SELECT AN ENVIRONMENT THAT OFFERS PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT 

If you take anything away from this post, let this be it.  Natural light is imperative for beautiful getting ready photos.  This means you need to select an environment that has plenty of windows and doors where natural light can easily fill the room.  Many wedding venues often offer couples a bridal suite so that they can remain onsite, but we encourage our couples to only commit to this suite if it fits this essential requirement.  

ENSURE YOUR LOCATION HAS AMPLE SPACE

Regardless of how large your bridal party is, having ample space in your getting-ready location plays an essential role in keeping the energy calm and the photographs clean and timeless.  If you think about it, each person that will be getting ready with you will be bringing all of their luggage with them for this portion of the day.  Together all those items will create a lot of clutter that will affect your energy, causing unwarranted stress as your photographer and bridal party work to ‘tidy up.’  To combat this, designate a room (usually the one with the worst lighting) to be the designated area for all bags, dresses, etc.  This way you’ll feel calm and relaxed knowing the space around you is clean and tidy and ready for the beautiful getting ready photos you’ve been dreaming about. 

BE SELECTIVE OF WHOSE GETTING READY WITH YOU

It’s important to remember that while this day is a celebration, it’s also an important milestone in your life story. If you find that certain members of your family or friends cause you unwarranted stress, it’s more than okay to not invite them to your getting-ready space. When you are intentional with the circle you have around you, you set the energy for not only this moment but for how the rest of the day will unfold. We’ve found that those who do take this advice into consideration are generally more relaxed, which sets the scene for beautiful getting ready photos. 

HAVE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR YOUR BRIDAL DETAILS

When your photography team arrives they will being their coverage by photographing your bridal details.  This includes items such as your invitation suite, wedding rings, perfume, jewelry, wedding shoes, etc.  The last thing you want to do is interrupt hair and makeup to search for these items, so place them in a designated area that is easily accessible for your photographer when they arrive.  

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL

Hiring a professional who has a clear understanding of lighting and posing is essential if you’re looking for beautiful getting ready photos.  Capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments is a skill that a professional photographer hones after years and years of practice.  Please don’t just trust these sacred moments to just anyone, do your research and hire someone you feel confident in, it will make all the difference. 

Learn more about Our Offerings and how I can help you not only with your wedding photography but also guide you through the entire wedding day process as well.