The Benefits of Pre-Wedding Bridal Pictures

Bridal pictures not only serve as nice keepsakes but the actual photo shoot has its benefits too. Many brides opt for pre-wedding portraits to capture this special moment in time. Here are three key reasons that you should take bridal pictures before saying I do.

#1 It’s the Ultimate Bridal Trial Run

Taking bridal pictures before the wedding serves as a trial run for your entire look. If you schedule your photo shoot the same day as your hair and makeup trial, you can see how everything comes together and decide if you want to make any changes. For me, the photoshoot helped finalize everything from the jewelry to my hair. It also helped me realize my dress needed to go back to the tailor!

#2 You Can Take Bridal Pictures at Different Locations

On your wedding day, you are typically limited to specific locations such as your venue and wherever you can squeeze in before your reception starts. Taking bridal pictures beforehand gives you the flexibility to get creative with the location. Maybe you want a sophisticated outdoor shoot at the Art Institute Gardens, drama at Union Station, or portraits at your childhood home. I liked the look of a simple, dark backdrop so I opted for a studio in Chicago.

#3 You’ll be More Comfortable on Your Wedding Day

Odds are, you’ve probably only spent a few minutes in your wedding gown.  Some dresses can be a bit awkward to wear. Taking bridal pictures allows you to spend time in your gown and feel more comfortable moving around and posing in your dress. If you are shooting with your wedding day photographer, you can also get a better sense of how you two work best together.

 My Bridal Photo Shoot

The Photographer

I scheduled a shoot for bridal portraits with the Chicago-based photographer, Nina Ottolino. I actually found her on Instagram and was drawn to her gorgeously lit, natural, and fashion-forward photos. Nina owns a beautiful studio in West Town and it was a dream working with her. She often shoots fashion models and was great at giving direction and making me feel comfortable. I couldn’t be happier with her photos! My husband loves them too and has one displayed at his office.

The Stylist  

My friend Amy Geister did this gorgeous updo and helped ensure I looked my best throughout the shoot. This elegant updo is exactly what I envisioned for the bridal portraits. Amy brought it to life! She is a rockstar hair colorist and stylist at one of Chicago’s hottest salons. She also did balayage hair color to give my hairstyle some dimension on my big day.

 

Do you think bridal pictures before the wedding are worth it? Let me know in the comment section below!

By the way, you also might like: The Proposal: That Time I Slapped My Fiancé

 

PIN IT: 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Lizzy Fay LLC participates in select affiliate programs and occasionally receives brand sponsorships. If you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this website, Lizzy Fay LLC may make a commission. This comes at no additional cost to you.  Affiliate programs and sponsorships help Lizzy Fay LLC continue to create free content.  Please note, opinions are my own, and I am selective in promoting and mentioning specific brands. Thank you for your support!