To start most every wedding even the smaller destination weddings. Brides have the “getting-ready” time before the wedding. That time to have her hair and makeup, bridesmaids hanging around waiting anxiously and the little flower girls and Mother of the Bride looking on.
Over the years I’ve noticed that the getting ready moment is a pretty important part of the wedding day. You will see thousands of images
1. schedule extra time into the timeline
For most photographers, myself included this is the time after I arrive and get started. This is also the time for those carefully thought about details, such as your ring, dress, shoes, heirlooms
With having bridesmaids and even just your own hair and makeup
2. Find the best light
For my most favorite getting ready images you will always see great light in the photos. No matter what wedding venue or even home you might be at you can always find a great spot for this time.
If you’re thinking. Ok, nope… not getting dressed outside or in front of a window. Someone might see me! Let me ease you mind and know that these are done so far in advance guests are not walking around and usually your groom is far away or in another room. We make sure of it! 🙂
Trust your photographer as they will find the best spot for the buttoning or zipping of the gown. I find that most of my brides actually get in their dress in private with the help of their mom, sister or friend. THEN they come out for the images to be taken. Because, lets face it. Not everyone wants to be seen in their birthday suit or undies.
So, with that said. Find a room with great natural light and you will have these killer images too!
3. Remove the clutter
Have you ever walked in a room and all you notice is the things laying around? Candy wrapper, water bottles, brushes, bags, underwear. Yes, I said underwear.
Well, that can happen on the wedding day and it can happen QUICK. Think about how many women are in one room. What helps the best is that time before portraits is to tidy up. No, not you the bride but have your bridesmaids go ahead and gather their items. This will help the end of the night too! Trust me. No one wants to stay around for a hour after the wedding finding their clothes they wore to the event.
Having this done before your photographer arrives really helps for the getting ready pictures to go by faster. As most of us try to avoid all the clutter in your images and have been known to clean up ourselves. 🙂
4. First looks
Yes, I said looks as plural. The last year or two I’ve noticed not only the first look as Husband and Wife but also with the bridesmaids and even a short first look with your Dad.
Make sure when scheduling your day that you allow plenty of time for these moments if you are wanting them captured. They do take time to stage and of course finding those that might be needed. 9x out of 10 you haven’t seen your Dad at all the day of the wedding. So brides take that time right after they get in their dress to show their Dad. Either in private or in front of the girls it can be just as special.
You deserve these quality photos and a time that produces so much candid moments of your day. These tips above like having extra time built in, finding great light and even decluttering the room will help your day unfold perfectly and create images you will always look back on.
But, the most important tip is to trust your photographer. They will find the best light, capture the right moments and suggest elements for your day you might not have thought of just yet. Be sure to also check out my featured weddings for classic weddings and some of those getting ready
If you are interested in your wedding day captured authentically and these moments saved, reach out today!
