Pre-Wedding Bridal Portriats

Today we have the pleasure of a guest post from photographer, LaRae Lobdell of Lifework Images.

By LaRae Lobdell, Lifework Images
~ Guest Blogger

A 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 Jessica

L.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. 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.

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!

The Facts:
Bride: Jessica Johnson
Venues: Kensington Gardens, Gig harbor & Tacoma Union Station, Tacoma
“Alyssa” Gown by Lea-Ann Belter: The Bridal Garden, Kirkland
Capparos Shoes: DSW
Earrings in La Sposa box: The Bridal Garden, Kirkland