Welcome!
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your bridal session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I am a big fan of bridal sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera! Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes or less may be all we have for portraits - which is why I've found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when ladies do a bridal session so that you know you have lots of photos already in your dress.
Also, so that you can have the opportunity to have a portrait made and at the reception on display.
Last, you have the opportunity to see your hair and makeup in photos before your big day! You want the wedding day to be perfect so this is the PERFECT TRIAL RUN!
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since we get asked the same things over and over again, we thought it would be the most beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- Kayce & the crew
We can't WAIT TO WORK WITH YOU! I'm so excited for your session and making this time all about you!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or email me to discuss!
Our Bride
A NOTE TO
A note to
I prefer your session to be at least three-four weeks before your big day! This gives me time to retouch your photos and your digital files will be ready for downloading after your final payment is paid, which is two weeks before your day. If you choose to print your photos I highly recommend www.Mpix.com for great printing! Shipping is also very fast!
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when when we can—we love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot if you need a morning session.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Locations
Mississippi AND Alabama LOCATIONS
We love when a Bride chooses a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your Bridal portraits among the classic architecture in downtown Biloxi, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for planning a more rustic affair.
The best session locations are often meaningful places to you; however, we’re also happy to make recommendations. From college campuses, to downtown districts, the options for session locations are endless!
Mary Mahoney's Walkway - Biloxi
Biloxi Visitors Center
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion* - Mobile, AL
Oak Crest Mansion* - Pass Christian
The Old Place* - Gautier, MS
Bellingrath Gardens* - Mobile, AL
Southern Miss Campus - Hattiesburg, MS
Beauvoir* - Biloxi
White House Hotel
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Downtown Fairhope
Downtown Ocean Springs
The Grand Hotel* - Point Clear, AL
COASTAL
National Seashore - O.S
Front Beach - O.S (Rocks)
Biloxi & Gulfport Beaches
Harbors along the Coast
Orange Beach, AL & Gulf Shores, AL
BEACH
Flower nursery
The Camellia Barn* - Perkinston, MS
The Venue at Southern Oaks* - Gulfport, MS
Logtown / Pearlington, MS
Oak Hollow Farm* - Fairhope, AL
RUSTIC
*Indicates a fee for use of grounds - Client covers any fee for locations*
Destination Bridal Sessions
While we take most of our sessions in the Biloxi area, we’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Hattiesburg, MS, Tuscaloosa, AL, to Houston, TX!
If you have a location in mind that is significant to you, let us know because if our schedules align, we might be able to take your photos outside of our normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
We’ll check in the week of your bridal session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. We know it takes a lot of time to get ready for a session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let us know what works best for you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance. Whether to cancel and reschedule or to move to another indoor location.
When we can, we always try to take a photo of your ring during your session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
Ring Cleaning
Extra Tips
While you might need heels for your dress, definitely bring a pair of flats for comfort!
A bouquet, even a small one from a local florist, is fantastic to have for your session.
Bring a spare rag to dab off any sweat you might have with this south Mississippi heat! Also, your lipstick and a powder puff to do any touchups.
We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and dress to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy this time!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
After your session is complete, we’ll begin the hand edit retouching process as soon as possible.
Unless we have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your photos between 1 and 2 weeks after your session.
Your gallery will be emailed to you and you can download them right to your computer.
We even offer professional printing!
Retouching & Delivery
We know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your session!
However if there is something we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
kayce@kaycestork.com