The portraits can be done at the wedding venue, or at a separate location altogether. Many brides choose to do their bridals about two weeks before the wedding so they can have some of the photographs printed and displayed at the reception. Other brides opt to simply do the portrait a day or two before the wedding and will receive the images after the wedding. Some brides have an extra bridal bouquet made for use in their portraits, but you do not have to do this. Some use a pretty bouquet from a local flower shop, a fake replica of their wedding day bouquet (a great keepsake) or nix the bouquet altogether. 

HOW TO PREPARE:
You can either use this session as a test run for hair and makeup, but some brides just ask a friend to do their hair and makeup as similarly as possible to what it will look like on your big day. Make sure your nails are cleaned up, shaped, and polished. Some brides (who chose a very bright white dress) choose to whiten their teeth for the big day. If you do so, I would recommend ditching the expensive laser treatments and just treating your teeth daily with Crest 3D White Strips. Try to avoid soda and coffee at least two weeks before the photos or wedding... but if you must get your fix, do it through a straw! Have your ring cleaned, either professionally or at home, the night before the pictures and put it directly into it's box! This keeps it sparkling clean until you put it on for pictures.

NAILS: 
Your nails will show in the pictures! Ladies, make this the perfect excuse to go get a mani. If you can't make it into the salon before your shoot, make sure you at least put a fresh coat of polish on your nails and clean up your cuticles as best you can.
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​HAIR AND MAKEUP:
While many clients prefer to have their hair and makeup professionally done for a shoot, you do not have to spend the money on a makeover. If you would rather a friend do your makeup, do that! Just make sure to wear makeup that matches your skin tone and isn't too overpowering or too caked on. 

THE RING:
​If this is an engagement shoot, you want to make sure your ring is spotless! If you can, have your jeweler professionally clean your ring the day before your shoot and keep it in it's box until it is time to go to the shoot. If you can't get to the jeweler's, you can microwave a mug of water and dish soap on high until it is scalding hot. Drop your ring in and let it soak for a bit. Remove the ring and, using a NEW toothbrush dipped in the hot water and soap mixture, gently scrub the ring. Rinse and dry and leave it in a box until the shoot!

WHAT TO BRING:
-The Wedding Dress
-The Garder (if you have one)
-The Boquet (if you are using one)
-The engagement/wedding ring
-Touch-up makeup
-Extra Hairspray
-Veil, flowers, or hairpiece
-Wedding Shoes
-Jewelry
-Misc. Accessories