off, only to realize you’re on the same page about everything but the finances. Decide how much you want to spend, then limit your photographer search accordingly. 

How to Book with Sarah Arnold Photography

Photographs capture seasons of love, of family, or of just plain fun. In celebrating those moments, feeling like yourself should come naturally. With each photo session, my goal is to capture timeless, authentic, and joy-filled moments that let your personality shine, all while putting you at ease. You deserve an unforgettable experience — one that culminates in stunning, timeless photos that will make your heart swell. Thinking of reaching out? Booking is as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Check out my work.

You can get to know me through my website, view some galleries in my journal, or browse the highlights over on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. I find such beauty in human connection and the stories that people share. Check out my story, then decide if I’m right to tell yours. 

2. Check out my prices.

I offer a variety of experiences to capture your big day, and my investment page lists it all out, plain and simple. Whether you’re planning a grand dream wedding, an intimate micro wedding, or an elopement, I’ve got a session package to perfectly meet your needs. 

3. Send me an inquiry.

Are you dreaming of a wedding with true to color edits and a timeless and joy-filled approach? Do you want someone who will create a sense of calm and ease on your wedding day? Do you want someone who is organized and committed to ensuring your day goes smoothly so you can enjoy it to its fullest potential? Then it sounds like we’re a match!

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer with 10+ years of experience, who values photos that will stand the test of time, then go ahead and hit that “inquire” button. Check my available dates, chat about a more in-depth pricing guide around your specific wish list, and start to design a proposal as thoughtful as the one that got you here. Want to lock down your dates ASAP? No worries. I’ll get back to you within 72 hours with everything you need to know about partnering with me. 

What You’ll Get as My Client

Choosing a photographer can be a daunting task. After all, you’re letting a stranger into your life, trusting them to do your story justice through their lens. Making clients feel comfortable during a shoot is my greatest strength. My whimsical prompts and clear direction will put you at ease and let your personality shine. The result? An unforgettable experience, culminating in stunning, timeless photos that will make your heart swell. Plus, I guarantee a two-day preview turnaround, and you’ll get unlimited digital downloads. What’s not to love? Get in touch. I can’t wait to work with you!