My Bridal Portraits

Bridal Portraits

The Ford Plantation - Richmond Hill, Georgia

August 28, 2011

True Story: I was so up and down on whether or not I wanted bridal portriats." Do I really want this many pictures of just me? No, I don't. I'd much rather Aaron be in them." That's what my answer was when I was asked, are you doing portraits? Also, I didn't want to pay a fortune for pictures of just myself. I just didn't see it happening. As time got closer, I started questionion myself, Do I want these? You can NEVER do this again. So... when talking to my best friend, Danielle {aka my maid of honor} back in July, we were discussing what I would want if this happened. "I would want a Southern Belle look with old houses." Then we ran into issues with my dress needing more time with the busseling & such so in my mind I canceled portraits out. There was just no time. The Thursday before Dani called me and said "I have a crazy surprise for you so get ready." She then told me that we had an appointment to take pictures that Sunday, bridal portraits were gonna happen....  at.the.Ford Plantation. I was confused yet SO excited. I grew up very close to this plantation and know it's NOT easy to get in. Actually, you can't get in unless you have the hook up OR pay a whole load of $$$. Well she got the hook up.

With only F.I.V.E days before my wedding day... this happened!

The Main House = only one area of this place. We weren't aloud inside, but... we did  & we could be there for as long as we wanted. :)

The Bible & Handkerchief pictured is a family tradition. My grandmother was given this when she was four years old on communion day by her mother. All of the woman in my family has carried these two items on their wedding day. All of our names & wedding date are written inside the bible. Also, my wedding shoes & my "throw away" {handmade} bouquet. 

 

This was my original hair piece I purchased made at the beginning of my planning, however decided not to wear it on my wedding day. Loved it but chose another look. However, I wanted to use it in my portraits so I could have the best of both & never had to say these words "I wish I would have..." 

The girls had me doing all sorts of poses & doing everything!

It was so much fun!

At the end of the day {3 hours}, I was exhausted. We all were. However I was so happy I decided to do these because if I ever felt like a princess or a character in a movie... I did this day.

If any of you ever question whether or not to take bridal portraits DO IT. It's worth the time & money..

even though the best part about this... is my photographer did not take these.

Danielle's mother did, all 295. Wow, right? Yes she did with just her regular canon camera.

I did my own make-up, my own hair, & no professional photographer.

It was just a day with my mom, my best friend, & Mrs. W {who is like a second mom}

& it was a day I will never forget and I never felt so comfortable. I don't think I could have done some of the poses I did and feel relaxed as I did.

 

It was the BEST day with the BEST people at the BEST location!

{maybe one day I can post more. I didn't want to overload}

Here she is ladies: My Wedding Dress Details

My Wedding Dress

Ambrosia Designer: Maggie Sottero
Color: Alabaster
Full bustled gown with dipped neckline and corset closure. The glamor of embellished lace accents the bodice, as a sensational fit through the hip area combines with caught-up detailing throughout the Soft Shimmer Satin skirt. A romantic lace inset panel is punctuated with handmade flowers that are also nestled within bustled train.

She's a beauty♥ {the dress that is}

{sneak peak of my bridal portraits}

Back View [My Favorite]

{sneak peak of my bridal portraits}

Read about, The Day I found Ambrosia!

Day 108 of planning.

Remember guessing on this post, which out of the 10 dresses was mine?
Who got her right?
I think MishMish & Marcy were the closest!

Alterations Experience

I was very excited about this particular day [June 26th] because my gown had been hanging in my [old] closet back at my parents house. I was so excited yet nervous to know how much alterations would be. I am only 5'2, so every dress I put on must be altered. Being this dress weighs a tons and I had so much extra on the bottom... I was worried.
However, I was excited to see what my "armpit tit fat" looked like.
We all have it.. okay, we I'd like to say we all. Not really.
Let's just say after loosing 17 pounds, I must have lost in that area because I was super happy. After the seamstress pinned up the bottom & bustled me correctly, I didn't think I could love this gown anymore. I was at awe.
That's the day I decided to change up my hair style. The seamstress also suggested that I wore a 'slip' under her. I thought "No way. I like it just the way it is." She said because of the way the bottom is made, & having to take off 4" of the dress, It took away from the dress, but the slip would help. So I figured I would try it on and pass it along. Just to say I did it.
Well, I was even more in love. She knew exactly what she was talking about.
Who care if I have only 8 pounds of dress on me?{ha}

When I went back for my final dress fitting on July 21st, I thought I was bringing her home.
Well... I didn't. But it was okay. After what took her "9 HOURS" to alter & 4 inches of dress off the bottom & 5 hooks [yes, 5 hooks] to hold the train.. everything was perfect...
But... 5 hooks wasn't enough. It was yet too heavy. By the way I dance, it would have fallen in no time. So they added two more to completely bustle the train.



... BIG let down come the day of the wedding regarding this dress, nothing to crazy but it did upset me a put a small damper on an important moment. That comes later!

The return of the MRS. ---

Hi everyone! I've officially checked back into reality as of today!

I can't wait to re-cap ... everything! I want to Thank each and every one of you who

showed your excitement throughout last weeks "marriage" posts & also the past couple of days! It means so much & Aaron and I both enjoyed reading your comments!

Mondays post {HERE} was my Lingerie Shower,{so much fun}which was exactly ONE week prior to our wedding day. So from here on out I plan to {capture} my wedding week + details on certain things & areas of the wedding that were special to me.  I can't finally share my true excitement that I've been keeping in for SO long.

There was a slight downfall... It's difficult to think about or discuss but it happened just as soon as my week took off with excitement, suddenly my happiness crashed completely. My heart was shattered. Thankfully with a lot of prayers from the man above, I was able to pull myself together.

I will tell you that our wedding day was {so clique to say} the happiest, most amazing day of my life. I really didn't ever think my I would get the 'whole nine yards' of everything I've ever dreamed of... but I did. Literally. With that being said, there were {many} mistakes and things that did NOT turn out so well. Some I didn't care about, some not so much. All in all... It was the best day.

Our photographer said we wouldn't receive the pictures back for at least the next 3 weeks. {I.CAN.NOT.WAIT} I will express you miss a LOT when you are sitting on the other side of the fence {meaning the bride & groom}. However, you get the glory of marrying your best friend & celebrating YOUR MARRIAGE with everyone that means the most to you.

Our honeymoon was p.e.r.f.e.c.t & SO relaxing. It was crazy fun &&&& I've never slept so good in the past 8 months as I did last week!

Stick around because I have SO many things to share.

Hopefully you aren't quite wedding-ed out by my blog. I do plan to blog normal in between these RE-cap wedding talks, okay... so don't get bored with me?

Thanks again everyone!

Sneak of my dress/bridal portraits...

{that's the next RE-cap, my wedding dress!}