Wedding Morning Photography Guide: 5 Getting Ready Shots You Can't Miss

The morning of your wedding day sets the tone for the entire celebration. These quiet moments of anticipation and preparation are filled with emotion, laughter, and meaningful interactions that deserve to be captured. At Joy Photo and Video, we believe that getting ready shots are some of the most authentic and cherished images from your wedding day. These photographs tell the story of your journey from individual to spouse, documenting the intimate moments before you walk down the aisle.

(Want to be fully prepared? Check out our guide on How to Create a Stress Free Timeline for Your Wedding to ensure you have enough time for these important photos.)

Whether you're planning your wedding photography timeline or communicating with your photographer about must-have shots, this guide will ensure you don't miss these essential getting ready shots on your big day. Let's explore the five most meaningful moments to capture during your wedding morning preparations.

Essential Getting Ready Shots for Your Wedding Album

1. The Dress in the Mirror

There's something magical about that first moment when a bride sees herself in her wedding dress. Standing before a mirror, taking in the culmination of months of planning and anticipation, creates a powerful image that captures raw emotion. This quiet, reflective moment often reveals genuine expressions of joy, wonder, and perhaps a few happy tears.

For the best getting ready shots in front of a mirror, we recommend finding a space with natural light if possible. Position yourself so that both your reflection and profile are visible, creating a multi-dimensional image. Take a moment to breathe and allow yourself to be present – your photographer will capture the authentic emotions that follow.

2. The Special Assist

Having someone special help you into your wedding attire creates not only a practical necessity but a deeply meaningful photograph. Whether it's your mother buttoning dozens of tiny buttons, your maid of honor adjusting the perfect zip, or your grandmother securing a family heirloom veil, these getting ready shots capture relationship dynamics and emotional connections.

The intimacy of this moment often brings out genuine emotions from both parties. Your photographer will look for the helpers' expressions of pride, joy, and sometimes bittersweet emotion as they assist you in this significant transition. These images become even more precious as years pass, preserving connections across generations.

3. The Perfect Details

Your wedding day is filled with carefully chosen details that reflect your personality and style. From your "something blue" to your grandmother's earrings, these elements deserve their own spotlight. Getting ready shots of your accessories arranged artfully tell a visual story of your wedding aesthetic.

For these detail shots, your photographer will typically gather your rings, jewelry, shoes, perfume, invitation suite, and other meaningful items. They'll arrange these treasures in flattering light, often incorporating elements from your wedding color palette or venue. These images not only preserve the memory of your carefully selected items but also provide beautiful transitional elements for your wedding album.

4. The Bridesmaids Before

There's something special about capturing your bridesmaids in their matching robes or pajamas before everyone has changed into their formal attire. These getting ready shots showcase the relaxed camaraderie and excitement of your closest friends supporting you. Whether you're sharing a champagne toast, exchanging gifts, or simply laughing together, these candid moments highlight the relationships that have brought you to this day.

For the best bridesmaid preparation photos, clear any clutter from the background and gather in an area with good lighting. Natural interactions typically create the most genuine images, so don't worry about posing—just enjoy this special time with your friends.

5. The Grand Reveal

Few getting ready shots capture pure emotion like the moment you reveal your complete bridal look to your bridesmaids or family members. Their genuine reactions of awe, joy, and often tears create powerful images filled with authentic emotion. This "first look" with your bridal party often produces some of the most heartwarming photographs from the entire day.

(Looking for more photo ideas? Don't miss our popular article on Add These Bridesmaid Photos to Your Wedding Shot List for additional must-have moments with your bridal party.)

To make the most of this moment, ensure your reveal happe

ns in a well-lit space with enough room for everyone to react naturally. Your photographer will position themselves to capture both your entrance and the expressions of your loved ones seeing you as a bride for the first time.

Making the Most of Your Getting Ready Shots

To ensure you get these essential getting ready shots, communicate their importance to your photographer before your wedding day. Consider these practical tips for wedding morning photography success:

• Choose a preparation space with plenty of natural light and minimal clutter

• Allow ample time in your wedding morning schedule for these important photographs

• Keep your getting ready space tidy or designate an area that stays organized for photos

• Consider hiring a second photographer to capture multiple perspectives during preparation

• Share this list with key members of your bridal party so they understand these moments' importance

Getting ready shots often become some of the most treasured images in your wedding collection because they capture authentic emotions and relationships. The anticipation, joy, and meaningful connections documented in these photographs tell the complete story of your wedding day, beginning with the quiet moments of preparation and culminating in your celebration.

At Joy Photo and Video, we specialize in capturing these fleeting but significant moments. Our experienced photographers know how to blend into the background while being perfectly positioned to document these essential getting ready shots, ensuring your complete wedding story is preserved beautifully.

Choose Joy,

The Joy Team