5 Reasons You Should Definitely Have ‘Getting Ready Photos’ On Your Wedding Day!

Having your photographer with you on your wedding morning can make for a much more relaxed wedding day - here’s why…

A black and white image of a bride getting ready on the morning of her wedding. She is photographed from behind while applying her makeup, her eyes are visible in two mirrors, while on her left a laptop plays a beauty tutorial she is following. — I often chat with couples who aren’t sure whether they want photography coverage on their wedding morning. I always explain that this is actually a really important part of the day for all sorts of reasons that they might not have thought of. Here are five reasons why having your wedding photographer with you for the last hour or two of prep could be one of the best decisions you make about your wedding day!

1. This the perfect time to gently ease yourself into the swing of being photographed!

While you’re focusing on getting ready you can slowly get used to me being around AND get used to the camera. It can be a bit overwhelming if the first time you see me pointing a camera at you is at the ceremony! If you’re feeling nervous about having your photograph taken and that’s why you’re not sure about having prep coverage, trust me, this is exactly why I should arrive sooner rather than later. This way you can start to fee comfortable with the whole thing on your own terms, in your own time. I promise I’m very low key - it won’t feel like the paparazzi have descended!

2. The time you spend with your closest family and friends before saying ‘I do’ is really special.

I don’t do much posing during this part of the day, I do what I can to keep the atmosphere calm and relaxed and focus on documentary coverage. It’s not just about the shots of you having your lashes applied or fixing your tie (although they’re cute too), it’s the nerves, the excitement, the anticipation. The finishing touches, the grand gestures, the heartfelt words. The party atmosphere, the calm before the storm, the emotion. These can be some of the most special photos of the day. Even if you’re getting ready alone or with just one or two people the same still applies, these quiet moments will give your gallery light and shade and tell the true story of your day. In years to come when you look back at your photos and see the full story arc from quietly getting ready to dancing the night away, they will bring all the memories and all the emotions rushing back.

3. You get cute shots having your lashes applied or fixing your tie ;)

Well, everyone needs those, right?!

4. getting ready together allows for some beautiful relaxed portraits

Take some time to help fasten fixings or tie ties, these can make for really intimate and truthful portraits, which are a lovely illustration of the start of your married life together, particularly if you are getting ready at home. I love photographing people in their own space, surrounded by memories, with their favourite pictures on the walls. In years to come you'll love to remember what your home looked like at such an exciting time in your life.

5. I get to infiltrate your inner circle and bond with your bests!

This is SUCH an important, underrated reason why I should be with you and your friends and family on your wedding morning. We have a laugh, I get to know them, they get to know me. Then for the rest of the day I’m ‘just Libby’, your newest pal, not some stranger with a camera. And that, my friends, is how we get the best shots!