Getting Ready Tips & Detail Photos

Why getting ready & detail photos matter and tips to make sure you get the best candids.

Why do getting ready photos matter?

The getting ready portion of the day is one of my favorite times of the day to document! During these moments, the excitement is high, and things are starting to feel so real. The day you’ve waited so long for is finally coming together, you’re about to marry your best friend! Including this portion of the day into your photo coverage really helps weave together a complete story of your wedding experience. It’s also a helpful way to start getting warmed up to the camera, and a great time for me to document your important wedding details.

I recommend starting your day off in a relaxed manner, waking up with plenty of time to get ready so that you can feel really prepared, be present, and just soak in the excitement before heading off to the first location. 

During this time I will photograph all of your special wedding details that you’ve put so much time and effort into. It’s helpful to have all of these details ready and laid out in advance. I recommend doing this the day before so you have one less thing on your mind day-of. Typically these details will include your wedding attire, rings, jewelry, vow books, florals, family heirlooms, invitations or announcements, etc. This is also a great time to give your partner any special gifts.

Do you want to get ready separately or together?

Some couples choose to get ready separately, especially if they’ve kept their wedding attire a surprise from each other or plan to do a first look. If you get ready separately, it’s helpful to choose getting ready locations that are close to one another, and even better if you can get ready in nearby rooms at the same home. A lovely thought if you chose to get ready separately is that I will be able to photograph a unique glimpse into your partner’s experience that you wouldn’t see otherwise.

Other couples choose to get ready together. This enables you to spend the entirety of your wedding day together. Some of the sweetest photo opportunities include, sharing a mirror as you fix your hair, zipping your partner up into their wedding dress, tying a bow tie, or lacing up boots for each other. There is no wrong way to do this, it’s all up to you and how you envision your day panning out! 

You could even choose a combination of the two! Starting your day off snuggled in your pjs, making breakfast together and enjoying it in bed or on the deck of your Airbnb with a view. Then when it comes time to get dressed in your wedding attire, you can choose to keep that portion of the getting ready process a surprise.

Getting Ready Tips

While choosing your venue/lodging and getting ready location, keep in mind the aesthetics, and look that fit the general vibe you’re going for. It’s best to keep the rooms you are getting ready in neat and do any necessary tidying up the day before. Try to pick up any loose clothing on the floor, move any luggage or miscellaneous items to one side of the room, or out of the rooms altogether. This will allow me to candidly photograph you two without any clutter or distractions in the frame. It will also create a more calm and peaceful environment for you to get ready in.

When searching for photogenic places to stay and get ready, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Always look for a nice, clean, calm, and open space

• The more natural window light, the better, but lots of cool lighting works as well

• The less busy and distracting the space and decor is, the better

• Consider the general aesthetics and decor–do they match the vibe you’re going for?

Once I arrive, I may do some slight rearranging depending on lighting scenario, but don’t worry, I’ll put everything back in its place for you when we wrap up!

GETTING READY CHECKLIST:

• Copying your vows into your vow books

• Writing and reading each other love notes

• Giving a gift to your partner

• Reading letters from family or friends

• Facetiming with loved ones who are not present

• Reading love notes or cards from early on in your relationship

• Framed photos set up of loved ones who have passed

• All details (rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, flower, cologne, etc.) put together in a box

• Extra undergarments, toiletries, or first aid, if an emergency happens

No matter how you choose to spend your getting ready time, it truly sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with the people closest to you, and soak in the anticipation before everything unfolds. Whether you're laughing over mimosas with your wedding party, quietly journaling your thoughts, or helping your partner into their outfit, these quiet, joyful moments deserve to be remembered. I’m always honored to document this part of the day and help preserve the full story of your wedding—starting with those first, beautiful hours.

Venue: Eleven Oaks Ranch