Lacey's Wedding: Benefits of Bridal Portraits
Lacey and Roberts wedding was the perfect combination of rustic and chic. The aisle was adorned with bundles of logs topped off with lanterns bursting at the seams of fresh floras thanks to Brides & Bouquets.
Their family style tables setting were to die for with pops of purple, blue and pink hues. The open patio was topped with twinkling market lights that set the mood of the romantic evening created by the fabulous Orangerie Events.
We were all swooning over the gorgeous setting that market lights create, although I think that it’s safe to say that everyone involved in their big day was quietly saying a prayer that there would be no chance of precipitation that day! The newlyweds were so in love, we couldn’t help but smirk every time Robert dip kissed Lacey (which happened frequently)!
Lacey was our first bride to use the space for her bridal portrait. We quickly realized the beauty of having a bridal portrait taken and now we suggest every bride does it! It’s kind of like a dress rehearsal before the wedding!
All of these lovely photos where taken at our downtown wedding venue in Raleigh, North carolina!
BENEFITS OF TAKING BRIDAL PORTRAITS
Taking Bridal Photos is The Best Beauty Trial Run
It’s the best hair, makeup, jewelry and bouquet trial run. You’ve had this idea of exactly what you want everything to look like on your wedding day. Now you can really see how everything comes together.
It’s helpful in seeing the way your makeup comes out in photographs. Most of the time you aren’t trying on your dress after you’ve had your hair consultation so this is the best way to see if you like the way your hair looks once you have your dress and veil on.
Many times brides have an idea of what they’d like their jewelry to consist of but after seeing it in a photograph they might prefer to remove or add to their original idea.
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Wedding Dress rehearsal before the big day

It’s your last dress fitting. This is usually the last time a bride will put on her dress before the big day. Since you’re photographer will be taking so many posed photos of you, it’s a great way to see how the dress truly fits and moves with your body.
Most brides take their bridal portraits 1-2 months before the wedding so it still gives you plenty of time to tweak little things that may just not be falling right.
Getting Comfortable With Your Photographer Before The Wedding
It gives you another opportunity to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day. You may have already had an opportunity to work with your photographer for engagement photos but if not this is the perfect time to become familiar with their style.
It also allows you to chat with them after your bridal portrait session to go over angles you didn’t like and additional images you’re hoping to get on the big day. It also allows you more time on your wedding day to take some less posed, not so serious shots.
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An Opportunity to Take Unique Photos
You can get shots that you wouldn’t otherwise get on your wedding day. Chances are you won’t have time to take any solo pictures on your wedding day.

Although we are sure you’re going to want as many pictures with your new husband on that day as possible, it’s always nice for your parents, grandparents, etc. to have a keepsake to show off to all of their friends!
Lacey’s bridal portraits came out absolutely stunning. She is SO photogenic so we weren’t surprised! She even took a few shots in our claw foot bathtub!
The first time her mom saw the images was during their rehearsal and with the revel of the portraits came lots of happy tears.
It was so sweet to see the pure joy that came over her when she thought of her little girl walking down the aisle the next day.
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We love when our brides have their portraits taken at The Merrimon-Wynne House but we also love when brides who aren’t getting married here take their portraits with us! Photographers rave about the space being ideal for portraits.
Between the overwhelming amount of natural light that the floor to ceiling windows spill in, the 3 floor twisting staircase, the original mantles, woodwork and floorboards and the neutral color palette you can really get any kind of shot you’re looking for.
Be sure to stop by Ashley McCray’s website and Facebook page to see more gorgeous photos from Lacey and Robert’s wedding!
For more information about how to personalize your wedding venue check out The Marrimon-Wynne House Today!
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