Matt & Jillian-Intimate wedding ceremony, why getting ready photos are so important! -Madoc Ontario
Why budget for getting ready photos?
Getting ready photos were personally some of my favorite photos to look back on from our wedding day. Reliving those little moments of joy, and excitement as I prepared to marry the love of my life, each photo holds so many emotions. When I look at them I am reminded of all the “feels” of the morning of our wedding. The nerves, the thoughts of “I am getting married today??? CRAZY, CRAZY, CRAZY.”, and the precious moments with my sisters as we giggled, sang and did each others hair and makeup. Take it from me, your day goes by so fast, all those little moments will quickly become a blur in your mind. That is why I believe it is so important that they are documented or they might easily be forgotten!
What if having my photographer there makes things a little awkward?
This is a valid question, and one that I honestly caught myself thinking on my wedding day as well! But not to worry, we will totally blend in with your day! I’ve been told people barely even notice me when I’m there! We are present photographing your special moments, but also available to help out in any way needed. Also, this is a great time for the bridal party and family to get to know your photographer a little better before the ceremony in a more relaxed environment.
Bonuses!
An added bonus of having your photographer present is they can help you stay on time with your schedule, as they have a little more time to pay attention to the clock as you do. It is also the perfect time for your photographer to grab some detail photos of your flowers, rings, invitation, shoes, jewelry ect. It gives your photographer opportunity to get photos of your dress and the bridesmaids dresses all lined up together! It is also the time to capture the special moment where Mother and daughter have their couple minutes alone (besides the photographer of course:P) breathing in the day, and to hug and reminisce childhood memories. Mom zipping up daughter, doing up each tiny button with all the care in the world, just as she did when you were a baby.
What do I need to prepare for my photographer coming?
Communication between you and your photographer is key. They will need a full day schedule, including what your timeline looks like for getting ready + hair and makeup. They will want rings + flowers + invitations set aside for them to photograph, and whatever other special items you want photographed. But honestly there isn’t much to prep, which is perfect because you will already be BUSY enough!
A little story behind Matt & Jill’s getting ready photos!
I did a couple session with Matt and Jillian 2 years ago, and was so excited when they booked us to photograph their wedding. Matt & Jill’s big day started with Andrew and I eating some pancakes for breakfast and then heading our separate ways. Andrew went to Matt’s house for some photos of the guys getting ready, and I headed out to Madoc to photograph the girls getting ready. Jillian’s Mom had planned a little “welcoming Jillian into bride hood” ceremony, where they prayed over her, and presented her with her beautiful wedding bouquet that Matt’s Oma had made. It was so beautiful seeing Jillian’s friends and family shower her with such love. Meanwhile Andrew was photographing the groomsmen opening their gifts-watches from Matt! Back at Jillian’s the girls were getting their hair and makeup done, and busy singing, laughing and joking together. Oooh, and sipping on some fresh apple cider, which luckily I got to snag some!;) Delicious!
I love the special moment where Mother and daughter have their couple minutes alone breathing in the day, hugging and reminiscing childhood memories.
We did a first look with Jillian’s family and bridesmaids! Their reaction was priceless! I wish you could hear the screams of “Jillian you look so amazing”, and “AGHHH JILLIAN WHAT A QUEEN!!”.
We love capturing all the little moments on the morning of the wedding, capturing a hug here, and a laugh there. Moments now forever frozen to look back on!
