YOUR
Wedding Guide
CHAPTER ONE
Getting Ready
Your getting ready time can be both fun and stress-free with a few tips to help make everything run smoothly. Here are some ideas to make your getting ready time extra special:
Who to get ready with?
Choosing who to spend the morning of your wedding day with is a meaningful decision.
Getting ready for your big day can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Remember that you have the freedom to choose who you want to share this special time with. Whether it's a big group or a few close loved ones, the key is to create an atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not consider spending the morning with your partner? Imagine sharing intimate moments, calming each other's nerves, and creating lasting memories together. These moments can be captured in photographs and cherished for years to come. Embrace the excitement and make the most of this special time before you say "I do".
It will get messy
Keeping your space tidy will creating a stress-free environment for getting ready and taking photos.
Here are tips to ensure your wedding photos are perfect amidst the excitement and chaos of getting ready.
NOMINATE A TIDY TEAM
Nominating family or friends to help keep things organised during your preparation. They can do simple tasks like picking up empty glasses and bottles or discarded hangers to keep the space tidy.
PRIORITISE NATURAL LIGHT AND SPACE
To help capture gorgeous photos, natural light and space are essential. If you're unsure which room to use for photos and as the designated mess-free zone, I'm happy to help you choose. Your tidy team can quickly declutter the room before I start taking pictures.
BEAUTY IN THE CHAOS
Despite having friends around to keep things tidy in the morning, some of the mess may still be visible in the photos as I'll be taking shots from various angles around the house. However, as a documentary photographer, I believe there's a unique beauty in every moment, including the chaos.
Location
Unsure about where to get ready for your big day? I’ve detailed some of my favourite places for your inspiration below.
AT HOME
Getting ready in the comfort of your own home, or your family's home can add lots of sweet, sentimental details. I will take some ‘establishing shots’ (aka photos to help tell the story of the day) and capturing the meaningful details of of the home or family home can make for truly special images.
AIRBNB
Airbnbs can be the perfect location for capturing your getting ready photos. Not only can they provide a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, but also a unique and visually stunning backdrop for your photos.
If you're unsure of where to start, don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or assistance with researching local options. Let's work together to find the perfect Airbnb that complements your style and vision for your wedding day.
OTHER ACCOMODATION
Show off your personality through your getting-ready location! Whether you choose a luxurious 5-star resort or a quirky retro motel on the side of the road, your photos will be stunning.
If you're staying at a hotel, resort, or motel, ask the staff if you can take photos in public areas. To ensure privacy, you can also request to reserve a specific area or section of the location during your photo session.
Makeup/Grooming
If you're having your makeup done, try to position yourself in front of a large window to catch the beautiful natural light. This will cast lots of flattering natural light on your face while your makeup is being applied as well as help me to take the best photos possible.
And if you're not having your makeup done, I still want to capture all the special moments of your getting ready process. Whether you're straightening your tie or putting on your necklace in front of a mirror, just let me know when you're getting ready to add those final touches and I'll be there to capture it all with my camera.
Detailed Photos
These photos are of all the accessories that you will be wearing to complete your outfit, such as cufflinks, necklaces, perfume, shoes, etc.
If you would like these photos, please make sure you gather all the pieces and hand them to me when I arrive.
Shoes
Bags
Cufflinks
Invites
Jewellery
Watches
Flowers
Tie Pin
Rings
Socks
Perfume
Ties
Exchanging Gifts
BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR PARTNER
I would be honored to capture this sweet moment for you in a beautiful area of your accommodation with plenty of natural light.
Please don't feel shy or worried, as I'll give you all the privacy you need and mainly shoot from a distance. Once you've exchanged your heartfelt words and gifts, I'll take some pictures of them to cherish forever.
WITH YOUR WEDDING PARTY
If you're planning to exchange gifts with your wedding party, let me know beforehand. I can take pictures of the gifts before they're given and suggest a location to capture the moment. During the exchange, I'll move around the room to take candid photos of the joyous reactions.
