Windy Hill Wedding and Event Barn Bridal Portraits

Kate’s Windy Hill Wedding and Event Barn Bridal Portraits were simply stunning.  It had been snowing earlier in the week in Simpsonville, SC so at first we were unsure if we would still be able to hold the portrait session.  However, thankfully enough of the snow had melted by the end of the week to still have Kate’s Bridal Portraits.  Especially with Windy Hill’s fully heated 4200 square foot barn, we were quite comfortable!

Use of Wedding Venue for Windy Hill Bridal Portraits

We were so thankful for Windy Hill Wedding and Event Barn owners and staff allowing us to use their beautiful location for these portraits.  Did you know that many venues allow you to use their location for your Bridal Portraits when you book your wedding there too?  This is especially helpful in all different kinds of weather, or unpredictable weather too!  Here in the south, most of the time it is hot weather.  This Event Barn also is fully air conditioned, so it’s a great option in hot weather too.

Inside Portraits First at Windy Hill

Usually I like to start Bridal Portraits inside first, if we have an indoor option. This gives the bride a chance to warm up, and get used to being in front of the camera. I don’t move the bride too much during these first shots. I just take many different angles – some close up, some far away, some with the bride looking, some with the bride looking out a window. For example, this barn had lovely windows letting in beautiful natural light. So, I took full advantage in posing Kate by the window.

The Importance of Flowers in Your Bridal Photo Session

When I first start talking to my brides about doing a Bridal Session, many ask what they will need to bring to the session. My number one nugget of advice? Bring a bouquet of flowers!  It doesn’t necessarily have to be the exact same bouquet flowers you will have for your wedding.  However, if it can be something that has similar colors, that is always great for consistency.  Some brides will even choose to do fake flowers for the Bridal Session, just to save a little money.  Either way is fine with me!  Besides the colors being similar, just having the flowers is the most important part!  Often times you don’t know what to do with your hands during a Bridal Session, so having something to hang onto will make you feel much more natural.

The Veil in Bridal Portraits

In addition to the flowers, it is important to have your veil along. If you will be wearing a veil in the wedding, you should have it for your Bridal Portrait Session also. After all, you want to have your Portraits look similar to your wedding day all around look.  Furthermore, practicing your wedding day look, complete with your hair and makeup, shoes, and jewelry will ensure that you are completely satisfied with your decisions before the big day!  I’ve had brides wear the shoes they thought they would wear on their wedding day in the Bridal Session, only to find out that they hurt their feet in just the hour long session.  So, they were able to make a change to a more comfortable pair of shoes before the wedding day.

What to do with your Bridal Portraits

Many brides are unsure of what to do with their Bridal Portrait photos after the session is over. Equally important to getting your Bridal Photos taken, is knowing how to display them. I always suggest picking at least one of your favorites from your completed gallery and getting a big canvas print made of the photo to display at your reception. Even though it will be covered up at first, it can be uncovered or brought out for all guests to enjoy as a special decor item after the ceremony is over and everyone has seen you in your dress. Many of my brides also use their Bridal photos to give as gifts to their parents on their wedding day. What Mother of the Bride wouldn’t want a gorgeous photo of her newly married daughter to hang on her wall or set on an important memory shelf?

Kate’s Bridal Portraits at Windy Hill

As you can tell from these photos, Kate was absolutely gorgeous and stunning. I’ve come to find that Kate is not only gorgeous on the outside, but has a gorgeous personality too. Her sweet spirit and fun quirky side came out in her Bridal photos. Check out not only the romantic pictures by the window, but also some of her having fun in her dress at the end of this post. If you are a newly engaged bride and thinking about having a Bridal Session, I hope you may consider it! It is so important and lots of fun! Enjoy many more photos from Kate’s Bridal Session at Windy Hill below. Be sure to check out some of her vendors who helped make this Bridal Session such a success!

Hair:  Susannah Lewis Hair

Makeup:  Ashley at Verb Beauty Studio

Flowers:  Yuli Smith Photography Flowers

Venue:  Windy Hill Wedding and Event Barn, Simpsonville, SC

View Kate and Drew’s Winter Engagement Session here in Greenville SC too!