I almost always photograph my friends weddings, something that I always recommend against. Why? you may ask. Well come now… how many armature photographers do you know that say they photograph weddings or someone who is a friend of the family. It is hard to turn down a friend though so brides are temped to say okay sure. Even Nancy though had her reservations when she asked me to photograph her wedding. I found out why later.

She had no clue what she was shopping for in a photographer and she was just unsure about everything. Her wedding was very small but wonderful. They didn’t want to spend a ton of money on it. So hiring a good photographer saved the memories. At her bachelorette party I brought a point and shot leica…not shabby but she leaned over to me and said, “you are going to bring a bigger one to the wedding right?”

Well I begged her to do a bridal portrait before hand so that we would have time to do something extra special. A bridal portrait ahead of time allows the bride to do the following:

1. Check out the make artist and try it out ahead of time (this should be free)

2. Trial bouquet (negotiate this with your floral order)

3. Improve personal connection with your wedding planner/designer

4. Sync with your photographer stylistically

5. Have more time on your wedding day to party and spend with your family

A great bridal portrait takes time so by doing it before hand your wedding day will be less stressful. Try to do it a few weeks before your wedding if you choose an environmental portrait in case you need to dry clean the dress.