When someone asks us if it is important to have bridal portraits done, the answer will forever and always be a yes. Absolutely, yes! There are a million and one reasons we could list out as to why bridal portraits are important, however, we will share with you our top five reasons why they are an absolute must!

1.) They make you feel good about yourself- and who doesn’t like that?!

Let’s face it, getting dressed up and looking our best always makes us feel great about ourselves. However, when it comes to such an exciting and emotional time in your life and you also throw wedding attire into the mix, it really kicks that confidence up a level and allows you to feel more comfortable on the day of your wedding. Not to mention, this is the only time in your life you will ever wear this dress. Why only wear it once, when you can wear it twice?!

2.) Hair + Makeup Trial

Our second reason why bridal portraits are a must-have in your wedding package is so that you can get a trial run with your hair and makeup team. This way you will be able to land the look you are envisioning on your wedding day. This time with them can potentially save you from any unexpected surprises the day of.

3.) Canvas Prints

It is common to see brides have large canvas prints on display at their reception. This again allows you to show off how great you look and share your bridal portraits with all of your guests! If you need help ordering high quality prints, feel free to reach out at any point after booking your wedding package with us.

4.) Makes for a fun day-date with a close friend or family member!

Have a mom who always talks you up and makes you feel great about yourself? A cousin that brings out your inner Beyonce’? A best friend that makes you feel like the bad ass that you actually are? That is the person you should bring with you to your bridal portraits. What better way than to start your day out a late brunch in one of the nation’s biggest food cities, then head off to get your nails done. Oh, and then you just mosey on over to the place you are going to get married have your hair and makeup done professionally and then have a photoshoot. Sounds like a horrible day (If you can’t tell we are being EXTREMELY sarcastic). Seriously though pamper yourself, you are worth it!

5.) One on one time with the photographer!
We all know weddings follow a strict timeline that only allow for so much one on one time due to the rest of the photographs that are on the shot list. Of course, we always aim to get solo shots of the bride and groom but our main goal on the day of the wedding is to get every shot that is on the list provided by our couples as well as our company list. This one on one time will also allow you to be more comfortable in front of the camera and with your photographer the day of your wedding!

Keep in mind- should you choose to book a bridal session with us, and you are planning to order prints, you should schedule this session no later than 8 weeks prior to your wedding. We have a two-week developing/processing time and it could take several weeks after placing your order through print labs before actually receiving your prints.

Photography: Stephen Carbone with Carbone Photo Co. LLC
Hair: Natalie Porch with Luxe Hair Studio
Makeup: Brittany Staggs with Luxe Hair Studio

Carbone Photo Co. LLC is a Wedding Photography company based out of Richmond, Virginia who travels the entire east coast for weddings. Carbone Photo Co. LLC offers photography for weddings, bridal portraits, engagement sessions, events, senior portraits as well as family portraits. This Virginia wedding photographer specializes in capturing the most sentimental moments using a photojournalistic approach to document raw candid moments of you and your loved ones.