Your getting ready time can be both fun and stress-free with a few tips to help make everything run smoothly. Here are some ideas to make this time less stressful and to achieve beautiful getting ready photos:

WHO TO GET READY WITH?

CAREFULLY DECIDE:

Who you would like to get ready with on the morning of your wedding day

Getting ready for your big day can be both fun and nerve-wracking. Remember that you have the freedom to choose who you want to share this special time with. Whether it’s a big group or a few close loved ones, the key is to create an atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

IT WILL GET MESSY

KEEPING YOUR SPACE TIDY

This will help ensure that you, your friends and fam are always the focus in the images.

Here are tips to ensure your wedding photos are perfect amidst the excitement and chaos of getting ready.

PRIORITISE NATURAL LIGHT AND SPACE

To help capture gorgeous photos, natural light and space are essential. If you’re unsure which room to use for photos and as the designated mess-free zone, I’m happy to help you choose.

BEAUTY IN THE CHAOS

Despite having friends around to keep things tidy in the morning, some of the mess may still be visible in the photos as I’ll be taking shots from various angles around the house. However, as a documentary photographer, I believe there’s a unique beauty in every moment, including the chaos.

LOCATION FOR YOUR GETTING READY PHOTOS

UNSURE WHERE TO GET READY FOR YOUR BIG DAY?

I’ve detailed some of my favourite places for your inspiration below.

AT HOME

Getting ready in the comfort of your own home, or your family’s home can add lots of sweet, sentimental details. I will take some ‘establishing shots’ (aka photos to help tell the story of the day) and capturing the meaningful details of of the home or family home can make for truly special images.

AIR BNB

Airbnbs can be the perfect location for capturing your getting ready photos. Not only can they provide a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, but also a unique and visually stunning backdrop for your photos.

If you’re unsure of where to start, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or assistance with researching local options. Let’s work together to find the perfect Airbnb that complements your style and vision for your wedding day.

OTHER LOCATION

Show off your personality through your getting-ready location! Whether you choose a luxurious 5-star resort or a quirky retro motel on the side of the road, your photos will be stunning.

If you’re staying at a hotel, resort, or motel, ask the staff if you can take photos in public areas. To ensure privacy, you can also request to reserve a specific area or section of the location during your photo session.

MAKEUP & GROOMING

f you’re having your makeup done, try to position yourself in front of a large window to catch the beautiful natural light. This will cast lots of flattering natural light on your face while your makeup is being applied as well as help me to take the best photos possible.

And if you’re not having your makeup done or I arrive later, I still want to capture some special moments of your getting ready process. Whether you’re straightening your tie or putting on your necklace in front of a mirror, just let me know when you’re getting ready to add those final touches and I’ll be there to capture it all.

DETAILS PHOTOS

These photos are of all the accessories that you will be wearing to complete your outfit, such as cufflinks, necklaces, perfume, shoes, etc.

If you would like these photos, please make sure you gather all the pieces and hand them to me when I arrive.

THIS CAN INCLUDE BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:

• Invitations
• Rings
• Shoes
• Bags
• Cufflinks
• Gie Pin
• Jewellery
• Watches
• Socks
• Perfume
• Ties

TOGETHER OR APART?

YOU DON’T HAVE TO FOLLOW THE TRADITION OF GETTING READY SEPARATELY

If it’s not your vibe, don’t feel pressured to do it.

Here are some reasons why getting ready together can be a wonderful experience:

• Starting the day together can help create a sense of calm and happiness, easing any pre-wedding nerves.
• Getting ready photos of you and your partner can be really sweet and meaningful.
• By getting ready in the same location, I can capture more special moments without the need to travel between places.
• You can still have a first look and get ready together by preparing separately but sharing a special moment together before the ceremony. This moment can be shared with just the two of you or with your loved ones present.

EXCHANGING GIFTS

BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR PARTNER

I would be honoured to capture this sweet moment for you if you are planning on exchanging gifts.

Please don’t feel shy or worried, as I’ll give you all the privacy you need and mainly shoot from a distance.

WITH YOUR WEDDING PARTY

If you’re planning to exchange gifts with your wedding party, let me know beforehand. I can take pictures of the gifts before they’re given and suggest a location to capture the moment. During the exchange, I’ll move around the room to take candid photos of their reactions.

Remember, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love for each other, so don’t feel obligated to follow any specific traditions. Do what feels right for you as a couple and enjoy every moment of your special day.

CREATING THE VIBE

Put on some music, crack open some drinks – this is a day of celebration! There are no hard and fast rules for what to do in the morning, so feel free to mix things up and make it your own. You, your partner, and your wedding party can do any activities that will help you get in the mood for the day and make this time even more special.

FOOD

Don’t forget to take care of yourselves with a little sustenance during the getting ready portion of the day. If you’re surrounded by family and friends, appoint someone to take charge of food arrangements to keep everyone satisfied, especially you and your partner.

But if it’s just the two of you getting ready, let’s make sure food preparation isn’t on your mind. Bring some yummy snacks, order in or head out to a nearby café for a quick bite. Let’s keep those stomachs happy!

WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR GETTING READY PHOTOS

If you’ve booked me to capture your getting ready moments, let your family and friends know ahead of time that I’ll be taking photos during this time. That way, everyone can feel comfortable and ready for the camera.

To add a fun and cohesive touch to your photos, you and your wedding party could consider wearing matching slips, robes or pyjamas. For those who prefer to wear their own clothes, suggest wearing something casual or anything they feel confident and happy in.

TIME FOR GETTING READY PHOTOS

When it comes to the getting ready portion of your day, I typically like to spend around 40 minutes to an hour with each partner. This allows me to capture all the important details, such as your outfit, hair, makeup, and any grooming that you may need. Of course, if one of you is getting ready faster or slower than the other, we can adjust our time accordingly.

WHEN SHOULD I BE READY-ISH?

To ensure that we have plenty of time to capture all the precious moments of your getting-ready process, it would be great if your hair and makeup are finished around 20 minutes after I arrive. Please make sure that your wedding party’s hair and makeup are already done before my arrival, and save yours for last.

Although you might prefer me not to take photos of you while putting on your outfit, I recommend waiting for me to arrive before getting dressed. This way, we can discuss and plan what you’re comfortable with me photographing and tailor it to your preferences.

I’ll be leaving for the ceremony 30 minutes before you do, so please factor in enough time for any unexpected delays, such as makeup or hair running over time. If you need help putting together a timeline that works for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.