Downtown San Antonio Bridal Portrait Session

The new trend in wedding photography is the separate bridal portrait session. Gone are the days of trying to cram a full photo shoot into a very busy wedding day. Instead, brides are electing to have a more relaxed photo shoot where they can enjoy themselves in front of the camera. I recently had the pleasure of photographing Rosie’s downtown San Antonio bridal portrait session, and I have all the details in today’s blog post. So, get your veil steamed and your bouquet ready: it’s time to discuss the pros and cons of a bridal portrait session.

The Definition of a Bridal Portrait Session

Bridal portrait: (n.) A separate portrait session with only the bride

As opposed to rushing through a few photos of the bride on the wedding day, this session is devoted solely to the bride. The session is often done weeks or months before the actual big day, without the pressure that comes with the wedding. A bride can choose to focus on her main wedding dress, or model all of her bridal outfits. And while the dress takes center stage, there is plenty of time to concentrate on the details.

Meet Rosie!

Please allow me to introduce you to today’s bride, Rosie. I had the pleasure of photographing her bridal portrait session at the Hotel Contessa on Sunday. She will be walking down the aisle to Nick in early October, and I will be there to capture every moment. But in the meantime, the party has started early with these portraits.

Rosie’s Downtown San Antonio Bridal Portrait Session

First, let’s talk about planning the photo shoot. Rosie is a very private person and was not looking forward to parading around downtown San Antonio in her wedding dress. Nick was going to be hosting a company function at the Hotel Contessa and asked if the hotel might have an extra room that we could use for a one-hour portrait session. The hotel happily granted us a conference room that included a private terrace. This turned out to be just the perfect space for photos with outdoor lighting but complete privacy.

Rosie‘s mother-in-law and daughter joined us during the session. Though it was definitely Rosie‘s day in front of the camera, we started off the session with everyone helping the bride with her accessories and veil. By the end of the shoot, I absolutely had to get everyone together for a few fun photos.

The Pros and Cons of a Separate Bridal Portrait Session

If you are looking to slow down your wedding day and really enjoy the moment, then separating your portraits from your wedding day is a great way to keep crazy at bay. That said, there are a few considerations you need to know about before you schedule a shoot. Let’s dive into the details.

The Pros of a Separate Bridal Portrait Session

More Time for Creative and Relaxed Posing

Weddings are a whirlwind of activity. Between getting everyone dressed, scheduling hair and makeup, and coordinating with the bridal party, there is often limited time for detailed, relaxed bridal portraits. A separate session allows you to take the time to get comfortable in front of the camera and explore different creative shots, poses, and locations without worrying about a tight timeline.

Tip: For the best results, communicate with your photographer ahead of time about the type of shots you envision, whether they’re classic, candid, or editorial. Use this session as a chance to capture both timeless bridal looks and creative portraits you might not have time for on your wedding day.

A Trial Run for Hair, Makeup, and Dress

One of the hidden benefits of a bridal portrait session is the opportunity to do a “test run” of your entire bridal look. You will have the chance to see how your hair, makeup, and dress photograph, and you can make any adjustments based on how everything comes together. Even better, you will know how easy it is to move in your dress during the ceremony (and on the dance floor). If something feels off—like a hairstyle that doesn’t hold up as expected or makeup that looks different in photos—there is time to fix it before the wedding.

Tip: Make sure your beauty team (makeup artist, hairstylist) is available on the day of your bridal session so you can replicate your wedding look as closely as possible. This can also give you peace of mind knowing that everything will work perfectly on the big day.

A Low-Stress Experience

Unlike the wedding day, a separate bridal portrait session allows you to take your time without feeling rushed. You can focus solely on capturing beautiful images without thinking about the next item on the itinerary. It’s a stress-free way to document your bridal look in all its glory. With the right ambiance, and enough champagne, you can even make the shoot feel like a spa experience!

Tip: Choose a location that resonates with you, whether it’s a favorite garden, a chic indoor venue, or a place with personal significance. The relaxed environment will help create more authentic, joyful expressions in your photos.

Personalized and Artistic Photos

When you have a dedicated portrait session, there’s more freedom to experiment with lighting, settings, and angles to capture something truly artistic. Whether you want to highlight the elegance of your gown in soft lighting or capture dramatic portraits in a stunning outdoor location, this session allows for creativity and precision. Good photos take time, and that is often lacking on your wedding day.

Tip: Always try to schedule your session during the ‘golden hour’—an hour or so before sunset—to take advantage of the soft, flattering light. Discuss the ideal lighting conditions with your photographer to make the most of your time together.

A Chance to Build Rapport with Your Photographer

Spending time with your photographer before the wedding day is always a good idea. As with an engagement shoot, a bridal portrait session gives you the chance to build rapport, get comfortable with your photographer’s style, and work out any kinks. By the time your wedding day rolls around, you will feel more at ease knowing you are familiar with how your photographer communicates.

