Couples come to us all the time looking for answers about their wedding photography. Here are a few questions that we hear a lot:

“We want to get married at our church, but it’s not very pretty and we’re afraid we’re going to miss out on having great photos.”

“We want awesome shots of us as a couple, but we also don’t want to miss out on spending time with our family and friends on our wedding day.”

“We are on a tight budget so we’re having a friend take photos on our wedding day, but we really want to have a professional take the most important shots – the ones of us as a couple.”

The answer: A Bridal Session!

A bridal session is a portrait session of a couple in their bridal attire on a day other than their wedding day. These types of sessions can take place before or after the wedding. The concept may be a little untraditional, but it can also be the perfect solution for couples struggling with how photography will play a role in their big day. In addition to that, we LOVE to shoot them! We decided that rather than have us tell you how awesome bridal sessions are, we’d have some of our past clients do it for us! We sent a little survey to three of our awesome couples and here’s what they had to say about their experience . . .

Why did you choose a bridal session?

Meghan & Matt: We choose the bridal session for two reasons: we wanted to get some great photos of Matt and I in our wedding attire and secondly, we wanted our wedding day to just be about our love and sharing that love with friends and family. The bridal session enabled us to get amazing wedding photos with many different poses and backdrops without worrying about taking time away from the activities on our actual wedding day. On our wedding day we had no idea when photos were being taken, we were simply in the moment. I think that’s the way it should be!

Julie & Jimmy: We decided to do a bridal session to eliminate stress and pressure from the day of our wedding. I wanted our photo session to be a personal, intimate time as a couple that did not have the pressure of time and schedule. We also had the chance to use a unique location for our bridal session other than our actual wedding venue. In addition, taking photos on the day of the wedding keeps your guests waiting around and getting impatient so we wanted to minimize that too.

Katie & Justin: We chose a bridal session for many reasons, but primarily to allow us to have a variety of backdrops for our wedding photos. We knew our backyard would be a great ceremony site, but did not offer many photo backdrops. By choosing a bridal session we could choose a location that reflected our personalities and taste. On top of that, by shooting our photos before the wedding we were able to spend more time taking our photos and enjoying our wedding day with our family and friends. After all, you pay for the wedding you should be there to enjoy it, right?

How did you choose the setting for your session?

Meghan & Matt: We choose Sedona for our bridal session because that’s where we were getting married. We originally choose Sedona because that’s where Matt proposed while we were in college :)

Julie & Jimmy: We were blessed to have someone volunteer their amazing old fashion 1920’s car and their beautiful home and landscape for our photo session. The scenery and old car totally fit the classical big band theme of our wedding. Our second location was a suggestion from Ryan and Denise. The resort had a great variety of backgrounds and was very clean so I we wouldn’t have to worry about getting my dress too dirty.

Katie & Justin: We were very conflicted on what type of location we wanted for our bridal session. Justin wanted an intimate location well known to us. I wanted a picturesque location with a lot of background options. Ryan & Denise listened to our needs and came up with the perfect place – Jerome, AZ. With the small town Arizona feel that we love, we were able to have the best of both worlds.

Tell us about your “first look”. What was it like? What kind of emotions did you experience?

Meghan & Matt: The “first look” was AMAZING! I was filled with excitement to see my handsome soon to be husband in his tux. I have to admit, I did get a little teary eyed. It’s a magical moment meant just for the bride and groom (I will remember the look on Matts face forever).

Julie & Jimmy: (Jimmy) I was anixous to see her and when I did she looked so beautiful. She was breath taking. (Julie) The thing I liked about the first look was that I had the freedom to react and have personal moments with Jimmy. Our first look was filled with tears, hugs and some sass ;-) I have such amazing photos capturing a progression of emotions that I would not have been able to express while walking down the aisle. Our first look photos captured our personality and approach to each other; they are some of my favorite ones.

Katie & Justin: When we were deciding whether to do a bridal session, I had been worried about our “first look” not being at the ceremony. Would the ceremony still be as special? Absolutely yes. Seeing my husband waiting for me at the top of the aisle was an exciting moment that our “first look” could have never changed. Our first look was in a park in the heart of Jerome, AZ, just a few days before our wedding. Ryan & Denise scouted the location before the “first look” in order to find a gorgeous and intimate backdrop. They thought of every detail in choosing the location – from the ivy enveloped staircase straight from a fairy tale to the perfect lighting. When I arrived at the top of the staircase, Justin was faced away from me. Justin and I were both giddy with excitement about this moment. We had looked forward to it almost as much as our wedding day. When it was time for me to call Justin’s name to turn around, I couldn’t stop giggling. Knowing I was there, Justin turned and smiled. We kissed and we laughed. It was the perfect start to our wedding weekend.

What was the most memorable part of the experience?

Meghan & Matt: We loved hanging out with Ryan and Denise and coming up with all kinds of different photo ideas. The most memorable for me was getting in the water with our wedding attire on . . . burr! I love the pictures and it was so fun! Ryan and Denise were troopers, and they even got partially into the water too!

