Getting Ready Moments [5 Tips from Rubi Z to Brides to Be]

1. Wear something sentimental.  Couples are getting more creative with their wardrobe.  I’ve seen so many interpretations of wearing something sentimental.  It can be re-designing something of meaning as well, just so you can have a piece of grandma or dad with you.  It doesn’t even necessarily have to be someone who has passed.  Is there someone that means the world to you?  Incorporate something that represents them in your wardrobe.  The photographs of you wearing that item or getting into that piece will have such a sentimental value to the photographs.  *Also, make sure your photographer is aware of the meaning behind the item-that way they’ll focus more on capturing it.

2. Details do matter- or do they?  This is selective from person to person.  As a photographer, yes, details do matter!  Let me tell you why…there is a reason why you are choosing the shoes that you are wearing.  There is a reason why you chose the particular rings you did, the flowers you did, the garter that you did, the invitations that you did.  All of it paints a story of your day and design.  You pay a heck of a lot of money for the little details [some couples more than others] but I look at it this way, if it mattered enough to pay for it, then it matters enough to capture it!  And…these photos are just so pretty and create an overall feeling of your entire day.  So-if they matter-make sure to make time on your schedule for them or allow the photographer to carve a moment to capture them.

3. Ask your stylist to dress to impress. Most of the time your hairstylists/makeup artists have to arrive super duper early to do hair and makeup.  This makes it extra hard for them to have time to get ready themselves.  If you’re having a few photographs done of you getting hair and makeup -I encourage you to notify your artists that way they know that they will also be photographed and can prepare accordingly.  This will help to give your artists a chance to have a few behind the scenes images of them at work, which is always a huge plus and benefit to their business and will also help the look of your overall images of that segment.  This is not vital, but it is a good thing to be aware of.

4. Create the space for beautiful getting ready. Getting ready portraits can be a great story within your collection.  There are times where the venue’s bridal suite isn’t “picture perfect” or doesn’t have the best lighting.  If that’s the case…be open to getting into your dress outside or in an area that your photographer may find would photograph better.  I think getting into your dress moments are really special if you take the time to be in that moment.  It has been proven to be the moment that makes every bride stop and think “oh my goodness…it’s really happening!”  Just because you’re taking the time to stage it correctly doesn’t mean it won’t be real or in the moment.  Trust your photographer on this, and be open to shifting.

5. A first look with dad.  A special moment with mom.  If you have great parents or a mom or dad who have been amazing to you-honor them.  Take a moment of your day to stop for them.  Sometimes we forget…we hear that the day is all about “you”-although it’s true, I think that “you” wouldn’t be you if it wasn’t for them.  In a lot of cases, this day holds so much value to them.  There are a lot of emotions attached to you getting married.  So taking the time to create a moment with them will be something they truly cherish forever…and one day, when you have kids, you’ll see how grand this value will be to you as well.  An example of a great moment with mom would be allowing her an intimate moment to help you get ready-after all they probably got you ready for a lot of special occasions as a little girl.  For dad, an intimate first look with him would be special and would allow you some time to give him a gift or simply give him a hug and a moment to say “thank you.”  These are just examples.  You don’t have to limit how you create a moment with your parents, so long as you do [if that’s important to you, make room for it.]

In every situation, spend time with your photographer and event coordinator making sure they hear you and hear about the moments that you want to create and maximize on your day.  You will not regret it!

Sentimental Value: Here, Katie’s mom presented to Katy the pearl necklace her husband [Katie’s dad] gave to her when they were teens.  A piece of jewelry that now meant so much more to her family in these portraits.  When Katy’s dad saw her wearing the pearls he gifted her mom, he nearly lost it. Jacob and Katie at Pepper Tree Ranch San Luis Obispo, CA.

Just a few details of Theo and Sue’s day.  Mama Shelter in Los Angeles, CA.

MUA Maria at Bryce and Kaitlyn’s wedding at Wind Wolves Preserve in Bakersfield, CA.

Karina had a very cool Airbnb, but the lighting was a little dark and felt a little like a cabin.  Yet the backyard was a cool little oasis!  So it was easy to decide that we’d do outdoor getting ready portraits.  Cameron + Karina in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Moments with her parents.  Each one of them got a moment in her day because it meant something for her to have it.  Zack and Katy in Nicklaus Club Monterey, Monterey CA.