Tips to make your getting ready experience seamless

Getting ready photos are one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! Your hair and makeup are done, your girls are gathered around, and you finally slip into your dream wedding gown. It hits you—this is it. Today is your wedding day, and you are a BRIDE!

From the moment your dad sees you for the first time, to the quiet second you fasten your grandma’s bracelet, I love capturing every emotional, joyful, once-in-a-lifetime moment.

But let’s be real: not every getting-ready space is a Pinterest dream. Sometimes churches offer basements or cry rooms, and even luxury hotels will stick you in a conference room. But don’t worry—you can still have light, airy, beautiful getting ready photos no matter the space! Here are my top 5 tips to help you make it happen:

1. Do Your “Wedding Homework”

A few weeks before your big day, I’ll send you what I call your wedding day homework. It’s a simple checklist that includes all your important details—rings, shoes, invitation suite, perfume, jewelry, and more.

Having all of your details gathered in one spot makes things run so much smoother and quicker on the wedding morning. Instead of scrambling to find everything while 10 other things are happening, you’ll know exactly where your treasures are—and I’ll be able to start capturing them right away.

2. Prepare Your Bridesmaids

You’ve seen those gorgeous, joyful photos of bridesmaids fluffing the bride’s gown, laughing together, and soaking in the moment? Those dreamy images don’t just happen—they’re made possible because the bridesmaids are already dressed and ready before the bride puts on her gown.

If you have a larger bridal party, this tip is especially important. When everyone’s ready on time, we can capture polished, elevated, and heartfelt moments without rushing.

3. Reduce the Clutter

Let’s be honest—getting ready involves stuff. From curling irons to Starbucks cups to duffel bags, the room can quickly get chaotic. To keep your photos clean and focused, designate one corner of the room for everyone to stash their things.

This is also a great time to temporarily move any distracting rugs, wall art, or hotel signage so the background looks beautiful and simple. Don’t worry—we always put everything back exactly how we found it!

4. Plan for It

Getting ready photos usually take about 2 hours from start to finish. That includes styling and shooting all the details, getting into the dress, special moments with your bridesmaids or parents, and any first looks you’ve planned.

Building that time into your wedding day timeline helps keep everything smooth and stress-free. This is your time to breathe, laugh, and take it all in—and I’ll be there to document every second.

5. Find the Light

Not every getting-ready space is naturally photogenic—and that’s totally okay! If the room isn’t ideal, we can always move to a nearby spot with better natural light once your bridesmaids are dressed and you’ve slipped into your gown.

We’ll “stage” the final moments—zipping up your dress, putting on earrings, slipping into your shoes—in a space that photographs beautifully. That way, even if the actual getting-ready room isn’t picture-perfect, your photos will be!

At the end of the day, your getting ready photos are about more than just pretty images. They tell the beginning of your wedding day story—the butterflies, the anticipation, the joy. With just a little prep, you’ll have dreamy photos you’ll cherish forever.