• Seasonal Ideas

With Christmas right around the corner, we couldn’t resist sharing this Christmas-themed bridal portrait session styled by Drewe Smith and a talented team of southern creatives. Not only does it have a dreamy bridal look fit for a queen, but we’re loving all the Christmas decor throughout!

The gorgeous gown from Eve of Milady sparkled with beaded detailing and was, of course, of fav part of the whole shoot! With so much to love you better keep scrolling, and be sure to visit the full gallery for a closer look at every last detail photographed by the talented Pura Soul Photography.

Pre-wedding bridal portraits

From Pura Soul Photography: It's fairly common in the south to have bridal portraits taken before your big day. This is a great opportunity to do a trial run with your hair and makeup artists and to see how everything will come together before your wedding day. Historically, bridal portraits were a necessity if you were going to have your wedding formally announced in the newspaper–your bridal portrait was showcased along with details about the wedding ceremony and brief notes about the newlywed couple and their parents. In general, it's a great way to spend some time with your photographers, practice with them and have some fun! Some brides choose to do bridal portraits at their venue or in a garden or a park. But why leave home if you can find a beautiful place to take photos under your own (or your parents) roof?!

stay at home

We decided to photograph this beautiful red-headed bride-to-be inside of an ornately decorated home in North Carolina. If home is a special place for you, we encourage you to consult a photographer to see if your home would be great for photographs. Window light is key. The 12 foot ceilings and large windows in this home helped create the right lighting for this shoot.

Christmas inspired bridal look

With a stunning, full-skirted dress from The Wedding Dress Shoppe in Wilmington, NC, this bride gave her elegant look a (literal) twist with a soft, flowing fishtail braid and a face of natural makeup and a pop of rosy lip color. The Amalia Carrara Eve of Milady wedding dress had a hand beaded sheer bodice with a low V neckline, hand beaded sheer sleeves, low back, full A-line skirt, and a chapel length train.

• @leightyndall: Leigh Tyndall
• Event Planning & Design: Drewe Smith
• Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab
• Flowers: Eco Chic Blossoms
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Blush Haus of Beaute
• Jewelry: Lumina Gem
• Photographers: Pura Soul Photography
• Wedding Dresses: Eve of Milady
• Wedding Dresses: The Wedding Dress Shoppe