Your wedding day is one of the most important milestones of your life, but the hustle and bustle of the wedding day often leaves little time for solo photos of you as a Georgia bride. That’s where bridal portraits come in! These sessions are a chance to celebrate you—your style, your beauty, and the journey to becoming a wife—in a relaxed, focused setting before the wedding.
Whether you’re dreaming of a light-filled garden shoot or a timeless studio portrait, Georgia offers so many perfect backdrops for stunning bridal portraits. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create these special keepsakes.
What Are Bridal Portraits?
Bridal portraits are dedicated photo sessions centered on the bride, typically done a few weeks before the wedding day. These portraits capture you in your wedding dress, hair, and makeup, offering a sneak peek of your wedding-day look. It’s an opportunity to not only document your style but also test how your dress, accessories, and beauty will photograph on your wedding day.
The tradition of bridal portraits dates back to the 19th century when brides would commission painted portraits or formal studio photographs to commemorate their wedding. This practice symbolized the significance of the marriage and the bride’s transition into her new role.
Bridal portraits remain especially popular in the South, where weddings are deeply rooted in tradition and legacy. Southern brides often display a large framed bridal portrait at the wedding reception, typically near the guest book or entrance, as a way to celebrate the bride’s beauty and elegance. After the wedding, the portrait becomes a cherished family heirloom. This emphasis on honoring family and legacy makes bridal portraits a meaningful and beloved part of the wedding experience in Georgia and beyond.
The Benefits of Scheduling a Pre-Wedding Bridal Session
A pre-wedding bridal session isn’t just about stunning photos—it’s an investment in your overall wedding experience. The benefits include:
- A Dress Rehearsal for Your Wedding Look
A bridal session is like a trial run for your full wedding ensemble. You’ll see how your dress, hair, makeup, and accessories come together and photograph. This is the perfect time to notice details you may want to adjust. You’ll step into your wedding day with confidence, knowing exactly how beautiful you look. - Stress-Free, Uninterrupted Time
Wedding days are busy, with tight timelines and endless activities. A pre-wedding session gives you uninterrupted time to capture those beautiful, magazine-worthy bridal portraits without the pressure of a timeline. This relaxed atmosphere allows for more creativity and variety in your photos. - Increased Confidence in Front of the Camera
For many brides, being photographed can feel a little nerve-wracking at first. A bridal session helps you get comfortable in front of the camera and develop a rapport with your photographer. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel like a professional model! - Peace of Mind for the Wedding Day
Knowing you’ve already captured stunning bridal portraits means you can relax and enjoy the flow of your wedding day. While I will still capture traditional bridal shots on the big day, you won’t feel rushed or worried about fitting everything in. - A Chance to Celebrate You
Let’s be real—wedding planning can be a whirlwind of decision-making, deadlines, and appointments. A bridal session is a chance to pause and celebrate you. It’s yet another opportunity to wear and show off your dress. And it’s an intimate moment to reflect on your journey to the altar and enjoy this season as a bride. - Creating an Heirloom to Pass Down
Bridal portraits are a tangible piece of your legacy. Imagine your children or grandchildren seeing these portraits one day, admiring not just your beauty but also the love and commitment they represent. Your bridal portrait can become a cherished family heirloom, passed down through generations as a symbol of your marriage and the foundation of your family’s story.
Best Georgia Locations for Bridal Portraits
- Swan House in Atlanta
The Swan House is an iconic location that exudes sophistication. With its grand architecture and beautifully manicured grounds, this spot is perfect for classic, luxurious bridal portraits. - Forsyth Park in Savannah
If you’re a bride drawn to Spanish moss and romantic Southern charm, Forsyth Park is unbeatable. This historic park provides a magical, ethereal feel for your portraits. - Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Nestled in North Georgia, Yonah Mountain offers breathtaking views of rolling hills and vineyards. It’s a dreamy location for brides looking for a mix of natural beauty and refined elegance. - Callaway Gardens
This lush oasis features seasonal blooms, making it an ideal spot for vibrant and colorful bridal portraits. The gardens also provide a variety of backdrops, from forest trails to water features.
What to Wear for Bridal Portraits
Your wedding dress will, of course, be the star of the session, but here are some tips to elevate your bridal look:
- Dress Fit: Ensure your dress is tailored to fit comfortably. Bridal portraits are a great time to confirm that everything fits perfectly before the wedding day.
- Accessories: Bring all your wedding-day accessories that you plan to wear on the big day—veil, jewelry, shoes, and a bouquet. (Your bouquet doesn’t have to be exact to what your florist will create for your wedding day, but I recommend at least investing in a small bouquet with similar color palette and blooms.) These details help create cohesive and authentic portraits.
- Back-up Options: Pack a secondary outfit for variety, such as a chic white jumpsuit or a flowy gown that complements your bridal style. This could be a fun way to incorporate a reception dress! Or, if your wedding dress has convertible pieces (e.g., detached sleeves, overskirt, lace overlay), bring these pieces so we can get a variety of portraits with and without the customized elements.
How to Prepare for Your Bridal Session
Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth, stress-free session. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Schedule a Hair and Makeup Trial: Coordinate your Georgia bridal portraits with your beauty trial. This allows you to see how your chosen look photographs and make adjustments with your hair and makeup artist ahead of time, if needed.
- Steam Your Dress: Wrinkles can be distracting in photos, so have your dress professionally steamed before the session. Don’t forget to have it steamed and cleaned after, as well, so it is ready for the big day!
- Bring Essentials: Pack a small emergency kit with items like safety pins, makeup touch-ups, and comfortable shoes for walking between locations.
How to Display Your Bridal Portraits
Your bridal portraits deserve more than just a spot in the digital archives. Here are creative ways to display them:
- On the Wedding Day: Frame a large bridal portrait to display at your reception entrance. It’s a beautiful way to greet your guests and showcase your bridal look for guests that perhaps haven’t had a chance to see your dress up close yet.
- Albums: Include your bridal portraits in your wedding album for a cohesive narrative of your journey to the aisle. Or order a smaller album featuring only your bridal portraits. This can make a great gift for grandmothers or the mother-of-the-bride on the wedding day!
- Wall Art: Create timeless wall art for your home. Consider framing a black-and-white version of your favorite portrait for a classic look.
How to Find the Best Bridal Portrait Photographer
Finding the right photographer is essential for creating portraits that feel authentic and elegant. Here’s what to look for:
- Experience: Choose a photographer who is well-versed in creating artful bridal portraits and can photograph every detail with ease. You want someone who is experienced in the use of light, location and posing to make it an effortless experience for you!
- Style Match: Review their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Light and airy with a touch of dimension? Or dark and moody? Personally, I lean light and airy and I love to create artful portraits that honor the tradition with a modern twist. If my photos showcase the style you’re looking for, I’d love to chat!
- Connection: The best portraits come when you feel comfortable. Look for a photographer who puts you at ease and makes the session enjoyable!
For more tips on how to find the best Georgia photographer for you, see a related blog post here for all the tips.
Bridal portraits in Georgia are more than just photos—they’re a celebration of you and your transition into this beautiful new chapter. With thoughtful planning, the right photographer, and Georgia’s stunning locations as your backdrop, you’ll create keepsakes you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
If you’re ready to book your bridal session and capture this incredible moment, let’s connect! I’d love to help you create portraits that are as full of love and legacy as your future marriage.
