The getting ready part of the day has all of the feels crammed into a couple of nervous and tender hours. With all of the action buzzing around the bride and groom, it’s easy to find yourself in a really chaotic, crowded, and cluttered space that inadvertently adds stress to the situation. Considering the right space for this part of the day is more important than most people think, which is why I recommend thinking about this early.
The factors that contribute to me getting good photos are also the ones that contribute to a more relaxed day for everyone. Here’s what I’ve learned we need:
- A clutter-free space
- Good natural light and lots of it! TIP: A big window is ideal when taking portraits of people getting their makeup done. (The makeup artist will love the extra light, too!)
- A space with an interior style that suits your own. If at home, don’t forget to get rid of all of the day-to-day clutter like electric fans or socks or dog beds. Fill the space with flowers, your favourite things, and just a couple of your favourite people.
- Put all of the things you’d like me to capture detail shots of in one place, that way I can maximise my time and not miss anything. For example, rings, shoes, cuff links, love letters or gifts, what scent you’ll be wearing that day, jewellery etc.
- While each of you are getting ready, chances are you’ll be filled with nerves. As you won’t have each other for comfort in these moments, consider writing a love letter for your fiance to read before the ceremony. It’ll be a nice little keepsake, make for some incredibly emotion-filled images before the ceremony, and help build the excitement in the leadup to the ‘I-do’s’.
- For the Groom and Groomsmen, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with doing up ties and putting on button hole flowers before the big day. I’ve witnessed countless of times where this has been a point of frustration on the day. Check out this video for easy guide to pinning the button hole / boutonnière.
- And finally, allow yourself enough time to not feel rushed, and enjoy the company of your crew, or just relax and take it all in before saying “i do”.
