If you’re anything like me, you love any excuse to put on a fancy dress and feel like the main character – especially when it means you get to twirl in the most gorgeous dress you’ve ever worn. That’s exactly the kind of fantasy Austin bridal portraits bring to life. They’re not just about pretty pictures (though, yes please to those!), they’re about making your wedding day smoother and stress-free, allowing you to be even more present on the wedding day.

As an Austin wedding photographer, I recommend bridal portraits to almost all my brides – and here’s why you’ll be obsessed with them, too.

Why Do Bridal Portraits Matter?

Bridal portraits give you a rehearsal for the wedding day look. You get to test the dress, makeup, hair, bouquet, and how you actually feel in all of it. You might love your hair trial…until it won’t stay pinned and keeps falling in your face every 5 seconds. Or maybe that lipstick that looked amazing in-store doesn’t quite photograph the way you hoped. Do you like the size and style of the bouquet you picked, or do you wish you’d gone with a different style?  This is our chance to tweak and perfect everything while you’re still weeks out from the big day.

Some brides hesitate because they don’t want a ton of photos without their partner, but the truth is: bridal portraits are all about test-driving your full wedding day look – without the time crunch or pressure of the actual day. And honestly, who doesn’t want to wear their dream dress twice?

💡 Pro Tip: About 80% of my brides end up sending their dress back for alterations after this session. Bridal portraits give you an honest chance to see how you feel wearing it and walking in it – not just how it feels while standing on a pedestal at the bridal salon.

How Bridal Portraits Save You Time on the Wedding Day

You know how you want to spend your wedding day? With your people. Not rushing through photos while your guests are sipping cocktails without you.

Bridal portraits let us knock out a ton of must-have shots before the day even starts. You’ll have more time to soak in the celebration, hug your grandma, eat your dinner (I will fight for you to eat your dinner), and enjoy the moment.

Just like a first look means more photos before the ceremony, bridal portraits mean more time at your party with your people!

But Won’t My Dress Get Dirty?

Short answer: yes. Slightly. But hear me out: only the underneath portion of the bottom of the dress touches the ground (the part no one sees), and you’re going to be walking in it on your wedding day anyway! Also, keep in mind that most bridal salons are more than happy to clean your wedding dress for you.

You only wear your wedding dress once – don’t let fear of a little dirt keep you from getting dreamy photos that feel like you.

 

Best Time to Schedule Your Austin Bridal Portraits

6-8 weeks before the wedding is the bridal portrait sweet spot. Not too early, not too late – just right. Here’s why:

• Your dress is back from alterations (and has had its big moment off the mannequin)

• Your veil has arrived (if you’re wearing one)

• You have enough time to print and frame a portrait if you want one on display at your reception

• Your vendors still have weekday availability

Most Austin wedding photographers and vendors are booked solid on weekends (hi, that’s me!), so bridal sessions typically happen on a weekday – Monday through Thursday. That gives us plenty of time to soak in the moment, without rushing around wedding-week craziness. Scheduling your session 6-8 weeks before the wedding ensures I have time to cull and edit your gallery (your photos from me will be delivered within 4 weeks), and you’ll have plenty of time to choose a favorite image to print and frame before the big day.

And since this is a test drive for your full wedding day look, I always recommend scheduling your session after your final dress alterations and once your veil has arrived (if you’re wearing one). That way, we can see how everything comes together, and you still have time to make any final tweaks.

Some of my brides even take their dress back for one last nip or tuck after their session. That’s one of the biggest perks of doing this in advance – you get to wear it, move in it, and figure out what feels amazing (and what needs adjusting) before you’re walking down the aisle.

Don’t Forget to Loop In Your Beauty Team

If you’re working with a hair and makeup artist on your wedding day, go ahead and book them for your bridal session, too. Many offer trial runs, and this is the perfect time to use it.

You’ll get to see how your makeup photographs in golden-hour lighting, how your hair holds up after a breeze or a few twirls, and whether everything makes you feel like your most beautiful self. Plus, if you want to tweak anything – lip color, lashes, curls, etc. – you’ll have time to adjust long before the big day.

💡 Pro Tip: You’ll already be glammed up after your session, so it’s the perfect excuse for a girls’ night or a fancy dinner out! 🤩

A Note About Your Bouquet

I always recommend having a bouquet for your bridal portraits – it gives you something to do with your hands in photos and ties in your wedding colors and vibe beautifully. Just keep in mind: mock-up bouquets might not match your wedding day florals exactly.

Why? Because your bridal session happens weeks (or months) before your actual wedding, and flower availability changes seasonally. Don’t worry if you’re not seeing the exact blooms you planned – what matters most is the shape and size of the bouquet, and how it feels in your hands for posing.

💡 Pro Tip: if you’re working with a florist, ask if they can create something similar in style and color palette so you can practice with it – and if not, even a loose, pretty bouquet from a local flower market can work wonders!

Let’s Talk About Light

Your session timing will depend on the location, but if it’s outdoors, we’ll usually start about 1.5 hours before sunset. That’s when the light is soft and glowy (aka photographer heaven). If your location is mostly indoors, we may aim for earlier in the day when light is at its strongest.

Please promise me one thing: we’re not doing outdoor portraits at high noon. The under-eye shadows. The heat. The potential for sweat-induced meltdown. Texas sun does not play around, and we want you glowing – not squinting. 😅

I’ll help you figure out the best time based on your specific location and date. You don’t need to stress over the timing – just know that we’ll plan it all so you feel confident, relaxed, and completely wedding-ready.

