As a bride, you start getting ready for your wedding day hours before you say “I do.” Your groom will be done and dressed within 15 minutes, about an hour to an hour and a half before the ceremony starts. When does the day start for your photographer? Technically, we too start preparing hours before our start time, but officially, I like to be starting around the time you’re finishing your make up–I have two cardinal rules: no photos when people are eating, and not photos without mascara!
So your photographer walks in the suite, you’re both super excited–things are getting real–but what does the getting ready time look like?
There are three phases to the “getting ready” part of your wedding for your photographer; and I’m going to break them down for you so you know what to expect.
Candids and Details are first two, and they tend to interweave with one another–it really depends on the timeline for the day, and the layout of the bridal suite; sometimes, I’m doing both simultaneously, sometimes it’s all candids then details, but usually I capture the details then candids.
The Details
Your Bridal Details, these might seem inconsequential, but they play a significant role in tying the feel for the day together–just like the decor and details you put together in the ceremony and reception spaces. The way I see it, if you spent time/money choosing something, then it deserves at least one photo!
But what are your bridal details? I look at them as three different categories–feel free to use this as a check list!
Things you’re wearing/carrying, which typically includes:
Dress
Veil (if you have one)
Shoes
Jewelry (including your wedding rings)
Bouquet
Perfume
Sentimental pieces, this can vary a lot, but could be
A memory locket for your bouquet of loved ones passed
A hankerchief
A penny for your shoe
I carried gloves that belonged to my great grandmother, it’s really anything that has a personal value for you
Things you spent money on
Invitations and Save the Dates
Gifts to your groom, bridesmaids, etc.
Candids
The quintessential “pretend I’m not here” time as a photographer
This is when you and your bridesmaids are getting hair and make up done, hopefully enjoying a nice brunch (cue me reminding you to also drink water, not just mimosas). You’re likely in robes, cute jammies, or whatever you decided to wear that day. I love capturing the mess of the makeup and brushes, and any other tidbits that capture the feel and moments of the room.
Usually, if you are all wearing a cute getting ready outfit (check out this hoodie here if you don’t want a robe!), we’ll do a quick group photo of you all before it’s time to get dressed. If you want your bridesmaids to help you into your wedding dress, they all need to get dressed first–this is one of the biggest causes for delay, especially if you have a large bridal party, so plan plenty of time for this!
If you’re doing a first look with your bridesmaids, then you will get dressed in a separate area while they are also getting dressed.
In The Dress
Ok things are getting serious.
You’re in your wedding gown, the zipper is up (or buttons getting done, corset tied!), and now things are gonna get a bit more curated. It’s at this time I will shift from organic capturing to more directional–having you face the best light, reminding your mom to smile while she concentrates on those dozens of buttons. If time and space allows, we’ll also try to capture a few bridal portraits (yes, even if you had a bridal session!).
I always like to have you put on your accessories last–and the longer it takes just means the more photo opportunities you have! Once you have everything on, it’s time to get you set for any first looks or preCeremony portraits.
