Haliegh’s Bridal Portrait Session at Mandalay Canal Walk

From the first moment I saw Haliegh step out of her car for her bridal session, I could sense her excitement for her wedding day that was quickly approaching! I knew without a shadow of a doubt that we were going to capture something beautiful at Mandalay Canal Walk! We actually captured a lot of beautiful somethings, so keep reading to see more!!

You might recognize Haliegh as the glowing bride-to-be in a post I wrote last month, and you’d be right! In addition to their engagement photos, Haliegh wanted to do a bridal portrait session with me. This was a great way to ensure beautiful portraits on her wedding day because it served as a trial run to see how the dress would move, the veil would fit, and the bouquet would be held.

It was also the time to test out hairstyles, makeup, and other accessories to make sure that everything looked just right for the wedding. I LOVE doing bridal portrait sessions because it brings out all of the sweet and bubbly feelings for the big day.

I brought my pop-up changing tent to the session so Haliegh wouldn’t need to drive in her gown or change in the car. It was quite impressive how well she maneuvered around in the tent with all that lace and fabric!

I didn’t realize that Haliegh was such a DIY expert. She actually designed and crafted her bridal bouquet herself! That means we were able to use the same bouquet that she used to walk down the aisle! It was gorgeous and the vibrant colors fit perfectly with the location.

The setting sun illuminated Haliegh’s dress and florals exactly how I wanted. We could not have had a more perfect evening!

During her bridal portrait session, Haliegh could not stop smiling, especially since she brought one of her closest friends along to help! Working her magic, Liz styled Haliegh’s hair perfectly as well as applied her makeup beautifully. Liz was also watchful to fluff the train and toss the veil anytime we needed her assistance. We couldn’t have asked for a better cheerleader and prop assistant than Liz!

I know Haliegh was relieved and honored to have a sweet friend come along to make her bridal portraits a dream come true! These bridal sessions are the perfect time to bring along those closest to you as you prepare for the big day. I love watching brides laugh and smile and relish this time with their moms, sisters, close relatives, and especially their BFFs!

We also couldn’t have chosen a better session location. Mandalay Canal Walk in Irving, TX was perfect because we didn’t have to walk too much. After all, with heels and a long train, we had to be careful not to soil anything before the big day!

Luckily, there are so many perfect spots in a close proximity to one another along the canal. We just made sure that her dress stayed off the dirt since the sidewalk and stairs weren’t completely clean.

A small gondola on the canal happened to sail by at just the right moment and helped us end the session with a unique composition. Haliegh’s joy was tangible and contagious, and I couldn’t get enough of it! I snapped photos left and right, and every one of them was a winner.

Haliegh, I’m completely honored that you chose me to document your journey towards marriage, with first your engagement pictures and then your bridal portrait. I can’t wait for your wedding day blog to be posted next month, so be sure to check back then! Stay tuned!