What is a "bridal" portrait session? Basically it's an excuse to get dressed up in your wedding attire and make art out of your "bridal" era. Bridal in quotes because it doesn't have to be just for brides. Everyone who is getting married deserves to romanticize the journey. Imagine laying in a field of flowers, yapping with your wedding photographer (me), while having ethereal portraits taken of you on film... Need I say more? In this blog post I'll give you 5 reasons to consider planning a "bridal" portrait session with me before your wedding alongside some film portraits I took of Alyssa in her backyard. <3

1. No Time Constraints or Distractions

I love getting together with my couples and creating wedding portraits without the time constraints and distractions of their actual wedding day. On your wedding day, there will likely be a timeline to follow, dozens of people pulling you in different directions, etc. The blissed out wedding day chaos is magical for sure, but it's really lovely to not have to worry about getting those iconic wedding portraits because you know we already got them. ;)

2. Deepen Your Collaborative Relationship with Your Wedding Photographer

Unless you're a model, there's a good chance you've never experienced the collaborative relationship between a photographer and subject. I understand it can feel super awkward and vulnerable to be photographed by a stranger. The more time we can spend together before your wedding, the easier we will be able to collaborate seamlessly to create the wedding photos of your dreams. Ideally, I want to be friends before I follow you around documenting one of the best days of your life. <3

3. Romanticize This Transformational Season of Life

Getting married is a huge deal. Not only are you legally joining worlds with the love of your life, you're also saying goodbye to a season of life that likely made you who you are today. I'm not saying you're losing yourself, duh, you're entering a new season of life as an individual as well as with your partner. Why not romanticize the hell out of this transformation? I love to hype up my clients and show them how radiant they are inside and out. You'd be amazed at how good it can feel to be seen through eyes that know how amazing you are. Let's get that confidence bumping before the wedding!!!!

4. Put Your Wedding Hair & Makeup Trials to Good Use

If you're hiring a glam team, I highly recommend scheduling a trial run with them to ensure you'll feel your absolute best in your wedding look. Why not go ahead and put the glam to good use by scheduling your bridal session the same day? Not only will you know how you feel in your hair and makeup, you'll also get to see how it looks in photos before the day of your wedding.

5. Excuse to Rock an Alternative Outfit

If you're extra like me, you likely have a couple wedding dress/suit ideas... why not buy that other fit you've been eyeing and make good use out of it at your bridal session? Some of my couples like to wear a sexy fit for their portraits but want something a bit more traditional for the wedding... Some of my couples have family heirlooms like an antique dress or suit and want to honor their ancestors by wearing them for their bridals. Whatever it may be, the more photo ops the better in my humble opinion. ;)

Have I convinced you? Hit me up and let's plan some magic!!

About the photographer: Jesslyn McCartney is a hybrid digital and film photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. She takes a natural approach to documentation, capturing the beauty in little moments. With a focus on weddings, couples, and motherhood, Jesslyn's photographs are nostalgic, timeless, and emotion-centered.