Photo: Taylor Golden Photography
Planning a wedding is a process that typically starts anywhere from three to 18 months before the big day. There’s a lot that goes into the main event itself, but there are plenty of other wedding-related elements that you should consider when thinking about your wedding photography. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion—don’t you owe it to yourselves to capture all of the magic and beauty surrounding it?
The Engagement Session
Your “wedding” photography typically starts with your engagement session. I advise my couples to complete their engagement session at least six months before the wedding, to give them time to use and enjoy the images to the fullest—for instance, as part of their save-the-date announcements.
The engagement session also is a great time to get to know your photographer better, and get used to their style of shooting so that the wedding day flows more smoothly, and you comfortable throughout the day.
You’ll typically print one or two large portraits from your wedding. Using engagement photos to balance out these wedding photos ensures that the photographic artwork you display in your home captures you and your spouse in a range of locations, poses and outfits.
And speaking of that range…when it comes your engagement shoot, I say the more diversity the better! Something I like to do for my couples is shoot their session in another city. It’s particularly great when we can incorporate a city that is meaningful to them personally, such as where they got engaged, where they love to vacation, etc.
The Bridal Session
The bridal session gives you a chance to get beautiful bridal portraits, regardless of how hectic, chaotic…or stormy…your wedding day may be. It is, in essence, a fall back to ensure that you get everything you want in photos of you, and possibly your groom, on your wedding day. There are two ways to do this session.
1. Before the wedding with the bride alone. This is typically more traditional and the purpose is to get a beautiful portrait of the bride to display at the reception. You’ll want to do this about three months before the wedding.
2. After the wedding, with both the bride and groom. This is my favorite option because it allows us to get creative and do something really unique. This can be done the day after the wedding or a year after the wedding—there is really no time restraint. However I recommend doing it no later than three months after, as life tends to get in the way. This session may also be done in another city to create diversity in your images. Say you always wanted pictures of you and your husband, horseback on a beach…this is your chance, and will result in beautiful imagery for your home, and allow you to wear the dress of your dreams for your wedding, after your wedding, when you don’t have to worry about getting it a little…roughed up.
Happy wedding wishes, Houston couples!
Multi-international-award-winning photographer Taylor Golden counts politicians, professional athletes and celebrities among her clientele. Newly returned to Houston after a long Midwest hiatus, Golden is HOT on the wedding scene. Find out more about Taylor Golden Photography & check out her gorgeous pix right here.
Photo: Taylor Golden Photography
