Why Getting Ready Photos Are a Must-Have on Your Wedding Day: Capturing Candid Moments, Emotions, and Details

Your wedding day is made up of a million little moments—some big, some small, but all of them meaningful. And while the ceremony and reception get most of the attention, there’s something truly special about the getting ready portion of your day.

These quiet, intimate hours before you say I do are filled with emotion, anticipation, and beautiful in-between moments that deserve to be captured just as much as the big ones. That’s why adding getting ready photos to your wedding day is one of the best decisions you can make.

A Chance to Capture Intimate Moments with Family & Friends

One of the most beautiful things about getting ready photos is the intimate time spent with your closest friends and family. Whether it’s your mom helping with your dress, your best friend shedding a few tears as she buttons you up, or your dad seeing you for the first time—these are the moments you’ll want to remember forever.

Getting ready is one of the only parts of the day where things slow down. It’s a time filled with laughter, happy tears, deep breaths, and quiet reflection before the whirlwind of the ceremony and reception. These are the moments you’ll cherish when you look back on your photos years later.

The Perfect Way to Document All the Details You Carefully Chose

You’ve spent months (maybe even years!) planning every little detail of your wedding day. From your dress and veil to your jewelry, shoes, and flowers—these pieces tell your love story in their own way.

Your getting ready photos give your photographer the chance to document all of these little details before the day fully begins. Imagine beautiful shots of:

  • The necklace your grandmother gave you

  • The letters you and your partner wrote to each other

  • A flat-lay of your invitation suite

  • Your bouquet full of meaningful florals

  • The champagne toast with your bridal party

These moments and details come together to paint the full picture of your wedding day, and having them captured ensures you can relive them for years to come.

Candid, Authentic Moments That Feel Like You

Some of the best photos aren’t the posed ones—they’re the in-between moments. The deep breath before you step into your dress. The way your best friend wipes away a tear before she hands you your bouquet. The moment of stillness as your mom clasps your bracelet around your wrist.

These raw, real moments are the heart of your wedding day, and getting ready photos give you a collection of images that feel authentic, personal, and uniquely yours.

Get Stunning Solo Portraits in Your Wedding Dress

Once you're fully dressed and ready, take a few moments for solo bridal portraits before the day officially begins. These photos are a chance to capture you in your wedding dress, glowing with anticipation and excitement.

Some of the most beautiful and timeless images come from these quiet moments where you can:

  • Stand by a window with soft natural light highlighting your dress

  • Show off your veil in an elegant, dreamy shot

  • Hold your bouquet close and take a deep breath before the ceremony

  • Capture a candid moment of joy, excitement, or quiet reflection

These solo portraits are the perfect opportunity to soak in the moment, feel beautiful, and document the incredible look you’ve spent so much time putting together. Plus, they make for stunning additions to your wedding album!

Making the Most of Your Getting Ready Time (And Making It Fun!)

Getting ready shouldn’t just be about logistics—it should be fun, too! Here are a few ways to make the most of your getting ready experience:

  • Pop some champagne with your bridal party for a celebratory start to the day

  • Create a playlist with your favorite feel-good songs to keep the energy light and happy

  • Wear cute, coordinating robes or pajamas for adorable getting-ready photos

  • Write a letter or your vows for a quiet moment of reflection

  • Have a first look with your bridesmaids or parents to capture their emotional reactions

This part of your wedding day is a beautiful mix of excitement, nerves, and joy—so soak it all in and make it a time to remember.

Let’s Capture the Magic of Your Wedding Morning

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and every single part of it deserves to be remembered. The morning hours leading up to your ceremony are filled with some of the most meaningful, emotional moments of the entire day—ones that might otherwise be forgotten in the excitement.

As your photographer, I want to capture not just how your day looked, but how it felt—the laughter, the quiet moments, the sentimental details, and the raw emotions. So when you look back at your wedding album, you won’t just see pictures—you’ll feel the love, excitement, and magic all over again.

Are you ready to capture all the special moments of your wedding morning? Let’s chat about your photography package and make sure your getting ready photos are part of your perfect day!

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