Carrie & Teddy’s Bridal Portrait Session: A Celebration of Love and Second Chances

When it comes to wedding planning, there are so many details to think about. From the perfect venue to the right flowers, the dream dress, and the guest list—there’s a lot on your plate! And then, of course, there’s the big day itself. You want everything to be perfect, and you’re hoping to capture it all in beautiful photos that tell the story of your love. But here’s the thing: wedding days are busy. Super busy. Between the ceremony, the reception, and all those little moments in between, taking time for portraits can feel rushed. That’s where bridal portrait sessions come in—and they’re a game changer.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Carrie and Teddy on their anniversary bridal portrait session, and it was nothing short of magical. Let’s talk about why this session was so special, why bridal portraits can be such a great choice for couples, and how this particular session gave Carrie and Teddy the chance to rewrite their wedding story in the best way possible.

Why Bridal Portrait Sessions Are Worth It

If you’ve never considered doing a bridal session before your wedding day, let me tell you why it’s something you might want to think about. Bridal portraits aren’t just for the fashion-forward bride; they’re a perfect way to relieve some of the stress that often comes with wedding day photos. Here’s how:

1. Less Stress, More Time:
On your wedding day, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible with your friends, family, and your new spouse. You’re already juggling so many things, so taking time away from your guests for portraits can feel like a bit of a time crunch. By doing a bridal portrait session ahead of time, you get to capture all the stunning details—your dress, your hair, your makeup—without any of the pressure of the big day. Plus, it gives us the freedom to get creative and try different poses, locations, and lighting without the ticking clock of the wedding day.

2. Cocktail Hour Freedom:
Let’s be real: a big part of your wedding day is celebrating with your loved ones. That’s why bridal portrait sessions are such a great way to give yourself the gift of enjoying cocktail hour. Instead of rushing around for photos during the reception, you can slip right into the party and soak in those moments with your guests while we’ve already captured your beautiful portraits.

3. A Chance for Creative Freedom:
When you’re in the thick of your wedding day, there are so many moving parts. We’ve got to work around the schedule, the weather, and sometimes even the crowds of people. But with a bridal session, we have the time and space to experiment with different angles, lighting, and settings to capture something truly unique. It’s a beautiful way to bring out the best in both you and your partner.

Carrie & Teddy’s Anniversary Bridal Portrait Session: A Story of Healing

Carrie and Teddy’s bridal portrait session was a little different from most. Although they had gotten married a couple of years earlier, their wedding day didn’t quite go as planned. Sometimes, no matter how much we hope for a flawless day, life throws us a curveball. Whether it’s weather issues, timing delays, or unexpected mishaps, it’s easy for couples to feel like their wedding day photos don’t reflect the true joy and excitement they felt in the moment.

For Carrie and Teddy, their original wedding day wasn’t everything they had hoped for, and there were a few memories tied to that day that weren’t as joyful as they had envisioned. Instead of letting those moments define their memories, Carrie and Teddy decided to revisit their wedding photos in a completely different way—through an anniversary bridal portrait session.

A Chance to Rewrite the Narrative:
An anniversary session allowed Carrie and Teddy to rewrite the story of their wedding day. It was an opportunity to reconnect with one another, relive their love, and capture new memories in a way that felt more relaxed and joyful. They chose this session as a way to reclaim their wedding experience, to celebrate how far they had come as a couple, and to create photos that truly reflected the love they shared.

Carrie was stunning in her wedding dress, and Teddy was absolutely dashing in his suit. The locations we selected for their session were beautiful, but it wasn’t just about the backdrop—it was about the way they looked at each other, how they laughed together, and how they interacted in front of the camera. With every click of the shutter, we created new, beautiful memories for them to treasure forever.

What was so powerful about this session was how Carrie and Teddy were able to put those unfavorable wedding memories behind them and embrace the present. The session felt like a celebration of their love—full of light, laughter, and connection. Instead of feeling weighed down by the stress of the past, they used this anniversary session as a chance to move forward with a renewed sense of joy and excitement about their life together.

