Client Guide
2022-2023
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chapter 3
Getting Ready
FULL OF ANTICIPATION, THE GETTING READY PORTION OF YOUR DAY IS FILLED WITH LOTS OF EMOTION TO PHOTOGRAPH.
But while it's exciting, it also has the potential to be very chaotic and stressful if not planned well. Here's my advice on how to make it as easy as possible.
While the Getting Ready portion of your wedding day will be full of joy and anticipation, it’s important to remember how chaotic it can be.
Trying to fit 6 bridesmaids or groomsmen, important family members, makeup artists, hairstylists and a photographer into a single room filled with clothes, curling irons, food and duffel bags can be absolute chaos. And importantly, from a photography perspective, it can look very messy as well.
The goal of your Getting Ready time should be feeling pampered and forming core memories with your closest friends and family. It should be sentimental, not stressful.
To fix this, I always recommend that couples consider their Getting Ready locations early, instead of leaving it until the last minute.
Make sure all your details are ready to go
01
When I first arrive to your Getting Ready location, I’ll usually snap a few photos of your wedding details—your rings, shoes, dress, flowers, invitations or other special items—before they are worn or used. Having these displayed in a central location saves time and reduces stress trying to hunt them all down.
02
Book an Airbnb (hotels are overrated)
While hotels are often romanticised for being great Getting Ready locations, usually the opposite is true. Hotels are often very expensive, cramped, lack necessary resources like mirrors or a kitchen, and don’t let in much natural light. Unless you’re looking to book a penthouse suite, consider booking an AirBnb instead. For the same price, you can often book a whole house, which will have multiple rooms, car parking, generous lighting, and won’t require sharing keycards. If there aren’t any good AirBnbs in your area, consider booking a boutique hotel instead, which often have much more personality and charm—perfect for photo backdrops.
03
Establish a no-mess zone
With all the makeup, hair accessories, water bottles, pyjamas and other items cluttering the space quickly, I always suggest establishing a “no-mess” zone somewhere in your Getting Ready location. Ideally, this should be in a room with generous natural light and attractive styling. In this room, we’ll take photos of the bride and bridesmaids when they’re ready. This is also the space I suggest having your details ready for me to photograph when I arrive.
Keep it small and intimate (if you can)
04
The most streamlined and enjoyable wedding mornings that I’ve been to are those where attendees are kept to a minimum. Meanwhile, the most stressful are usually when the whole family is invited (grandparents, parents, small children). Having people present that don’t need to be there just leaves them getting in the way, bored with nothing to do, or asking stress-inducing questions like, “What time is X supposed to be here?” If you’re inviting your family because you want photos with them, consider a dedicated photo during the family session later in the day instead.