The beginning of your day, when you’re surrounded by your friends and family, really sets the tone for the rest of your day. Often times, my couples will have me come in to capture that part of the day to really get a full scope of the story that unfolded on their wedding day. Sometimes I walk into a room filled with lots of excited energy filled with tons of emotion; laughter, tears, joy. Other times I’ll walk into a room filled with a calm, zen-ful energy. It’s rare, but it does happen! And of course, walking into a guys’ getting ready room is always a juxtaposition to walking into a bride’s getting ready room. I always get super excited at the beginning of each wedding day because I never really know what’s behind that first door that I open in the morning.
Capturing the getting ready portion of a wedding day is one of my favorites throughout the day. There’s less posed situations for it and everyone still has something to do that I can easily be a wall flower. But there are a few key things that really pushes ‘getting ready’ images over the top. Below are a few things that allow for the best images to come out of that portion of the day.
Lighting
Probably the most important piece to beautiful ‘getting ready’ photos is lighting in a room. Getting a well lit room with natural lighting is always ideal. Calling ahead to your hotel, to see if there are rooms that are better lit than others with large windows is always helpful. Most of my couples who have called ahead asking about their room set ups and ask for a room with large windows have often been accommodated. Plus, it will give you an opportunity to connect with the hotel so they are aware that it will be your wedding day and sometimes they may even drop off some surprises the morning of. If you’re getting ready space is a bit more untraditional, do your best to find a room that has large windows that allows for natural light to come in.
Timing
I’m rarely ever there for the entirety of getting ready. Especially if you have a wedding party of multiple people, who are all getting their hair and make up done. Let’s be real, you don’t need 5+ hours of getting ready photos. And guys rarely ever need ‘too much’ time to get ready. They just put clothes on and voila! Done. Ready to be married. I often come in the final hour and a half to two hours to capture ‘getting ready.’ It will allow time to shoot the details (shoes, jewelry, cufflinks, wedding gifts to each other, invites, etc.), candids of those surrounding you during that time, and also (for the ladies) your time getting your hair and make up done. The bride is usually the last person to get their hair and make up done since we all want you to look your freshest that day. For the guys, this amount of time is also perfect for capturing you hanging out with your closest friends and family.
Details
The week of a wedding, I’ll ask that you organize all the details (cufflinks, rings, jewelry, shoes, invitation suite, etc.) you want photographed into a shoebox so that when I first arrive, I’ll start with shooting those first. It’s the perfect way that I’ve found that allows me to warm up my creative juices for the day. I also start with that so that it gives the individuals in the room some time to ease off the very present feelings of “The photographer is here!…I gotta make sure I’m always showing my best side!” Allowing that time to have everyone adjust has been pivotal in ensuring that I am able to capture TRUE candids of everyone…versus fake ones. I know you know what I mean. If there are any pieces that are super sentimental, or are heirloom pieces (grandfather’s watch or grandmother’s ring, etc.), be sure to let me know that. Sometimes asking your florist for some extra florals to incorporate into your detail shot really helps me tie together the whole LOOK of your day from the very beginning as well. See if they’re able to include a few extra loose florals when they drop off the bouquet and boutonnieres.
Clean
My final tip is to make sure your ‘getting ready’ room is somewhat clean/orderly when I arrive. Trust me, I get it! Cramming a bunch of people into a room and having everyone get ready/change in the same space is tough to keep clean! But, there’s been so many times where I’ve walked into a getting ready room and I end up spending 15-20 minutes of my shoot time, just cleaning the room so that there aren’t piles of trash, an unmade bed, or tons of clothes spilling out of luggage in the background of images. Assigning someone from your wedding party or someone from your wedding planner’s team to ensure that the room is clean and orderly before I arrive will really help us maximize my time shooting what’s truly important for you. If you’re getting ready at a hotel, sometimes having housekeeping come right before I arrive helps as well.
Final ThoughtsThe beginning of your day really sets the mood for the rest of your wedding day. Be sure to surround yourself with those that you know will be the ones who will celebrate with you and bring positivity and joy.
