Your wedding day is one of a kind, filled with moments you’ll want to remember forever. From the excitement of the preparations to the magic of saying “I do,” every instant deserves to be captured so you can relive it time and time again. But before you put on your dress and walk down the aisle, there’s a part of the day that encapsulates all the emotion and those little details that make your wedding truly yours: the getting ready.
Getting ready: It’s not just about getting ready, it’s the moment
The getting ready isn’t just about makeup and hair. It’s that intimate and personal moment that captures the essence of what’s to come. From the nerves and excitement to the carefully chosen details, it’s the perfect start to telling the story of your day. And if you want those photos to be epic, there are a few “must-haves” you can’t miss. To give you the best tips, we spoke with Valery Velázquez, an incredible photographer who has been named one of the 30 Rising Stars of weddings for 2024.
Here are her recommendations to help you capture those unique moments!
1. Key moments to capture during the getting ready
The getting ready is one of the most emotional moments of the day, and there are certain moments you can’t miss. Be sure to capture those photos with your closest family members, like parents, siblings, and best friends. Also, individual portraits of the bride and groom, showing the calm before the storm of emotions, are essential.
And don’t forget the details: the dress, shoes, perfume, and jewelry. These accessories not only tell the story of your wedding but also add an elegant touch to your album.
2. Prepare the space for stunning photos
The place where you get ready is key to making sure your photos turn out beautifully. A clean and organized space will make every detail look perfect in the images. Additionally, a spacious area with plenty of natural light will make your photos more vibrant and warm. Take some time to get everything in place before the photographer arrives, so they can focus on capturing those moments without having to rearrange the space.
3. Details that should be ready before the photographer arrives
Your photographer will focus on the details and accessories you’ve chosen for your big day. Make sure your dress, shoes, perfume, rings, cufflinks, watch, and any other important elements are ready. Having everything prepared not only saves time but also allows the photographer to capture these details at their best.
4. Coordinate with your photographer to capture the perfect look
It’s essential to coordinate with your photographer so they know exactly how your look will come together. Personally, I love receiving a preview of the bride and groom’s look beforehand, so I can determine if I need to bring any extra items to ensure the photos turn out amazing. Once that’s done, we take care of the rest!
5. Make your getting ready photos unique and personal
For your getting ready photos to reflect your style and emotions, it’s best to surround yourself with your closest family and friends. This creates an intimate and authentic atmosphere, where emotions flow naturally, resulting in vibrant, lively photos. Relax, enjoy the moment, and let the magic happen.
6. Common mistakes to avoid during the getting ready
One of the most frequent mistakes is not being punctual. This can throw off the entire day’s schedule and increase stress. Make sure everyone is ready on time, so the photographer can work without rushing.
7. The ideal time for the getting ready session
To capture all the details and emotions without feeling rushed, it’s best to dedicate between 40 minutes and an hour to the getting ready session.
The getting ready photos are not just the beginning of your wedding album; they’re the visual kickoff to the story you’re about to live. With these must-haves, you’ll ensure that every moment, detail, and emotion is captured in the most epic way possible.
Learn more about Valery Velázquez Photographer’s work on her TWB profile
Valery Velázquez Photographer on TWB
