Kat and Cal

Bridal Session in New Smyrna Beach: Why This Chicago Couple Chose a Separate Session for Their Wedding Portraits

As a wedding photographer based in Central Florida, I often have couples who ask about alternative options for their wedding portraits. One of the best decisions a couple can make is opting for a separate bridal session instead of doing all their portraits on the wedding day. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing a breathtaking bridal session in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, for a wonderful couple originally from Chicago, IL.

Kat and her husband found me on Instagram while searching for a Central Florida wedding photographer. Kat, an incredibly talented Instagram-famous painter (@paintwithkatmugg), creates stunning artwork featuring the northern lights in bold, vivid colors. With such a creative eye, I knew their bridal session would be nothing short of magical.

Why Choose a Bridal Session Over Wedding Day Portraits?

Bridal sessions are growing in popularity among couples who want to take their time and capture breathtaking images without the constraints of a busy wedding timeline. Here’s why Kat and her husband, like many couples, opted for a separate bridal session:

1. Less Stress, More Time to Enjoy the Wedding Day

Wedding days are filled with excitement, emotions, and a packed schedule. Between getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception, there’s often little time left for couples to truly soak in the moment. By choosing a separate bridal session, Kat and her husband eliminated the stress of squeezing in their portraits and enjoyed every second of their special day without feeling rushed.

2. Perfect Lighting & Weather Conditions

Wedding day timelines don’t always align with the best lighting conditions. Harsh midday sun, unpredictable weather, or venue limitations can make capturing the perfect portraits challenging. However, by planning a bridal session in New Smyrna Beach, we were able to choose the perfect golden hour setting with dreamy soft light, enhancing the romantic and artistic feel of their photos.

3. Flexibility in Location Choices

Kat and her husband were honeymooning in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, so we had the freedom to pick a stunning location that truly resonated with them. Unlike a wedding day, where couples are usually restricted to the venue grounds, a bridal session allows for greater flexibility in selecting picturesque locations. The soft sand, rolling waves, and golden Florida sunset provided the most enchanting backdrop for their portraits.

4. Opportunity for Unique & Artistic Photos

As an artist, Kat was drawn to creative, bold, and dynamic imagery. Because we weren’t limited by time, we had the chance to explore different compositions, play with movement, and incorporate the vibrant, dramatic colors of the setting sun—mirroring the hues she so often uses in her own paintings of the northern lights.

5. A Chance to Re-Wear the Wedding Attire

One of the biggest perks of a bridal session? Getting to wear the wedding dress again! Kat looked absolutely radiant in her gown, and this session allowed her to relive the magic of her wedding day in a more relaxed setting. Plus, it gave her the perfect opportunity to capture elegant, timeless portraits without the worry of rushing off to the reception or keeping a schedule.

The Magic of a New Smyrna Beach Bridal Session

New Smyrna Beach is a gem in Central Florida for bridal sessions. Known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful dunes, and stunning coastal sunsets, it provided the perfect atmosphere for Kat and her husband’s portraits. We started the session near the dunes, where the soft beach grass swayed in the breeze, creating an effortlessly romantic aesthetic. As the sun dipped lower, we moved to the shoreline, allowing the waves to add movement and emotion to their portraits.

One of the highlights of the session was capturing Kat’s windswept gown and the way the sunlight reflected off the water, creating a dreamy, ethereal feel. We even incorporated elements inspired by her artwork—using bold angles, dramatic lighting, and deep contrast to give the images a painterly quality.

Finding Your Central Florida Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning your wedding in Central Florida or looking for a unique bridal session experience, I’d love to be part of your journey. Whether you’re newly engaged, married, or looking for an anniversary session, a separate bridal session allows you to create timeless images in a setting that truly reflects your personality and love story.

Kat and her husband’s decision to have a bridal session in New Smyrna Beach is a perfect example of how couples can take a creative approach to their wedding portraits. If you’re considering a session like this, let’s chat! You can find more of my work on Instagram, just like Kat did, and we can plan the perfect session tailored to your vision.

Thinking About a Bridal Session? Let’s Make Magic Happen!

Whether you’re drawn to the beach, a lush garden, or a historic downtown setting, a bridal session is a fantastic way to capture stunning portraits without the stress of the wedding day. If you’re ready to schedule your own session, reach out today—I can’t wait to hear your story and create something beautiful together!