Beautiful wedding portraits don't just happen, they are planned. Even the bride putting on heirloom family earrings is a lovely portrait and the best way to show off those earrings. A great wedding photographer knows how to use the light and the room to make even simple things beautiful. It also takes planning the schedule so things aren't so rushed and frantic. Keeping the getting ready time calm with time for a pause, means photos like this can be taken. It takes an experienced wedding photographer to know how much time things take and to counsel the bride on how much time to plan to make sure those pictures happen. This picture looks so simple, but it shows off the bride's hair, makeup, earrings, the details on the dress, all perfectly and in the best light. Having a place to get dressed with natural light is also key. This room at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA was perfect to allow that beautiful light and creamy yellow walls. And the top of her gown with the sparkly yolk, was so regal, she looked like a queen! Such a joy to photograph a wedding when time is planned to really capture the beauty of the bride.