Julie & Jimmy: The most memorable part was probably our first look. Also, there are so many fun moments we had with the old fashion car. One of my favorite moments I did not even know was being captured till I saw the photos. There is a great shot of me resting in Jimmy’s arms during a break when we didn’t even know they were shooting!

Katie & Justin: Because of our location, we were able to walk around and explore on foot. We found stairways, courtyards, benches, windows, and nooks that we felt were our very own; each one was a special memory. We remember the bench that seemed sculpted from ivy and twinkle lights, the jungle gym where we played (yes, in our suit & dress!), the baby blue VW bug behind the “No Trespassing” sign, and the inconspicuous parking lot with the amazing view. Our bridal session became a memory in itself, apart from our wedding day.

Would you recommend this type of session to another couple and why?

Meghan & Matt: I would highly recommend a bridal session to other couples. Actually, my advice would be that it’s mandatory. The bridal session decreases stress and increases happiness on your big day!

Julie & Jimmy: Absolutely! By doing a bridal session, we were able to have multiple locations outside of our wedding location. We were also able to have personal intimate time on a relaxed schedule taking away the pressure of our wedding day. We have photos of intimate moments and photos that capture how we interact over just posed shots.

Katie & Justin: In talking to my married friends, many regret that they rushed their photos in order to get to their reception. They were often disappointed by the number of photos or the lack of variety. By choosing a bridal session we didn’t have to sacrifice the number or quality of the photos. The bridal session allowed us snuggle and kiss for an entire day AND experience our entire wedding reception. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

For more information about bridal sessions, feel free to email us at studio@simplyknotphotos.com.

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I know we’re already 18 days into 2010, but as long as it’s still January, we decided that it was not too late for one more 2009 wrap up post.  It was such a great year full of awesome images so we selected some of our favorite photos from the year to feature one more time on our blog.  We love so many, it was really hard to choose!  It kinda ended up coming down to what makes each individual image special to us.  Some of them have great color or amazing light, some make us laugh, some make us remember a particularly sweet moment, some totally capture the personalities of the couple and some just make us say, “Wow, that shot ROCKS!”.  We’d love it if you would take a moment to tell us which shots make the top of your list by leaving a comment at the bottom of the post.  It’s ok – you can choose more than one if you want to :-)  They’re each numbered to make voting super easy.

So here they are, in no particular order . . .

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Don’t forget to tell us which ones are your favorites by leaving a comment below!

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As we say goodbye to 2009 we just wanted to take this opportunity say “thank you” to the amazing couples we’ve had the pleasure of working with this past year.  We were blessed with the honor of shooting 15 weddings for 15 FABULOUS couples.  As we look through all of your photos we can’t help but relive the many sweet, joyful, heartfelt, tearful and laughter filled moments we have had the pleasure of sharing with each of you.  Along with allowing us to capture beautiful memories for you, you have made so many wonderful memories for US!  So we thought that we’d take a little walk down memory lane and share with you what some of our favorite wedding moments have been from this past year.

(In order from left to right)

Christina & Cory:

Your first look was one of the sweetest and most emotional we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing!  We’ll never forget the look on Cory’s face and the happy tears he cried at seeing Christina for the first time.  You were so adorable and so in love with each other all day long.  It warmed our hearts just to be apart of it.  And we also have to give props to the awesome garter removal featuring the surprise appearance of the “octuplets”.  Hilarious!

Lauren & Chris:

Your whole wedding day was such a blast . . . because you guys ROCK of course!  Your ceremony was so sweet and emotional – happy tears make us happy :-)  But the moment that stands out the most in our minds was when you guys broke out into your little semi-choreographed dance to the Grease medley during the reception!  It was so much fun to watch you guys having the time of your lives, not to mention the priceless reactions of your families and friends.  We just loved it!

Melissa & Bryan:

Your reception was probably one of the most amazingly fun, crazy dance parties we’ve ever witnessed!  It was endlessly entertaining and hilarious to watch you and your families rockin’ out on the dance floor.  We never would have pegged you two as the dancing stars you are so it was so awesome to see you having such a blast out there.  We also really loved how much you included the boys in your day and made sure that it was a really special day for them too.  You’re such a beautiful family!

Rachel & Manny:

There were a lot of great moments from your day, but our favorite moments were during the time we got to spend with just the two of you out shooting your portraits.  You guys were so great to work with and totally open to our ideas, even when we dragged you out into a dark, scary tunnel!  You both just loved on each other and soaked up every moment together – it made our jobs so easy!  If you remember, your wedding was on our very own 5 year wedding anniversary, so we have to give props to you both for choosing an awesome day to get married.  Thanks for helping us celebrate!

