I’ve had a few couples tell me they aren’t sure if they really need getting-ready photos. Some wonder what they’d do with them or if they’ll even look at them after the wedding. But let me tell you—these moments are some of the most intimate, emotional, and storytelling-rich parts of your day. In this post, I’m sharing why getting-ready photos are so much more than just ‘getting ready’—they capture the excitement, anticipation, and quiet, meaningful interactions that make your wedding day uniquely yours.

Capturing the Emotion of the Moment

The getting ready part of your day is filled with anticipation. There’s a unique kind of magic in these quiet, behind-the-scenes moments. The way your hands shake just a little as you fasten a cufflink. The deep breath you take before stepping into your dress. The stolen glances in the mirror, the nervous laughter with your best friends, the happy tears as a parent pins on a boutonniere or zips your dress. These are moments of raw, unfiltered emotion—moments you’ll want to look back on and relive for years to come.

More Than Just Hair and Makeup

Getting ready photos aren’t just about the physical transformation of putting on a dress or adjusting a tie. They’re about the transformation of emotion—from excitement and nerves to the realization that the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here. These photos tell the very first chapter of your wedding day’s story, setting the tone for everything that follows.

A Chance to Capture the People Who Matter Most

One of the best things about getting ready photos is that they capture the people who are closest to you on your wedding day. Whether it’s your mom helping you with your veil, your best friend hyping you up, or a quiet moment between you and your sibling, these images are a testament to the love and support that surrounds you. And if you aren’t having family there, it might be showing that support through reading letters from family, or putting on your mom’s veil or dad’s cufflinks.

The Story You’ll Want to Remember

Years from now, when you flip through your wedding album, your getting-ready photos will transport you back to the excitement, the nervous energy, the laughter, and the love of that morning. They’re not just about “getting ready.” They’re about documenting the beginning of one of the most significant days of your life.

So if you’re on the fence about whether or not to include getting ready photos in your wedding coverage, consider this: these moments are part of your story. And they’re absolutely worth telling. If you’re looking for someone to capture every part of your day, please reach out!