Oh, Claire. If only Bill had been there to see you, dressed up and glowing as if it were your wedding day.

Their wedding day was this past Saturday, and it was a perfect dream of a day. But it was almost her wedding day when Claire and her mother, Sandra, met up with Danny and me for Claire’s bridal portrait session at Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park. And it was actually closer to her wedding day than we had intended to do Claire’s bridal portraits — closer by about an hour.

Our plan was to start photographing Claire in her gorgeous Watters gown at 5:00 — but by the time Claire’s hair was styled and she and Sandra braved the rush hour traffic, it was after 6:00 before we could begin. While Claire was worried about keeping us waiting, I was worried about running out of that golden hour light we photographers consider as valuable as literal gold. And we did run out of golden hour light not long after Claire arrived. But what we got instead was even more magnificent. Oak trees dripping with Spanish moss that appeared to be ablaze. A peach and apricot post-sunset haze that reflected off Lake Maitland and made Claire glow with even more radiance. Cool evening air that made wandering the park at dusk an incredible treat.

And Claire got some of the most incredible portraits Danny and I have ever had the joy of creating.The further the sun sank, the more glorious the light became. If this doesn’t take your breath away, I don’t know what will. The sunset gave us quite a show, and an incredible backdrop for such a gorgeous bride.When the sun slipped behind the trees, it was as if the world went completely still. In the deserted park, it felt almost like we had been transported back in time. There was only the glowing sky, the still lake, and the trees sagging under the weight of their mossy beards. And a bride who looked even more radiant when the sun dimmed.I simply don’t think a portrait session can be more perfect than Claire’s bridals. She looked flawless.This session with Claire convinced me of two things. Every bride should have a bridal portrait session, when there is so much more time to capture her exquisiteness than on the wedding day. And shooting until the sky is all but dark can be every bit as incredible as working within the golden hour. There’s something so dreamy about twilight, and a bride who looks like she stepped out of a fairy tale. Claire, thank you for making the time in your busy pre-wedding schedule for this wonderful session! We had such a wonderful time with you. We can’t wait to share your wedding photographs soon, too!

Venue: Kraft Azalea Garden
Wedding Gown: Watters, purchased at Solutions Bridal
Hair Styling: Yvette Husty from Primp

~ Laura