Tip: Use this time to discuss any concerns, preferences, or specific poses you’d like. If you’re nervous in front of the camera, this session is a perfect opportunity to practice and build confidence.

Displaying the Portrait at the Wedding

Many brides use their bridal portrait as part of the wedding décor, displaying the image at the reception or entryway. A beautifully framed bridal portrait adds an elegant, personal touch to your wedding venue, and having it taken care of before the big day ensures you’re not scrambling for photos at the last minute.

Tip: If you plan to display your portrait at the wedding, work with your photographer and framer to ensure there’s enough time for printing, framing, and delivery.

Cons of a Separate Bridal Portrait Session

Risk of Dress Damage

Yes, that is a bottle of Big Red soda in Rosie’s hand. She is a huge fan of this Texas beverage, but boy did it make me nervous to see her drinking with her white dress on.

Wearing your wedding dress before the actual wedding day always comes with a risk. You might snag it on something, get dirt or stains on it, or damage it during the shoot. While many brides take this chance and come out unscathed, it’s important to weigh the risks, especially if you’re shooting in outdoor locations like gardens, beaches, or urban areas. Keep in mind that if you are scared of damaging your dress, you can simply schedule your bridal shoot after your wedding day. This is a modified version of the ‘trash the dress’ shoot, though there will not be any destruction involved.

Tip: If you’re worried about your dress getting dirty, choose an indoor venue or keep outdoor shoots confined to clean, controlled environments like a manicured garden or an elegant hotel. Bring a friend or family member to help carry your dress between shots, and have a stain remover on hand just in case.

Additional Cost

One of the biggest drawbacks of scheduling a separate bridal portrait session is the extra cost. On top of that, you’ll need to book your makeup artist, hairstylist, and possibly even your florist to provide a bouquet.

Tip: If you are concerned about the cost, talk to your photographer about bundling the bridal portrait session with your overall wedding photography package. My packages include additional photo sessions that can be used however you want. While most couples opt for a full engagement session, you can certainly book the session as a bridal portrait or even go half and half to bring in the groom for the end of the session!

More Planning and Coordination

A bridal portrait session is essentially a mini event, and that requires some planning. Coordinating with your hair, makeup, and dress appointments can be time-consuming, especially if you’re already juggling wedding prep. Finding the right day for a session, booking the venue or location, and scheduling other services can add to the stress of wedding planning.

Tip: To minimize the burden, plan the portrait session for a day when you’re already having hair and makeup trials done. This way, you’re not creating extra appointments. Consider using a location that’s easy to access and doesn’t require additional permits or bookings. You might even contact your wedding venue to see if you can book the space for a photo shoot as part of your package.

Potential for Changes in Appearance

One potential downside is the risk that something might change between the portrait session and the actual wedding day. For example, you might decide to change your hairstyle, makeup, or even your gown. In that case, your bridal portraits won’t match your look on the wedding day.

Tip: If you’re considering any significant changes to your appearance after the bridal session, communicate with your photographer. If necessary, plan a mini portrait session on the day of the wedding to capture updated photos.

Tips for Creating the Best Bridal Portraits

Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons, here are some additional tips to ensure your bridal portrait session produces stunning, timeless photos:

Scout the Location

Choose a location that complements your dress, theme, or personal style. It could be a scenic park, a historic building, or even an elegant indoor studio. Make sure the location has a variety of backgrounds to give your photographer options.

Plan for Multiple Looks

If you want variety in your portraits, consider bringing a second dress or a different veil for a few shots. You could also experiment with different hairstyles or accessories. This adds versatility to your photos without straying too far from your bridal theme.

Incorporate Personal Elements

Incorporate items that have personal meaning, such as your grandmother’s jewelry, a family heirloom, or a special bouquet. These touches make your portraits feel more authentic and meaningful.

Don’t Forget About the Details

Speaking of which, ask your photographer to capture close-ups of the intricate details of your dress, veil, jewelry, and bouquet. This is the time to go all out with the details because these often get overlooked on the day of the wedding.

Relax and Have Fun

Your mood will shine through in your photos, so take deep breaths, relax, and enjoy the experience. Trust your photographer’s guidance, and don’t be afraid to be playful or candid—some of the best portraits are captured when you’re being yourself.

Final Thoughts

A separate bridal portrait session can be a valuable experience for brides who want to capture detailed, creative, and stress-free images of themselves before the big day. While it requires additional planning and expense, but the benefits of having more time, flexibility, and a trial run of your wedding look can outweigh the cons for many brides. If you are considering a bridal portrait session, discuss your goals with your photographer and make sure it aligns with your overall vision for your wedding photography.

Venue: Hotel Contessa

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Are you interested in scheduling your own downtown San Antonio bridal portrait session? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.

To view more images from my wedding photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com