I get the occasional bride or groom who doesn’t really want me to be there for wedding morning prep. They don’t really get what the whole photos of them getting ready thing is about.
So here’s my take:
It’s not really about you.
Well, of course it is, and it isn’t. I don’t spend hours at bride or groom prep, but I do chip up and hang out for a while in order to get to know my bridesmaids and groomsmen, bond with mums, dads and aunties, and get my squad used to being around me with a camera in my hand. It’s like easing people in gently.
It allows me to get closer to those people… those people that matter to my couple. Because the people who trust me, will allow me to photograph them in their most vulnerable, emotional, and beautiful moments.
And some of those moments happen during morning prep.
Like Shara wearing the red outfit. One minute she’s having her make up applied, the next she’s getting all emotional about her little girl who is about to step into that amazing wedding gown and walk down the aisle. These are big moments in small settings.
It’s not the first kiss… it’s not the exchange of rings.. it’s not the going down the aisle shot. Those are the obvious moments that most photographers and couples talk about.
And whilst they are important photographs to capture, sometimes, ones like this are way more valuable.
These are the images I’m looking for on a wedding day. These are the images that will resonate with you long after the obvious moments have faded. Your best mate giving you a hug, the flower girl staring intently as you apply lippy, your dad doing his utmost not to cry, your mum wondering where her little boy went and who this handsome fella in the suit is.
This is the reason I love the job I do, and why I also think the morning of your wedding is really really important. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t need me there from 6am – but have an hour or so before the ceremony… just enough to get the finishing touches, the emotional moments and the big cheesy grins.
Bride and Groom prep – FTW.
