Wedding Getting Ready Tips
Since this tends to be the time of day when the most emotional photos are taken I will require 90 minutes to photograph the details and moments.
What Happens During The Getting Ready Time?
Hair and Makeup
The hair and makeup stage of your day is not usually photographed from the beginning. We usually show up at the tail end of you hair and makeup and photograph the last minute touches. We will then begin to photograph the day as it unfolds with your best friends or family in a journalistic style.
Tip: Hair and Makeup IS the number 1 reason you may or may not run late for your wedding ceremony. This is definitely the part of the day where you may want to pad the timing by adding 30 minutes to the schedule. If everything runs on time then you'll have more time for fun stuff with your wedding party like champagne toasts or jumping on the bed photos.
The Details
Allow 30-45 minutes
Upon arrival, the first thing we will do after introducing ourselves to everyone is scope out the light and layout of the getting ready space. My second shooter/assistant will gather all items that you have laid out for us to photograph. We usually start with the dress and locate the perfect light and backdrop for this image. Sometimes, depending on locations, we may ask to take your dress to an epic scene or beautiful light. This image can take some time to create and depending on the timeframe we may photograph your other details such as the rings, the flowers, the accessories and the paper details at a later time in your day, but usually all the details are photographed within 30 minutes of our arrival at bride and groom preparations.
Bride and Bridesmaids in Robes
Bridal Portrait
We ask for 5 minutes alone with the bride to photograph a beautiful portrait. Many photographers no longer produce these timeless images and I think they are one of the most important of your day. We photograph this image immediately after you are finished getting ready when your makeup and hair is perfect. We also ask for this time to be alone with the bride and photographer only. This allows the bride to have 5 minutes to breathe and collect her thoughts before heading out to the first look or ceremony.
Champagne Toast / Scotch Toast / Flowers Handoff