Man in black tuxedo and bowtie gazes contemplatively through window in elegant formal setting.

 

Preparations

 

The 5 a.m. alarm rings after a night of tossing and turning, excitement bubbling like a child on Christmas Eve. The big day has finally arrived... your wedding day is here!


First, let me assure you: I won’t be pointing a camera in your face at the crack of dawn. You can relax knowing I typically arrive at your preparation location about one and a half/two hours before you’re set to leave.


With that in mind, let’s talk about how we can make the most of our time together in the morning and what you can expect!

A sequence of images showing a blue origami butterfly on a golden surface against a leafy background.
Vintage white lace lampshade with fringe details against a teal wall creates a romantic, shabby chic atmosphere.
A flowing white wedding gown with a dramatic veil is showcased in an elegant room with ornate wall panels.
Vintage black rotary telephone displayed alongside black studded high heel shoes on white fabric.
Wedding preparation scene showing makeup application in black and white photography.
Dark and moody still life painting featuring antique vessels, fruits, and decorative objects on a table.
Close-up detail of formal white dress shirt and black tuxedo at a wedding.
Wedding invitation cards and white bow heels arranged on grass in natural lighting.
A white sheet ghost figure sits on patterned carpet in a dimly lit room with white furniture and wall art.
When I arrive, we’ll start with a warm hello and introductions to your wedding party and family. Once that’s done, I like to dive right in by capturing the little details that make your day unique. This includes photos of your outfit, rings etc.

I’ll be moving around the preparation space to find the best lighting and angles, sometimes bringing your details from one room to another. Rest assured, everything will be handled with the utmost care and attention.
A series of mirror reflections show someone applying makeup in a bathroom with white walls and sconce lighting.

Hair & Makeup


If your preparations include hair or makeup, whether done professionally or by yourself, I’ll likely capture a few images of this process. From my experience, natural light works wonders for these shots, as ring lights can often create harsh and unflattering lighting.


Sitting near a window or in a room filled with natural light makes a significant difference. It’s a great idea to discuss this with your preparation team ahead of time to ensure we can make the most of the setting!

A black and white portrait shows someone in a white robe sitting on a bench with decorative slippers.
A person with blonde wavy hair wearing a white button-up shirt poses against a textured wall in moody lighting.
A white wedding gown hangs in a mint green room with floral curtains while someone sits in a floral armchair.
A black and white portrait showing someone in a collared pajama top against a light background with a circular element.
Black and white wedding photo montage showing intimate moments during bridal preparation in mirror reflections.
A vintage wooden wardrobe stands against floral wallpaper in a dimly lit room with beige curtains and brown shoes on the floor.
A silhouetted figure applies makeup while looking in a compact mirror in a black and white artistic photograph.
Person stretches against a wall in a bright room with floral wallpaper and framed artwork.
White wedding dress with layered ruffles displayed against vintage wooden furniture and floral wallpaper.
Artistic black and white portrait series showing ethereal close-up profile views with soft lighting and dreamy atmosphere.
A person in a white dress smiles warmly while holding papers in an indoor setting with natural lighting.

Gifts and letters


Gifts and letters add a beautifully sentimental touch to your wedding day and make for heartfelt, memorable photos. These moments are best captured once your aesthetic preparations, like hair and makeup, are nearly complete but can still be touched up if emotions run high: whether for you or your wedding party.

I always encourage couples to save these special exchanges for when I arrive so we can document them in their full, emotional glory.

Group Photos


Taking a little time before getting dressed offers a wonderful opportunity for a few group photos in your preparation space. Amid the morning excitement, it’s nice to pause, regroup, and share a moment together before diving into the final stages. This also gives you a chance to see how your hair and makeup photograph, if that applies.


During this time, I can check in with you and go over any last-minute details, like making sure all bags are packed and in the car, so everything runs smoothly!

A sequence of five photos showing people in matching pink pajamas posing playfully on a white porch railing.
A bride adjusts her white wedding gown while sitting in an elegantly furnished room.

Time For An Outfit Change


It's that time, the final part of your preparations for most - an outfit change. I usually recommend that you do this 45-60 minutes before you are due to leave the location of your prep. This means you are not rushing and can continue a calm mentality through the day. It is not worth the rush - believe me, I have seen it all.

I also recommend bridesmaids and parent(s) get into their outfits first before the bride. This means I can photograph the final stages of that before photographing the bride putting their outfit on with everyone dressed and ready to go.
Close-up view of a white wedding dress back detail showing delicate lace-up corset style closure.
A moody boudoir photo shows someone getting dressed in white lingerie and wedding attire near a window.
Behind the scenes photos show styling of a model wearing a romantic pink ruffled gown against white backdrop.
Black and white photo of hands buttoning up the back of an elegant white wedding dress with delicate details.
A bride in a flowing white wedding dress and veil stands gracefully in a bright, elegant room with patterned wallpaper.
Close-up black and white photo of hands clasped together wearing long lace sleeves and a fitted white wedding dress.
Close-up view of a black suit jacket sleeve with white dress shirt cuff and gold cufflink.
A series of black and white portraits showing soft, dreamy expressions in an artistic fashion style.
Elegant white lace wedding dress with high neck and long sleeves shown in black and white photography.
A person in a flowing blush pink ruffled dress poses gracefully in a bright white studio setting.

 

TOP TIP


Give yourself and your wedding party ample time to get into the correct undergarments if these are applicable (i.e Spanks, Perky Pears or Fashion Tape).


DON'T FORGET TO PUT ON DEODORANT BEFORE THIS STEP TO AVOID STAINING.

 

Black and white wedding photo showing bridesmaids in formal dresses watching the bride and groom on an elegant staircase.

First Looks


By far, one of my favourite moments of the morning. I will ask you prior to your day if you'd like to involve a "first look" during your morning prep - this can happen with your wedding party, your family or whomever you like.


Turning around or coming through the door to see you all ready for one of the biggest days of your life can re-inject that excitement into the day and remind you that this is actually happening!

A flowing white wedding dress train elegantly trails across the ground in front of an ornate iron gate entrance.
Black and white wedding photos show a couple in formal attire posing among trees with scenic mountain views in background.
A romantic black and white wedding photoshoot sequence under tall trees in a scenic outdoor setting.
A couple in wedding attire shares an intimate moment in a scenic outdoor setting with cypress trees and mountains.
A romantic black and white wedding photography sequence showing a couple sharing tender moments outdoors.
A couple shares intimate moments during their wedding photoshoot under a tall pine tree in a scenic outdoor setting.
A bride in a white wedding dress and groom in a black tuxedo stand under a tree during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A romantic wedding couple embraces in front of a scenic mountain landscape with greenery and hedges.
A bride and groom walk through a sunlit garden with tall trees as her white wedding dress train flows behind them.
A group of groomsmen in black tuxedos raise their glasses in celebration at a wedding event.

The Last Moments


Before we head off to the ceremony, time permitting, it’s a great moment for a quick group photo with everyone.


If you’re traveling from your preparation location to the ceremony, double-check that you have everything you need for the journey and the day ahead. Enlisting a member of your wedding party to help ensure nothing is forgotten can make this process stress-free!
Black and white wedding photo showing a bride in white dress and delicate headpiece viewed through a car window frame.

Ready to say "i do"?

Your Ceremony