Meghan & Matt: (Bridal Session & Wedding)

Your day was by far the most unique of all our 2009 weddings because it was so untraditional.  So many great moments!  From Meghan and her sisters bawling as they all walked down the isle, to the very special furry “ring bearers” to your awesome choreographed first dance . . .  it was such a memorable day.  And we’ll never forget climbing into Oak Creek with you guys during your bridal session and the surprise Beatles serenade!

Melissa & Ryan:

You guys were so laid back and relaxed, it was such a pleasure to be around you all day.  Our favorite moment from your wedding would have to be just after the ceremony.  There were a few hiccups and technical difficulties during the ceremony, but the two of you didn’t care a bit!  As you guys came in out of the heat to sign your marriage license, you just laughed and basked in the excitement of being married!  That’s what it’s really all about!

Amanda & Alex:

Your wedding was super special overall because of our history together.  I still can’t believe that you’re all grown up and married!  There were countless wonderful memories from your day since we got to share it among so many old friends, but one that stands out in our minds is Amanda and her girls singing “Sweet Caroline” and soaking up the cool air from our little blue fan while you were getting on your dress.  Such a beautiful day!

Dasia & Scott:

Your wedding was the picture of class and timeless style and it fit you both perfectly!  Our favorite memory from your day would have to be setting up the Annie Leibovitz style portrait with your families after the ceremony.  It was such a fun and exciting challenge for us and the results totally paid off!  The whole group was so trusting and easy to work with.  We still can’t believe that we got your sisters to sit on the floor in their amazing gowns without the slightest hesitation.

Bianca & John:

Working with you both on your wedding day was such a joy.  Our favorite memory of the big day has got to be the time we spent taking portraits on the roof after your ceremony!  The atmosphere was just magical up there and we had so much fun shooting with you guys!  And of course, how many other couples would request photos in a bathtub?  That in itself is a pretty awesome memory.  You guys ROCK!

Katie & Justin: (Bridal Session & Wedding)

Where to begin?  The whole day we spent together in Jerome is full of so many great memories!  Your sweet and giggly first look and our many attempts to avoid being arrested for trespassing are at the top of the list for sure!  And the day of your wedding . . . the whole atmosphere was so warm and full of love.  You guys made us feel like part of the family.  We will always remember the joy it brought to our hearts to watch you exchange your vows and become man and wife.

Jennifer & Devin:

This one’s easy – your first kiss!  Hands down the BEST FIRST KISS EVER!  You guys rocked it and we feel so blessed that we got the chance to capture it for you.  Thank you for being such an amazing and godly couple.  Oh and you guys sure know how to own a dance floor!  Wow!  It’s always hard for a photographer to be on the other side of the lens, so we feel honored that you so willingly put your faith and trust in us!  Thank you for letting us share in such a wonderful day.

Jessica & Terrence:

We felt so bad for you guys that it ended up being so unseasonably hot on your wedding day!  No matter how uncomfortable it got though you guys were so upbeat and just kept enjoying your day together.  Our favorite moment from your day was probably your first dance!  You both just looked like you were having the time of your lives out there in each other’s arms.  And of course all the hours of gettin’ down on the dance floor after that were pretty great too!  You guys sure threw a great party . . . complete with silly mustaches and just a little bit of broken glass ;-)

Amy & Bryant:

We had so much fun with you guys, especially shooting your portraits at the Aloft, but the moments that stick out in our heads the most are the ones that made us laugh!  A few classics: Amy sneaking up on Bryant for your first look, when Bryant pulled out his own pen to sign the marriage license during the ceremony and of course, the pre-cake feeding hand sanitizer!  We really loved that you made your wedding about who you are as people and as a couple.  We also love looking back through the shots of you guys reacting to the toasts.  I don’t think we’ve ever seen a persons face so red!  Such good times!

Amie & Ted:

Your big day was so pleasantly laid back and relaxed – just like the two of you!  Our favorite memories from your day have to be from the time we spent walking around the Biltmore shooting portraits of you as a couple.  It was so much fun to incorporate Ted’s guitar and capture what a special couple you are.  We also really enjoyed your families and friends.  Everyone was so wonderful to be around and treated us with so much warmth and welcome.  It was a beautiful setting and a gorgeous day – we feel honored that we got to share it with you.

Vanessa & TJ: (Bridal Session & Wedding)

What a great way to end our 2009 season!  Hanging out with the two of you for your bridal session and wedding day was such a blast.  We knew going in that you guys were nervous about your photography experience, but boy, we’ll never understand why!  You were both total naturals in front of the camera and your sweet love for each other made our jobs so easy.  It’s hard to pick out a particular moment because we really enjoyed the entire time!  It meant so much to us to have your family and friends tell us that you raved about your bridal session at your rehearsal dinner.  We look back very fondly on all the moments we got to share with you guys!

As you can see, we kinda like all of you guys!  A lot!  Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives and giving us the honor of telling your story!

And to all of our 2010 couples . . . we can’t wait to have all kinds of fun stories about all of you next year!  It’s gonna be AWESOME!

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

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