Imagine it with me, you’re getting married. It’s a gorgeous sunny day, and you’re getting primped and ready with your bffs. There are mimosas flowing, tears being shed, and laughter is in the air as your photographer arrives. I take a minute to say Hi! and to squeal and jump up and down with you, because OMG you’re getting married today! Then I get right to work shooting your gorgeous details and candids of you and your girls, because everything is picture perfect and ready to go! I’m so excited to share some of my best tips to getting those Pinterest perfect Getting Ready photos that will help the morning go smoothly, and with as little stress as possible!

THE LOCATION

My first and possibly most important tip, is the location! If you’re getting married at a church or venue without a getting ready suite, I recommend searching for an affordable Airbnb with big windows with a ton of natural light. If you can find one with a beautiful living space for group photos and a full kitchen to make your mimosas in, even better! I have found many affordable rentals that are comparable in price to hotel rooms. Plus, there’s usually more bathrooms, more beds, and a better overall aesthetic. However, please don’t worry if a hotel is your top choice, we will still get beautiful photos! We just may need to be more creative to get the shots we need.

THE NIGHT BEFORE

This one is super important to have done before I get there! And better yet, it can be delegated to a bridesmaid if needed. It makes it so easy for me to start on your details if all of your items are ready when I get there. Make sure all tags are off, everything is out of its packaging, and you have it all in one location. I will need ALL of your rings, fiancé’s ring, wedding invitation suite (if you have one), shoes, veil, dress, perfume, jewelry, and all other special items. If all of this is ready to go when I get there, I won’t have to interrupt you getting ready with questions about where your shoes walked off to!

THE MORNING OF 

I encourage all of my brides to have your girls help you out with this the morning of your wedding! Most of the time the bridesmaids have lots of extra clothes, bags, cosmetics, etc. scattered all over when I arrive. Which we don’t want in your photos! Before I get there, ask your girls if they can help clean up the floors and designate a room in the Airbnb or a corner of the hotel room where all the shoes, bags, curling irons, and everything else can go to be out of the way and out of your photos. This helps keep everyone from being stressed about where to put stuff, lets the girls help out, and give you a nice clean background for your photos!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Have fun! Try to delegate any last minute details to people in your life that may not have huge roles to play, but would love to help out! Try to relax and remember to stay hydrated, eat a little something, and have a blast with your besties while you get ready for your day!

If you have any questions for me about your getting ready space, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d love to help you with anything I can to make your day beautiful and as stress-free as possible!