Remember, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love for each other, so don't feel obligated to follow any specific traditions. Do what feels right for you as a couple and enjoy every moment of your special day.
Food
Don't forget to take care of yourselves with a little sustenance during the getting ready portion of the day. If you're surrounded by family and friends, appoint someone to take charge of food arrangements to keep everyone satisfied, especially you and your partner.
But if it's just the two of you getting ready, let's make sure food preparation isn't on your mind. Bring some yummy snacks, order in or head out to a nearby café for a quick bite. Let's keep those stomachs happy!
Creating the vibe
There are no hard and fast rules for what to do in the morning, so feel free to mix things up and make it your own. You, your partner, and your wedding party can do any activities that will help you get in the mood for the day and make this time even more special.
This can include:
Playing Games
Doing Yoga
Taking a walk on the beach or in nature
Playing golf
Going to the local bar or cafe
Going for a Surf
Whatever you choose, just let me know if there's something you'd like me to capture with my camera and I will work it into the photo timeline of your day.
I'll head to your ceremony location earlier
To ensure I make it to your ceremony location before you and your guests, I will leave from the getting ready location about 30 minutes before you do. This way, I can familiarise myself with the surroundings, photograph the ceremony setup and have a little chat with your celebrant, before anyone else arrives.
FAUX GLOW WOES
I understand the appeal of a nice, sun-kissed glow. However, it's important to keep in mind that fake tans can sometimes look more orange than natural in photographs. If you're unsure about using fake tan, it may be best to skip it altogether.
If you do opt for a fake tan, I will still make sure you look good in all your wedding photos — I’ve got you.
HEAVY MAKE UP
If during your makeup trial, you feel like the makeup is a bit too heavy-handed, don't hesitate to speak up! It's important for you to feel confident and beautiful on your big day without worrying about looking "cakey" in your photos. Even if the makeup artist assures you that it will look great in pictures, trust us, it won't look any different. So, feel free to ask your makeup artist to try a lighter look or find a new artist who better understands your vision. Remember, it's your day, and you deserve to feel amazing!
What to wear
If you've booked me to capture your getting ready moments, let your family and friends know ahead of time that I'll be taking photos during this time. That way, everyone can feel comfortable and ready for the camera.
To add a fun and cohesive touch to your photos, you and your wedding party could consider wearing matching slips, robes or pyjamas. For those who prefer to wear their own clothes, suggest wearing something casual or anything they feel confident and happy in.
Time spent with you
Getting Ready
When it comes to the getting ready portion of your day, I typically like to spend around 45 minutes to an hour with each partner. This allows me to capture all the important details, such as your outfit, hair, makeup, and any grooming that you may need. Of course, if one of you is getting ready faster or slower than the other, we can adjust our time accordingly.
When should I be — Ready-ish
To ensure that we have plenty of time to capture all the precious moments of your getting-ready process, it would be great if your hair and makeup are finished around 30 - 40 minutes after I arrive. Please make sure that your wedding party's hair and makeup are already done before my arrival, and save yours for last.
Although you might prefer me not to take photos of you while putting on your outfit, I recommend waiting for me to arrive before getting dressed. This way, we can discuss and plan what you're comfortable with me photographing and tailor it to your preferences.
I'll be leaving for the ceremony 30 minutes before you do, so please factor in enough time for any unexpected delays, such as makeup or hair running over time. If you need help putting together a timeline that works for you, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
The First Look
If you are open to stepping away from tradition, a first look at your wedding can offer many benefits. This is where you and your partner share a private moment in your wedding attire while I capture every priceless reaction. Taking place between the getting ready and ceremony part of the day, it allows you to share an intimate moment without an audience, savour more precious time together on your special day, and ease any pre-ceremony nerves.
From a photography perspective, a first look allows me to capture raw genuine emotions, from the tears, smiles, and sheer excitement while you scream at your partner, “you look soooo good!“. It can also expand your photography timeline, ensuring a diverse collection of portraits, group shots, and romantic couple moments. Lastly, if your ceremony is later in the day, a first look enables us to make the most of the warm natural light for your portraits.