Bridal Portrait on the Front Porch

Jenny Page is marrying Jimmy West on September 26, 2009. She came down from Manhattan for a visit to her family home in Raleigh, NC so we could do a bridal portrait. I am always so glad when we can do a portrait in a location that holds memories and meaning for the portrait subject. Their home in Hayes Barton was Jenny’s mother’s home as a child and, from the age of 15, Jenny lived there, too. Jenny’s grandfather even came to watch! Here are my favorites of this gorgeous, fun bride. By the time I publish this the wedding will have happened, so congratulations to Jenny and Jimmy!

Swain Sisters

Last year I photographed the wedding of Hadley Swain and Tripp Kirkland. Lucky for me, Hadley’s wonderful sister, Caroline, was due to be wed this summer at Fearrington to Josh Strehle, and they chose KPO Photo again for their photos. Prior to the wedding Caroline, her mom, Mary Jo, and good friend Jessica came to visit me at the studio for Caroline’s bridal portrait. I am so glad we took the time do this portrait because on the day of the wedding Caroline changed into another dress for most of the reception. She loves to dance and it that was hard to do that in this formal gown. It was so pretty, though.

What Happens When it Rains on Your Bridal Portrait

Molly Kane had arranged her bridal portrait well in advance. She made sure her dress was ready. She booked an appointment for hair and make-up. Her parents blocked out time to come. All was set for a lovely afternoon portrait in Duke Gardens. Then came the spring rain. Luckily, we have a studio ready to go at all times. I love a garden portrait but the studio can be really wonderful, too. They wanted this portrait session most importantly as a dress rehearsal and to get comfortable in front of the camera. Molly was just stunning!
As usual, I emailed my favorites to my clients shortly after the shoot. Molly’s mom, Margo had this to say:

Kristin-

Margo

Spring has sprung at Fearrington.

Photographing weddings is very cyclical. As one might expect, we are really busy in the spring, summer and early fall. Winter is a time for rest and catching up. Today I officially shifted from dormancy to activity with the bridal portrait of Maaran Luke. Her wedding will be April 18th, 2009 at Fearrington. Although I am posting this bridal portrait today, I am post-dating it so that it will not publish until just after the wedding. You see, the bride and her dress are a highly guarded secret until the moment she walks down the aisle. I would never want to be responsible for prematurely allowing a groom to see his betrothed before the actual walk down the aisle. These portraits, as well as their wedding day images, are in an on-line gallery. To see it click HERE.

I always ask my clients to bring along a friend or relative to their bridal portrait. That person is there to help them to smile and make the whole process fun. Maaran was lucky enough to have her sister-in-law and good friend, Kelly, and both her mother and soon to be mother-in-law along for the shoot. They did a wonderful job of keeping her happy and smiling.

Before we start a shoot I try to get a feel for what my clients are looking for. Both Maaran and her mother, Ann, said they really like a more relaxed style. So that is what we did. I am so happy with the end result!