Why ‘Getting Ready’ Photos Are More Meaningful Than You Think
Your wedding day is going to fly by in a beautiful, emotional blur—and some of the most meaningful moments often happen before you even walk down the aisle. The “getting ready” portion of your day isn’t just about hair, makeup, or straightening ties—it’s about capturing the build-up to one of the biggest moments of your life.
Here’s why this part of your wedding day deserves to be photographed with intention (and why it might just become your favorite part of the gallery!).
1. The Buzz of Anticipation
You know that mix of butterflies and excitement when you wake up on your wedding day? The laughter echoing through the room, the clinking of glasses, the sound of your closest friends hyping you up—it’s a vibe all on its own.
These moments are filled with energy. The little glances you share with your best friends, the deep breaths before putting on your dress or suit, the quiet moments of reflection—capturing all of this allows you to relive that electric feeling every time you look back.
2. Candid Moments You Won’t Want to Forget
Some of the most genuine emotions happen when you’re surrounded by your people, prepping for the big “I do.” The hugs, the inside jokes, the unexpected happy tears—they’re fleeting but so special.
When you look through your gallery later, it’s often these unscripted moments—the ones where you’re fully present and soaking in the day—that hit the hardest. And trust me, they make for some of the most heartfelt, storytelling images of your entire collection.
3. Capturing the Details
You’ve spent months (maybe even years!) choosing all the little pieces that make your day feel personal—your rings, invitation suite, heirloom jewelry, custom cufflinks, perfume, or special shoes.
“Getting ready” photos give us the space to thoughtfully capture these details before the whirlwind of the day begins. Styled flat-lays or simple close-ups of these items help tell the whole story of your day, adding depth and intentionality to your final gallery.
4. The Big Reveal
That moment when you finally slip into your gown or suit? It’s a showstopper. Whether it’s just you, your mom, your siblings, or your full wedding party watching in awe—it’s a turning point in the day, and emotions tend to run high (in the best way!).
From the quiet stillness right before you step into your look to the gasps and tears when everyone sees you all dressed up—it’s pure magic. And those reactions? Priceless.
5. A Calm Before the Ceremony
Your “getting ready” space is often one of the few places where you can pause, take it all in, and just be with your people before the official celebration kicks off. It’s a quieter, more personal part of the day that’s perfect for reflection and connection.
You’ll be amazed how these quieter, more intimate moments balance out the excitement and fast pace of the rest of the day. And when documented, they create a beautiful contrast in your album that rounds out the full story.
6. More Time for Connection
Having this time together often leads to intentional, meaningful interactions. Whether it’s reading a letter from your partner, sharing a toast, or exchanging gifts with your wedding party, these moments give you space to feel all the emotions and share them openly.
As your photographer, I’m there to observe and capture these memories as they unfold naturally—no forced poses, just real connections.
Pro Tip: Choose a Well-Lit, Spacious Room
If you can, select a space with plenty of natural light and enough room for everyone to relax and get ready comfortably. Light, bright rooms not only keep the vibe calm and airy but also make your photos feel soft, clean, and timeless.
The “getting ready” portion of your day is like the opening chapter to your love story—full of anticipation, love, laughter, and a little bit of that pre-ceremony magic ✨. It sets the tone for everything that follows, and when you see those candid moments frozen in time, you’ll be so glad you made space for them.