Your wedding day is finally here! After months (or maybe even years) of planning, it’s time to embrace every moment. But before the walk down the aisle, there's a beautiful phase of the day filled with quiet anticipation: the "getting ready" moments. These moments, filled with excitement, calm, and personal reflections, set the tone for the rest of your wedding day. And, with a little intentionality, they can become a lovely part of your wedding photos.

Here’s how to create a calm, beautiful space for getting-ready photos that you'll love looking back on.

1. Choose a Simple, Clutter-Free Space

When choosing the room or area where you’ll be getting ready, opt for a space with minimal clutter and distractions. Clean lines and open spaces help your photographer focus on you and the beautiful details that matter. A clutter-free space doesn’t mean sterile—just keep it organized so items like bags, food containers, and extra belongings aren’t crowding the scene.

Pro Tip: Designate a corner of the room for any “extras” or ask a bridesmaid to help keep things tidy. This way, your photographer can focus on capturing details like your bouquet, dress, and the genuine expressions on your face.

2. Embrace Natural Light for Flattering Photos

Natural light is one of the most beautiful and flattering types of lighting, making it ideal for wedding photography. If possible, choose a room with large windows and position yourself near them. This kind of lighting enhances skin tones, adds a soft glow, and makes everything look timeless and ethereal in photos.

Why It Matters: Artificial lighting, such as overhead lights or lamps, can cast harsh shadows or change the color tone in photos. Natural light, on the other hand, creates soft, even illumination that enhances the natural beauty of your gown, makeup, and expressions.

3. Incorporate Personal Touches

Personal touches make your getting-ready photos unique to you. Consider including meaningful items like a handwritten note from your fiancé(e), a special piece of jewelry, or family heirlooms. Even a well-placed bouquet or a favorite perfume bottle can add personality to your images. These details tell a story and bring emotional depth to your photos.

Ideas for Personal Touches:

• A letter or small gift from your partner

• A family heirloom like a bracelet or necklace

• Your favorite bouquet placed in a visible spot

These touches not only add beauty to your images but also become visual memories of the emotions and love surrounding your day.

4. Capture the Dress Reveal Moment

The dress reveal is one of the most special getting-ready moments. That first look at your wedding dress, either hanging in the window or held in your hands, is magical. It's a quiet, intimate moment that can evoke so many emotions, from excitement to nostalgia, and it’s a beautiful memory to capture.

Tip: Hang your dress in a spot with natural light and a clean background. This creates a dreamy effect in photos and emphasizes the intricate details of your dress, giving it the spotlight it deserves.

5. Take Time for Classic Bridal Portraits

Once you’re dressed and ready, take a moment to pause for a few classic bridal portraits. These are timeless shots that capture your beauty, your gown, and your joy. They’ll likely become some of your most cherished photos from the day, showing you as a radiant, excited bride just before saying "I do."

Why It Matters: These portraits reflect the emotions of the day. A quiet smile, a thoughtful look—these little expressions capture the inner thoughts and feelings that make the day meaningful. A good photographer will guide you to feel comfortable, ensuring these portraits are natural and authentic.

6. Surround Yourself with People Who Make You Feel Calm and Joyful

Getting ready can sometimes be a whirlwind of emotions. Surround yourself with people who help you feel calm, happy, and confident. Whether it’s your bridal party, family members, or just a close friend, having the right people nearby makes the morning more enjoyable and keeps you grounded. Plus, your photographer can capture those fun and meaningful interactions that show the love and support around you.

Keep in Mind: The "getting ready" moments are as much about the experience as the photos. Enjoy this quiet time and let your photographer capture both the candid laughs and heartfelt moments.

Final Thoughts

Creating a calm, beautiful space for your getting-ready photos doesn’t require much—just a bit of planning and intention. A clean, well-lit space with meaningful details, a gorgeous dress reveal, and a few classic portraits will help you create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. And most importantly, these moments will capture your joy, anticipation, and love as you prepare to start this new chapter.

Planning your wedding? Fill out the Contact Form below to connect with me and discuss how I can document your unforgettable getting-ready moments.