The wedding day will be here before you know it. From getting ready to final touches, you will find simple guidance to help the morning feel organized, peaceful, and full of joy.
Wedding Day Preparations
Many brides have hair and makeup done at a salon or home and then meet me at the church for dress, detail, and getting dressed photos.
If I am meeting you somewhere else for getting ready photos, please plan to be nearly ready when I arrive, just without your dress on. This allows us to move smoothly into detail and dressing photos. A tidy space also makes a big difference in photos, so take a few minutes beforehand to clear countertops and gather belongings.
Getting Ready Location
I will meet you at the location where you plan to put your dress on.
ou may feel more dressed up than usual, but remember you will also be wearing a beautiful wedding gown. Professional makeup photographs differently than everyday makeup and truly enhances your look on camera. I recommend the bride go first for hair and makeup. Since you will be photographed first, this gives you buffer time in case anything needs to be adjusted. The mother of the bride should also be early in the schedule so she is ready before you step into your dress.
Hair & makeup Tips
A trial with your stylist is so important.
Small touches can make the morning feel even more meaningful. Matching robes or slippers for your bridesmaids make for sweet photos and a fun, cohesive look. We will absolutely grab a joyful group photo. You might also consider a first look with your bridesmaids, your father, or another special family member. If one of these moments is important to you, let me know so we can build time for it into your timeline.
If you prefer something more natural, your bridesmaids can be present while you get dressed, smiling and cheering as the final zipper goes up. Those candid moments are often some of my favorites.
Ideas for Making the Morning Special
- Steamer
- Scissors
- Bandaids
- Deodorant
- Hairspray
- Dress tape
- Bobby pins
- Safety pins
- Small sewing kit
- Floss
- Music speaker
Morning Of Reminders
Wedding mornings move quickly, so having a few essentials on hand can make everything feel smoother.
Helpful items include:
Think through the little things that could come up and prepare ahead of time. This is a wonderful responsibility for a personal attendant or a helpful aunt who wants to be involved. Also, make sure your wedding party and close family are fed. Wedding days are long. Have a clear plan for lunch that works around formal photos and Mass so everyone feels their best.
I also bring a small selection of ribbons, trays, ring boxes, and backdrops. If you have something specific you would like incorporated, especially a certain color or sentimental item, place it in your details box for me.
- A full invitation suite and other printed pieces such as Save the Dates or programs
- Earrings, bracelet, necklace
- All rings, including the groom’s band
- Veil and shoes
- Extra floral cuttings
- Perfume or meaningful heirloom pieces
Items to include:
I typically begin the day by photographing your dress and details. Please have everything gathered and ready when I arrive so I can begin right away. I will bring a simple hanger, but if you have a personalized one, have it set aside. Place your items together in a box or bag for easy access, and remove any tags beforehand.
Details for Your Flat Lay
I recommend that groomsmen arrive at the church fully dressed in their formal attire. This prevents forgotten items such as black socks or undershirts and eliminates the need to carry extra clothing throughout the day. If bow ties are involved, practice ahead of time, have them pre-tied, or consider clip-ons. And gentlemen, empty your pockets. Phones, keys, and wallets create bulky lines in photos. Leave them in a safe place or ask someone not in portraits to hold them during photos and the ceremony.
Men Getting Ready
When planning florals, your bridal bouquet is always the best place to invest. It is featured in many portraits throughout the day. I also recommend asking your florist for a few extra floral cuttings for your flat lay photos. Those small additions make a beautiful difference in detail images.
Florals
Florals
Men Getting Ready
Flat Lay
Hair & Makeup Tips
Getting Ready Location
Special Morning
Reminders
Communication
Transportation
Seasons
Weather
Designating Tasks
What to Expect
Shot List
Sunset Portraits
Wedding Party
Extended family
Family Photos
Buffer Time
First Looks
Reveals
sample timelines
Expectations
Videography
DJs
Planners
Florists
Catering
Hair
Venues
Dessert
Transportation
Use your photos
What to Expect
Locations
What to wear
