Planning a wedding is an exciting yet stressful journey. As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how pre- or post-wedding bride and groom portrait sessions can alleviate some of that stress while adding a special touch to your wedding memories. Here’s why you might want to consider this option:
1. More Relaxed Atmosphere
On your wedding day, there’s a whirlwind of activities and emotions. Taking your portraits before or after the big day allows you to enjoy a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Without the pressure of a tight schedule, you can truly savor the moment and let your genuine emotions shine through.
2. Optimal Timing for Golden Hour Magic
Golden Hour, the magical time just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most flattering natural light for photography. Scheduling a separate portrait session allows us to take full advantage of this time, creating stunning, dreamy images that might be difficult to achieve amidst the hustle and bustle of your wedding day.
3. Flexibility in Location
A separate session means we’re not limited to your wedding venue. We can choose a location that holds special meaning for you or simply offers a breathtaking backdrop. Whether it’s a serene field of flowers, a rugged coastline, or an urban landscape, the possibilities are endless.
4. More Time for Creativity
Without the constraints of a wedding day timeline, we have the freedom to experiment with different poses, angles, and settings. This creative flexibility ensures that your portraits are unique and reflect your personality and love story.
5. Less Stress on the Big Day
Wedding days can be hectic, and the last thing you want is to feel rushed during your portrait session. By scheduling portraits on a different day, you can focus on enjoying every moment of your wedding without worrying about fitting in a lengthy photo session. This leaves more time for you to spend with your guests and soak in the joy of your celebration.
6. Opportunity for a Different Look
Having a pre- or post-wedding portrait session allows you to experiment with a different bridal look. Maybe you want to wear your hair differently, try a bold makeup style, or even don a second dress. This adds variety to your wedding album and gives you another chance to play dress-up in your beautiful attire.
7. Rescheduling Flexibility
Weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes it doesn’t cooperate on the wedding day. A separate portrait session gives us the flexibility to reschedule if needed, ensuring you get the perfect shots without the pressure of time constraints.
8. Extended Celebration
Having portraits taken before or after your wedding extends the celebration of your love. It’s another opportunity to create memories and celebrate your journey together, making your wedding experience even more special and memorable.
Real-Life Inspiration: Taylor and Brandon
Take, for example, Taylor and Brandon, who chose to have two entirely different looks for their special day. They were married in San Diego and planned a post-wedding session with me near Taylor’s childhood home. This allowed them to capture the vibrant, coastal vibes of their wedding and the serene, nostalgic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Their session was a testament to how having flexibility in your portrait schedule can result in a diverse and meaningful collection of wedding photos.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day should be filled with joy, love, and as little stress as possible. By opting for bride and groom portraits before or after the big day, you give yourself the gift of time, creativity, and a relaxed atmosphere. This not only enhances your wedding experience but also results in stunning, heartfelt images that you’ll cherish forever.
If you’re considering this option, I’d love to help you plan a session that perfectly captures your love story. Whether it’s a dreamy location with Golden Hour vibes or a spot that holds special meaning for you, let’s create magic together. After all, my favorite part of photography is not just being your vendor but becoming a friend who captures and invests emotionally in your special moments.
Are you considering pre- or post-wedding portraits? Share your thoughts in the comments, or reach out to discuss how we can make your wedding photography experience truly unforgettable.
Leslie Harris is the photographer behind One Thousand Words Photography, and is a portrait and wedding photographer in the Seattle/ Tacoma area. She specializes in Couples, Senior and Boudoir portraits as well as Wedding photography. Leslie’s style is true to her PNW roots….honest, authentic and emotional while still maintaining the timeless features of photography that create family heirlooms. She currently resides in Tacoma, WA with her kids and a few furry kids too. Leslie is currently booking 2024 & 2025 Portrait Sessions and Weddings in Western Washington. She is also available for travel.
One Thousand Words 