10 Ways to Prepare for Your Bridal Session—and Actually Enjoy It

So, you’ve booked your bridal session. Now what?

After more than 15 years of photographing brides, I know it can feel a little strange stepping in front of the camera—especially in a dress that means so much to you. The good news is that you don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose or what to do. I’ll guide you through all of that. A little preparation simply helps you settle in, feel comfortable, and enjoy the experience.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready.

1. Choose a location that feels like you
   Your location helps shape the feeling of the photographs. That might mean returning to your wedding venue, wandering through a garden, photographing inside a beautiful historic home, or choosing an outdoor setting you love. You don’t need to figure it out alone. I’m happy to help you find a place that works with your dress, your style, and the photographs we want to create together.
2. Treat it as a trial run—but not only a trial run
   This is a great opportunity to see your dress, shoes, jewellery, hair, and makeup all working together. If you’re deciding between an updo and wearing your hair down, or wondering which accessories photograph best, your session can help you make those final decisions. But it isn’t simply a dress rehearsal. It’s also a chance to slow down and create portraits without the pace and pressure of the wedding day.
3. Schedule your hair and makeup
   Whenever possible, arrange your hair and makeup trial for the same day. You’ll get to see how the complete look photographs and can make any small adjustments before the wedding. Most importantly, choose something that still feels like you. You should feel polished and special, but also recognize yourself when you look in the mirror. If you’re still looking for a hair or makeup artist, I’m always happy to share recommendations.
4. Think about the light—and the weather
   Soft morning or evening light is often especially flattering, so I’ll help you choose a time based on the location and time of year. You can also check the sunrise and sunset times while making plans. If we’ll be outside, choosing a backup date in advance is a smart idea. North Carolina weather likes to keep us humble, and having another option already on the calendar makes everything less stressful.
5. Tell me what matters to you
   If there’s a particular photograph you’ve been imagining, let me know. The same goes for anything you feel uncertain or self-conscious about. You don’t need to arrive with a detailed shot list, but knowing what you love—and what you don’t—helps me make the photographs feel more personal to you.
6. Bring the meaningful details
   A family heirloom, a special piece of jewellery, your veil, a bouquet, or another small keepsake can add something deeply personal to your portraits. You don’t need a carload of props; a few thoughtfully chosen pieces are usually plenty. If you’re unsure whether something will work, send me a photo beforehand and we can talk it through.
7. Leave room to play
   We’ll begin with the portraits that feel most important, then leave ourselves time to experiment. Once you’ve settled in and stopped thinking quite so much about the camera, that’s often when we make some of my favorite images. Come ready to move, laugh, and perhaps embrace a little silliness.
8. Eat something, drink water, and get some rest
   Please don’t skip meals before your session. Being hungry, dehydrated, or exhausted makes it much harder to relax and enjoy yourself. Have something to eat, bring water, and allow plenty of time to get ready. Feeling good will show in your photographs far more than any last-minute beauty treatment.
9. You do not need to know how to pose
   Truly. I’ll guide you throughout the session, from where to place your hands to how to shift your weight. You won’t be left wondering what to do. You’re welcome to save a few photographs that inspire you, but please don’t feel that you need to practise or perform. All you need to bring is a willingness to take a little direction.
10. Give yourself permission to enjoy it
    You may feel excited, emotional, nervous, or some combination of all three. That’s completely normal. Your bridal session doesn’t need to feel like one more wedding task to complete. Let it be a chance to breathe, wear the dress you spent so long choosing, and take in the fact that you’re about to become a bride.

One final, very practical tip: bring comfortable shoes.

I know—you’ve splashed out an arm and a leg on those Jimmy Choos, and we will absolutely use them in the photographs. But you’ll be on your feet for quite a while, so bring a comfortable pair as well. Wedges or shoes around the same height as your wedding shoes work especially well; you can wear them whenever your feet aren’t visible and swap the beautiful ones back in when they are.

A little planning goes a long way, but please don’t feel you need to prepare for every possible moment. I’ll help with the location, timing, light, and posing. Your job is to arrive, take a breath, and let yourself enjoy wearing the dress. We’ll make the important portraits, try a few unexpected things, and have some fun along the way.

Still have questions about your bridal session? Drop me a comment below.