Wedding Day Photography | The "Getting Ready" Shots

Let's talk about the secret to those highly coveted, beautiful "getting ready" shots that every bride wants from her wedding day. And if you don't think you want them, you're probably not being honest with yourself. Those moments, when you're gathered with your maids and/or your mother, and putting on the most treasured gown you've ever owned... those moments are special. All too often we see photos of these moments that are dark and unflattering and the culprit is often the room. Yes - the room. If you're getting dressed in a dark space (think, basement room in your church, or tiny hotel room with only one little window), then you need to get a little creative. Better yet, let your photographer and stylist be creative for you and your photographs will become incredible keepsakes. 

Here are a few examples of what I mean... 

For Molly and Patrick's wedding day, we specifically rented an area where the girls could all get ready. This space wasn't in the church, but it was nearby (an important need for a wedding day timeline). It had abundant natural light flooding in through large windows and was so beautifully appointed that we knew it was the perfect place!

Three images above by Nancy Ray Photography

Becca and Sam were married at her parents home. As their photographer, Rylee, and I scouted for the best light, we both instantly fell in love with two unlikely places: the hallway and the master bathroom. This photo of Becca and her mother was taken in a hallway and these detail shots of her dress, shoes and jewelry were taken in the master bathroom because the light in there was just too perfect to ignore!

This image and the two below are by Rylee Hitchner Photography

On Nicole and Blake's day, when it was time for Nicole to be photographed getting ready with her girls, Perry Vaile decided to shoot them all on a covered porch. Did Nicole put her dress on outside? Of course not! We simply had her put her dress on (all but the back zipper/buttons) and then gather with the girls outside in the soft sunlight to finish getting ready. The results are so lovely.

Perry Vaile Photography

I could share countless examples of times when we moved the bride, her girls, her accessories, and the action outdoors, or to an unlikely room in a venue. Each time, we've done so in search of the best light so that these moments - in all their time-honored glory -  can be photographed as well as possible. The lesson here: trust your photography and styling team. You'll love the results. 

Becca