Tips for Brides on Embracing Their Wedding Day

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. As a bride-to-be, you are about to embark on a magical journey, and your wedding day will undoubtedly be one of the most cherished moments of your life. To help you savor every second of this enchanting day, we've compiled some tips from my work as a wedding photographer that will ensure you shine with plenty of confidence and joy!

Take time to be present: Amidst the flurry of wedding preparations, remember that true beauty lies within you. Embrace your authentic self, and let your inner glow radiate through your smile. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and cherish the love that surrounds you. Allow yourself to feel the joy and excitement of this magical day, for it will reflect in your eyes and create a timeless charm that no veil or gown can match!

Cherish precious moments: In the whirlwind of celebrations, take time to cherish the precious moments with your loved ones. Embrace the hugs from family and friends, exchange tender glances with your partner, and laugh freely with your bridesmaids. These moments of love and connection will be the heart of your wedding day and will also be the moments that I work hard to capture.

Trust your dream team: You have carefully selected your dream team of vendors and wedding professionals…now it’s time to bring your vision to life. Trust in their expertise and allow them to work their magic while you focus on savoring each moment. Whether it's your talented hair and makeup artist or your skilled photographer (me!) capturing candid shots, let them work their magic!

Embrace the unexpected: As any bride knows, life is full of beautiful surprises, and your wedding day may have some unexpected moments. Embrace them with grace and laughter, knowing that these unplanned instances often become treasured memories in the tapestry of your love story! At one of my weddings, a flower girl dropped the floral ball and it rolled down the steps! These moments happen, and it often becomes a fun memory to laugh about later!

Emotion over perfection: Of course, every bride wants those magical Instagram shots (and I of course strive to deliver!), but I also capture the candid moments filled with feeling. As the day unfolds, focus on experiencing the emotions rather than chasing perfection. Your genuine happiness and heartfelt tears are what will make your wedding day truly extraordinary. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to the magic that surrounds you!

As you step into the spotlight on your wedding day, remember that it's not just about the grandeur of the event but the love that binds you and your partner together. Let the love and joy flow from your heart, and you will undoubtedly create a day filled with enchantment and everlasting memories. Congratulations, dear bride, on embarking on this wondrous journey of love and matrimony. May your wedding day be the beginning of a happily-ever-after that lasts a lifetime!

Christine and Brandon -Southern Oregon Couples and Wedding Photography

When Christine and Brandon decided to tie the knot, they hoped to get married on this stunning mountain range, but opted for a private estate wedding on her parent's property at Rock Creek Meadows instead. Their day was perfect, but having this separate session allowed us to capture the mountaintop feel they had dreamed of, after their wedding ceremony. This was a very intimate after session, that provided time to enjoy the views and breathe the fresh air! Christine was a relaxed bride (although she was already a wife here!), and her makeup, jewelry, and stunning gown made it feel very bridal, while also being appropriate for the outdoors. They are so in love, and it was a true joy to make the trek up this mountainside to witness their joy.

An after session is the perfect fit for a couple who has a small, intimate wedding, and wants a different backdrop for more wedding photos, or for a couple who has a limited timeline on the day-of. It's a great way to also do separate bridal photos, as well, in a special location that's different than your ceremony. It also allows you to be a bit more relaxed, because the inevitable stresses that can come with a wedding day can make it harder to focus and take in the moment. Christine is a wonderfully talented photographer at Christine Sarah Photography, and also a dear friend. I love all of her fun, creative ideas, and felt so humbled that she chose me to photograph her and Brandon on both their wedding day and this special shoot. 

SIERRA & BRADY | MOUNTAINTOP ENGAGEMENT SESSION | OREGON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER