I am so excited to finally share Deidre's Bridal Session Photos (I already shared them on Facebook earlier today)...

Deidre and Josh tied the knot last weekend (05/26/2012) at the beautiful Historic Cragfont in Castalian Springs, Tennessee near Gallatin.  I was honored to share their wedding day with them and capture all the fun, but Deidre actually chose to do a separate Bridal Photo Session back in April.  This is so smart!  On her wedding day, she got to spend the morning relaxing and enjoying time with her family and bridesmaids while getting ready rather than rushing to get ready in time to do a bunch of bridal shots of just her.  Don't get me wrong...we still took plenty of shots of the bride the day of her wedding at the wedding venue, but we didn't have to try to cram in a 2 hour session worth of pictures in 20 minutes...we got to concentrate more on pictures with her family and bridal party before the wedding (she and Josh didn't see each other until after the ceremony). 

This was an especially good decision since the Nashville area registered RECORD HIGH TEMPS on Deidre's wedding day...it was seriously HOT (95 and humid)!  You never would have guessed it to see Deidre though - I was melting but she looked cool and calm!

Anyway, the weather was far more coopertive back on April 4th when we headed out to Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville for her Bridal Session with mom and sister, April, tagging along to help :)

If you aren't familiar with Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, it is a hidden jewel right in the middle of the Crieve Hall neighborhood in Nashville.  I used to live in Crieve Hall so I am especially fond of Ellington...check out Deidre's bridal pictures and I think you will see why it makes such a great spot for Bridal or Engagement sessions...


 In addition to pretty gardens, Ellington has this cute little bridge (see above) and a gazebo which is also great for pictures and getting out of the hot Nashville sun!









I also love this archway that is at Ellington...so pretty...






Bridal Sessions are great for capturing little details (engagement ring, details on the dress, bustled dress, etc)...


There is also old farm equipment - great for a bride looking for a country feel...





 I insisted that I needed to get some pictures of Deidre with her mom and sister.  I think they were hesitant because they weren't dressed up, but I think it is important to get a couple shots with the family who is helping you so you can look back years from now and recall those memories :)  Besides, they looked beautiful...so happy for Deidre!