OK before we even get going here, can I tell you that it took me about 20 minutes to find just the right picture to put up here at the top? That’s how amazing today’s bridal portrait shoot is, from the superhero talents behind Robinson Studio & Design, based in Mobile, Alabama. A bride in pointe shoes? Rusty, vintage airport hangar contrasted with a pure, white bridal gown and glowing bride-to-be? You get the picture on why I love today’s post so much. If you don’t this next image will explain it all:

Right?? I know.

So down south there is a long standing tradition called Bridal Portraits, where the bride has photos taken of her in her wedding gown a few days or weeks before the wedding. I had no idea what this was when I was getting married, being from the northeast and now living in California, but I know that down south the tradition is going strong, and starting to catch on elsewhere as well. Personally I love this idea, why not spend as much time as you can in your dress? Rather than a trash the dress session {which PS I can’t even imagine trashing my dress, the whole thought just makes me sad}, these southern belles have some gorgeous photographs taken, which can then be used for wedding announcements, on the day of the wedding, etc. Personally, I love the idea.

And another fave…

Kathryn is probably one of the most stunning brides I have ever seen - and this was just the dress rehearsal! These images absolutely captivated me from the second I saw them, and I am so thrilled to be able to share them with you today. Meet Kathryn, the fierce, gorgeous, {and daring!} bride to be! And scroll down a bit further to hear all about the shoot {and why we go from ballet to the airport} from her mother, Peggy!

From Peggy, Gorgeous Mother of the Bride:

A wedding is an event! I made a folder and a checklist which I checked weekly. Kathryn did the lion’s share of the planning and she had some solid ideas about how she wanted things to look. Kathryn was a dance major at college so I knew there would be some non traditional aspects with her artsy brain. The dress set the tone for the event for us, so when she picked this gown I knew the rest would have a modern touch. The gown is from a spanish designer San Patrick. Kathryn has never liked “puffy” gowns and we felt she would be lost in a big dress. She also did not want to wear strapless so this gown had everything she wanted in style and elegance. The moment she put it on she knew it was the one and when I said this gown cannot have a big veil the store owner came in with the birdcage veil and completed the look. Her photos came from her work at the airport here in Mobile. She was set on using this old vintage hanger at Mobile Regional. I asked her since we were going to be on the grounds could we also use the runway? The results made for some non-traditional shots with a beautiful bride set on a runway and in front of 1930′s vintage hanger. She also wanted some shots in her pointe shoes so we also went to Mobile Ballet for some lovely pictures.

Oh, and Peggy didn’t give herself enough credit - she also made the bouquet for the shoot :)

Don’t these look like they should be in the advertisement for the dress?

And the ballet pictures… love.

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I just love how Kathryn can so effortlessly go from runway chic…

… to letting her hair down and enjoying the moment as a free spirit.

With a preview like this, I cannot wait to see the wedding pictures!

Photography: Robinson Studio & Design
Wedding Gown: San Patrick