When the Weather Decides to Be Part of the Story

Now, here’s where things get interesting. You’d think that everything went perfectly during this session, right? Well, that would be too easy. On the day of Carrie and Teddy’s session, the weather had other plans. What was supposed to be a bright, sunny day turned into a torrential downpour. Yep, you heard that right—a full-on rainstorm.

But here’s the thing about weddings (and life in general): not everything is going to go according to plan. Sometimes, you just have to roll with it. And I’m so glad that Carrie and Teddy were up for the challenge. 

Instead of fighting the elements, we pivoted. We decided to shoot a blend of editorials, and dark & moody cozy shots, capturing Carrie and Teddy in intimate setting inside the house. The soft, natural light streaming through the windows created a dreamy atmosphere, and the rain outside provided the perfect backdrop to this intimate moment. There was something so real and raw about capturing their love in such a personal space—just the two of them, wrapped up in their connection. The rain became a part of their story, giving the images a quiet, reflective beauty that we couldn’t have planned for, but was absolutely perfect for them.

It was a moment of calm and comfort, just the two of them in their own world, away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. These indoor shots—full of warmth, affection, and pure love—became a beautiful way to balance out the more dramatic, outdoor moments. It was the perfect blend of cozy and editorial, showing off the depth of their relationship in a truly authentic way.

The rain brought a whole new level of character to the photos. It created a unique atmosphere, a softness to the light, and a mood that wouldn’t have been there on a perfect sunny day. And honestly? I think it made the photos even more beautiful. The way the water glistened on Carrie’s veil, the way the light reflected off the wet pavement, and the way Carrie and Teddy huddled together under an umbrella—it all created a beautiful, cinematic feel that’s just not possible on a dry day.

Don’t Sweat the Weather: It’s All Part of Your Story

Carrie and Teddy’s rainy bridal portrait session is a perfect reminder that the weather doesn’t need to be perfect for your photos to be amazing. In fact, I would argue that the imperfect weather is often what makes your photos truly unique. You can’t control the weather on your wedding day, and that’s okay. The key is to let go of the idea that everything needs to be flawless. It’s not about fighting against what’s happening around you, but embracing it. After all, it’s your story, and no two stories are exactly the same. (PS. Along those lines, check out this wedding that happened outdoors in 104 degree heat!)

Rain, fog, clouds—whatever it may be—adds something special to your wedding day photos. It gives your images a one-of-a-kind character that you won’t find in anyone else’s photos. And, as I always tell my couples, a little rain never hurt anyone! In fact, some of the most iconic wedding photos I’ve taken have been in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The rain brought out something genuine and raw in Carrie and Teddy’s session, and I’m so glad they trusted me to make the most of it.

Whether the sun is shining or the clouds roll in, your photos will turn out exactly as they’re meant to. The weather is simply another chapter in your story—one that will make your memories that much more special.

Final Thoughts

Carrie and Teddy’s anniversary bridal portrait session wasn’t just an opportunity to get some beautiful photos—it was an opportunity for them to celebrate their love all over again and create new memories to cherish forever. The rain may have thrown a wrench in our plans, but it ended up being the perfect backdrop for a session full of love, laughter, and a renewed sense of joy. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, life’s little surprises can turn into the most meaningful moments.

If you’re a couple who’s feeling like their wedding photos didn’t quite capture the joy and love of your day, or if you just want to create some beautiful memories with your partner outside of the wedding chaos, an anniversary bridal portrait session might be just what you need. Not only does it allow you to relive your wedding moments in a relaxed and joyful way, but it gives you the time and creative freedom to truly make your photos your own.

For Carrie and Teddy, this session was a way to reclaim their story, to rewrite their narrative, and to embrace the beauty of their relationship in all its forms—even the rainy ones. I’m so honored to have been a part of that journey with them, and I can’t wait to continue helping couples rewrite their stories and celebrate their love in the most beautiful way possible.

To all the couples out there—whether you’re planning a wedding or celebrating an anniversary—know that your story is worth capturing, and there’s always an opportunity to make new memories, no matter the circumstances.

VENUE: Riverfront Manor

DRESS: Show Me Your Mumu

Florals: Carrie did her own!!