When I first consult with potential brides and grooms, I always ask what they are most excited about in terms of wedding photos. What are the shots that they are most looking forward to? I’ve gotten many answers – everything ranging from the ceremony to the bride and groom portraits. One portion of the day that almost never gets brought up is the very beginning of the day – the getting ready photos.
As a photographer, I have the privilege of following my couples throughout their entire wedding day. While it’s essential to capture every part of the day, the getting ready portion is always a favorite of mine! Today I’m sharing why your getting ready photos are worth capturing!
Getting ready photos are often the most relaxed.
One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Will we get candid photos?” I LOVE taking candid photos! They fill in the story of your day and capture the most genuine emotions. Candid photos are where your personalities get to shine and that’s one reason why most couples love them. During the preparation period of the day, it’s just the bride or groom and their closest friends. There’s time to relax, you’re often in comfy clothes, and there’s usually good food to eat. Everyone is excited and happy, but not stressed. It’s the perfect recipe for great candid photos and gets the day started on the right foot!
Getting ready photos allow me to capture the details.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. We all know the saying and, while the groom might think it’s totally crazy, most brides actually spend time picking out their “something old” and “something new” details. At most weddings, those items are just the start! When I got married, I remember picking out exactly which jewelry I would wear (a beautiful necklace from my grandmother), what my perfume would be (Tiffany & Co.), and which shoes to wear (Michael Kors sandals that I still wear to this day). I put so much thought into each and every item, and they all held significance to me. Most of my brides are the same way.
I usually take detail shots before anything else when I start a wedding day. The details set the tone for what the rest of the day will be like. You can probably tell from my choice of accessories that I was a fairly traditional and elegant bride. I wore the type of jewelry and shoe that you’d expect someone who got married in a ballroom to have. When I see my bride’s details it gives me a glimpse into HER vision for the day and helps my photos to reflect that vision!
Getting ready photos add flexibility to your day.
One great thing about making time for photos at the beginning of the day is that I can be more flexible with the timeline. Wedding day timelines can be tight, especially if there are multiple locations involved. It can be easy to loose portrait time, especially if things start running behind. When I do getting ready photos, I often have time to get portraits of the bride with her bridesmaids (or groom and groomsmen) BEFORE the ceremony! This means that later in the day we just have to do a few shots of the whole wedding party together and then we’re done! The wedding party can then go enjoy the cocktail hour and reception. It’s a win-win!
Getting ready may seem like just a stepping stone to the best parts of the day, and in some ways it is, but it is also so important in its own right! These are sweet hours, filled with laughter and casual conversation (or sometimes a round of golf, if you’re the groom), before the craziness of the day kicks in. This is your time to relax and reflect on the day that’s about to unfold. There’s joy mixed with anticipation. You’re excited, your bridal party is excited, and it’s always a good time!
