Ahhh! The day of your wedding can be such a busy day! Before you know it, it's gone. Getting ready photos is an intentional time to let it all sink in, YOU’RE ABOUT TO GET MARRIED!! It’s totally okay to feel nervous or even butterflies, let it all soak in!
Why are getting ready photos so important?
As your photographer it's my job to capture all the moments that really mean something. During the getting ready time, both bride and groom are surrounded by a small number of their closest friends and family. It’s a time to feel all the feels and get ready to present yourself to your partner.
The getting ready part of the day is part of your love story. The people around you have supported you through your relationship and now support you both as you make a larger commitment to each other.
It’s my job to capture your story so you can relive it and pass it from generation to generation.
The perfect locations
Location is so important for getting ready photos. Finding a room with lots of natural light not only makes for beautiful photos, but it can also be used in telling your story. Here are some ideas for finding the perfect getting ready location if your venue doesn't provide a space.
Airbnbs
Find a local airbnb! Airbnb’s can be special which allows you and your people to get ready at one location! You will also have more control over your space, and it just feels like a home away from home.
Hotels
Hotels can also be a great place to get ready. The downside about a hotel is there is less space and you might not be able to be with your whole bridal party if it’s large.
Family home
A family home is also another great alternative!
When in doubt, remember the more windows, the better!
Don’t forget to keep your space, wherever it is, clean and clutter free before your photographer arrives! As a photographer I want to utilize my time the best to create beautiful photos that you will cherish forever! I will suggest that the brides assign a bridesmaid to be in charge of cleaning up once it gets closer to the time your photographer arrives.
The Details
When I arrive at your getting ready location, the first thing I will do is get all the bridal detail shots. This helps me get into a creative mindset and capture details that best represent you and your partner and your unique love story.
Before the wedding day, I ask my brides to collect all the details that she wants photographed into one spot. I suggest having the maid of honor in charge of this. Any small box will work great, even a small bag would be perfect!
Here’s a list of the most common bridal details. (Keep in mind you don’t need them all—just the ones that have meaning to you. And feel free to get creative with this! Maybe you and your partner have a favorite craft beer and you want that to be included into the details! Do it! It’s your day and your story!
dress
veil/hair pieces
rings (all three: Engagement, wedding band, and grooms ring)
Vow books (his and hers)
shoes
bouquets & boutonnieres
jewelry
perfume
invitation suite
family heirlooms
The Group Shots
Because you are most likely getting ready with your closest people, consider what kind of shots are important to you. Maybe you and your girls huddle up and snap some candids on the bed, or maybe your crew is on the wild side and want to pop champagne or some confetti cannons and have a pre-game dance party.
Also consider if you want to do a first look with your bridesmaids! Letting your photographer know ahead of time will help maintain a smooth and relaxed morning!
Happy Wedding!
I hope these tips help you enjoy all the little things on your wedding day!
Photographer: Tessa Campbell Photo
Videographer: Lauren Michels Productions
Venue: Still Water Hollow
Make up: Morgan Dyer
Hair: Abby Roberts
Florist: Spera Floral
Dress: Janenes Bridal
Dress Alterations: Stellula Designs
Tux: Generation Tux
Catering: Open Table Boise
Event Coordinators: Stil Weddings