CHOOSE A SPACE WITH LOTS OF WINDOWS
If you're trying to decide where to get ready, this is so important! always opt for spaces with lots of windows and as much natural light as possible. When it's time to get into your dress, I will likely direct you to a clean area that has lots of window light coming in.
GATHER YOUR DETAILS
If you can, please have all of your details gathered before I arrive. My biggest recommendation is to put them all in one box or bag so they are all in one place. This includes: All 3 rings, A copy or two of your invitation suite, Your jewellery, Shoes, Bridal dress, Veil, Hair pieces, Perfume, Menus, Favours, Name Cards, Bouquet and boutonnieres & anything else you want photographed.
HAVE YOUR BOUQUET ARRIVE BEFORE I START SHOOTING
If possible, have your florist deliver your bouquet and boutonnières BEFORE I am scheduled to arrive. This ensures they will be included with all of the other pretty details.
GETTING IN YOUR DRESS
Make sure to have it in the timeline that your bridesmaids, mom, and anyone else you want to help you get into your dress be ready at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This ensures they can be included in these special photos looking their best
Hair & Make up
I would encourage you to have hair and makeup scheduled to be done around 30 minutes before you're scheduled to get into your dress. Hair and Makeup is typically the first event to run behind.
FATHER & DAUGHTER FIRST LOOK
If you and your dad are especially close, a father daughter first look is one of the loveliest things you can do with your dad. It gives him the opportunity to see you and your whole look before everything gets crazy, and a special time for you to connect. These easily become one of my FAVORITE parts from past weddings because they are so emotional and sweet! You'll be surprised at how emotional your dad gets when he sees you for the first time.
BRIDESMAIDS FIRST LOOK
A first look with bridesmaids has become one of the most spedcial parts of a wedding day for me to capture! Especially if most of your girls haven't seen your dress yet, it's the perfect way to show it to them and to capture their priceless reactions at the same time. It typically only takes about 5-10 minutes during the getting ready portion of the day.
Unplugged ceremonies
If you’re not familiar with unplugged ceremonies, they are essentially when you request that your guests turn off all of their devices for the ceremony. This allows the photographer to work more freely with no worry of getting guests in their shots.
As a photographer, there is nothing worse than trying to photograph the bride coming down the aisle and have someone stick their phone out in front of you.
I think this is such a FAB idea, and I’ve had many of my couples do this with amazing success. I also did it at my own wedding and it was great to see everybody who I love and cared about be fully present in the moment with us!
To make this happen at your ceremony, I recommend first having a sign at the entrance of the ceremony that encourages guests to put away their devices.
You can also request your officiant to announce it a few minutes before the ceremony starts, to reinforce what they’ve already read.
