Why Do You Want Getting Ready Photos?
Why I Love Wedding Preparation Photos
When you think of wedding preparation photos, you might picture the bride having her makeup done, her hair styled, and a celebratory glass of champagne raised among friends. While these moments are beautiful, is that all there is to it?
It isn’t.
For me, a wedding is a complete story—a tapestry of relationships, emotions, and fleeting moments. The same connections you see in the morning evolve throughout the day—through happy tears at the ceremony, bursts of laughter during speeches, and the wild energy of the dance floor. Each part of the day plays a role in shaping the story, and the morning preparations are no exception.
Wedding preparation photos capture anticipation, excitement, and quiet reflection. They highlight interactions between loved ones, those subtle gestures and unspoken words that make the day truly special.
Capturing Both Sides of the Story
Wherever possible, I love documenting both sides of the preparations. The interactions between friends and family in the morning set the tone for the rest of the day. Logistically, I try to capture as much as I can, but this is where hiring a second photographer can be invaluable. Having another lens on the scene ensures both partners’ experiences are documented, adding depth and balance to the story.
Getting Ready Together
Some couples choose to get ready together, which makes for intimate and unique wedding preparation photos. This removes the more traditional ‘can’t see the bride’ element but adds a beautiful swell of emotion as the couple see each other getting ready step by step. The morning is usually filled with nervous energy, laughter, and last-minute problem-solving—including dealing with torrential rain, missing buttons, or misplaced car keys! In the midst of it all, tiny moments between family members, side hugs, a sneaky tear, mums, dads, brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends all helping and maybe even meeting for the first time. These are the tiny, intimate moments that become incredibly impactful as photos and show not just how the day looked but how it felt.
The Chaos of Wedding Mornings
Let’s be honest—wedding mornings can be a whirlwind. The usual daily routines are replaced by a buzz of activity, and when you gather family and friends in one space, things can get chaotic. It’s my favourite. But that chaos creates some of the most dynamic and memorable images—candid laughter, last-minute dress adjustments, and the unfiltered joy of loved ones sharing the excitement.
The Calm Before the Ceremony
Even amidst the hustle, there are moments of quiet. A bride pausing to collect her thoughts before stepping into her dress. A parent offering a reassuring hug. A groom reading a heartfelt letter from his partner. The contrast between the frenzy and these moments of stillness is what makes wedding preparation photos so compelling.
Including the Groom’s Preparations
Often, grooms have told me things like: “nah, don’t worry about me, just do photos of the bride,” or “we don’t need photos of me putting on a suit,” but I totally believe this is a mistake. Wedding preparation photos aren’t just about hair and makeup—they should capture both partners’ experiences. Whether it’s a groom adjusting his tie, sharing a laugh with groomsmen at the pub, or anxiously rehearsing vows with a shot or a builder’s tea, these moments are just as important. Regardless of gender identity or tradition, both sides of the morning tell an integral part of the wedding story. I think guys feel more awkward having photos taken of them because we are terrible at being vulnerable. Ideally, we’ll chat enough to get past the weird discomfort and it’ll be an easy fun experience and the resulting images will almost certainly be worth it.
More Than Just Hair and Makeup
While beauty preparations can be a key part of the morning, they aren’t the only things happening. If you are going to have a more hands-on DIY wedding, it’s perfectly normal for a bride to do her own hair, or maybe a bridesmaid will do it, or her mother. These moments of care and connection tell a deeper story about the relationships that shape the day.
The Stories That Matter Most
Some moments from the morning carry an even deeper emotional weight. There are stories of loved ones who couldn’t be there, of quiet reflections on those who are missed. These photos often become the most cherished because they hold memories that transcend the wedding day itself.
As wedding photographers, we’re not just capturing a series of events—we’re documenting the fleeting nature of time, the bonds between people, and the emotions that make a wedding truly unforgettable. Wedding preparation photos are the beginning of that story, setting the stage for everything that follows.
If you’re looking for a photographer who values storytelling and authenticity, I’d love to be a part of your day. Get in touch to chat about your wedding plans!