What Should You Bring to Your Bridal Portraits?

• Your wedding dress (obvi)

• Wedding day shoes (or a pair of the same height, so you can have clean shoes for flat lay detail photos)

• A bouquet (yes, even if it’s a mock-up! It gives your hands something to do)

• Any accessories you’re wearing on the big day (veil, gloves, earrings, etc.)

• Scissors (to cut the tag off your veil and any loose threads)

• Your #bridetribe hype girl (just one!) who makes you laugh and boosts your confidence

Styling Tips & Location Inspo

While most brides default to their venue for bridal portraits, I love when you pick somewhere different, especially an indoor location. Not only does this help when the weather isn’t cooperating – too cold = red nose, too hot = sweaty and grumpy, too much humidity = frizzy hair – but indoor locations also tend to have cleaner floors, which will make your mama’s heart a whole lot happier. 🫶

Mansion venues with architecture, fun wallpaper, and nature are always a win. A few of my favs:

• Wish Well House

• Barr Mansion

• Woodbine Mansion

• Villa Antonia (hello, Mediterranean dreams)

💡 Pro Tip: choose a spot with shade or golden-hour access – because harsh overhead light at noon = not the vibe.

A Few Last-Minute Tips

Bridal portraits are one of the most fun and glamorous parts of wedding planning – but they also take a little prep to make sure you feel confident and comfortable on session day. Here’s everything I recommend as your go-to Austin wedding photographer to get the most out of the experience:

 

Eat Something Before You Arrive

We don’t want a hangry bride who’s grumpy in her photos (I can’t be the only one who gets hangry, right?!). Eat a real meal if you can – or at least pack a snack like a bar or trail mix. The goal is to feel energized and relaxed. Bonus idea: turn your bridal session into a girls’ night or mommy-daughter date!  If you’re brining your mama to your session and she has been your rock during the planning process, spoil her!  She deserves it!

Give Yourself Extra Time

Getting into your dress will take longer than you think (trust me). There are layers to fluff, buttons to button, and there’s traffic to deal with. Pad in extra time for hair, makeup, and the drive to your location. Since I shoot bridal sessions with natural light only, we have to start on time – because the sun won’t wait for us.

Skip the Spray Tan

I know it’s tempting, but please don’t tan or use tanning lotion right before your session. Spray tans can turn orange or streaky, and sunburns are even worse (you do not want to wear a strapless wedding dress with a crispy red chest). Your natural skin tone photographs beautifully, and my editing style is all about keeping things timeless and true to life.

Wear a Zip-Up or Button-Up Style Top

When you’re getting ready, wear a button-up or zip-up top so you don’t mess up your hair or makeup. Also, take off your bra early in the day – especially if you’re wearing a strapless dress. Bras can leave red indentations on your shoulders or back that show up on camera. This is a small tip, but trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Don’t Forget the Nails

Your hands will show up in your bouquet shots, your ring shots, and your posing – so give them a little love! Even if you’re not usually a mani kind of girl, this is the perfect excuse. Your bridal session is a special occasion, and your photos will thank you.

Expect a Little Dirt

Yes, your dress might get a tiny bit dirty on the bottom. That’s okay! You’ll likely only wear it once, and most of the dirt will be on the underneath part that no one sees. Trying to protect it with a sheet usually doesn’t work (they blow around, don’t match your dress, and make photos look stiff). Bridal portraits should feel joyful and free – not like you’re stuck in one spot. Let yourself twirl!

Limit Cell Phone Photos

I always recommend setting a rule about phones at your bridal session. Here’s why:

1. You don’t want someone accidentally sharing a sneak peek with your dad or bridesmaids before the big day, especially if they haven’t seen the dress yet.  Those syncing iCloud Accounts have gotten more than one person in trouble before.

2. A friend’s cell phone photo taken from the wrong angle might make you second-guess your dress before you’ve even seen my final edits – and we do not want that kind of energy.  Instead, bring someone who hypes you up and helps fluff your dress – not someone focused on capturing behind-the-scenes photos. I’ll make sure you look amazing!  You just get to feel beautiful.

 

Trends I’m Seeing in Bridal Portraits Lately

Lately, I’ve seen brides leaning into vintage-inspired details – basque waistlines, long cathedral veils, and classic silhouettes that never go out of style. Gloves and bold accessories are making a comeback, and second dresses are more popular than ever.

Brides are choosing shorter, party-ready dresses for the reception – and many are bringing them to their bridal session, too! That way, we can capture your main gown in a relaxed setting and still sneak in a few fun shots of your second look. No matter your style, your bridal session gives both dresses the moment they deserve.

Ready to Book Your Austin Bridal Portrait Session?

Whether you’re dreaming of a modern editorial look, a Southern-glam fairytale, or something with a little Kacey Musgraves sparkle (cowboy boots welcome!), I’d love to photograph your bridal session.

✨ Reach out here to start planning with your go-to Austin wedding photographer!

Let’s plan a bridal session that feels as beautiful and effortless as your wedding day will.

📚 Want to see a full gallery of Austin Bridal Portraits?

• • Timeless Bridal Portraits at HighPointe Estate
  • Fun & Playful Bridal Portraits at Addison Grove
  • Bridal Portraits with a Tropical Vibe at Barr Mansion
  • Spring Bridal Portraits at Wish Well House in Georgetown, TX
  • Classic Woodbine Mansion Bridal Portraits
  • Summer Bridal Portraits with a Bike
  • Round Rock Bridal Portraits at Woodbine Mansion