First things first—there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to weddings. The most important rule? YOU DO YOU.Seriously! Trust your instincts, not a checklist. Your day should reflect you, not tradition (unless you want it to!). That said, we do have a few tips for bridal prep that might help you get the most out of your photos. But if this doesn’t feel like your vibe, no worries at all—just let us know what you're planning, and we’ll be there to capture your story, your way.

Many brides love having beautiful shots of their bridal details—it’s such a special part of the story. We typically set aside about 15 minutes to photograph your dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation suite, and other little touches. These quiet moments give us time to warm up creatively, and they also make for some gorgeous images. While we’re photographing the details, we’ll also be capturing candid moments of you and your crew—think robes, bubbly, laughter, and that lovely anticipation as the day begins to unfold.

Once the details are done, it’s time for a big moment: getting into your dress! We usually suggest that your bridesmaids and mom be dressed and ready by then so everyone looks polished in the photos. After you're in your gown, it's time for the finishing touches—jewelry, veil, shoes—and then we’ll take some beautiful bridal portraits before the day officially kicks off.

A Few Things to Think About for the “Getting Ready” Moments

As you plan out this special part of the day, here are a few meaningful moments you might want to include:

• Would you like to do a “first look” with your dad—or someone else who holds a special place in your heart?These are often incredibly emotional and beautiful moments to capture.
• Are you and your partner planning to exchange gifts or letters before the ceremony? If so, let us know who will be delivering them so we can be ready to photograph those reactions.
• Who do you want around you during this time? Some brides prefer a quiet, intimate space with just a few close people. Others love having their aunts, grandmothers, and best friends all there to share in the excitement. There’s no right or wrong—it’s all about what makes you feel happiest and most at ease.

If any of these moments are part of your bridal prep, just give us a heads-up. We’ll make sure to capture them beautifully and authentically.

Rings, Shoes, Jewels... It All Starts with the DETAILS!

The wedding day truly begins with the little things—the details that reflect your style, your story, and the love you’re celebrating. We love starting the day by photographing these special items. It gives us a chance to warm up creatively and capture the tone of your day from the very beginning.

Here’s a quick checklist of the most common details we typically photograph:

• Wedding dress
• Veil or hairpieces
• All three rings (engagement ring + both wedding bands)
• Shoes
• Bouquet
• Jewelry
• Perfume
• Full invitation suite (envelopes, RSVP cards, etc.)

We recommend gathering all of these items before we arrive so we can walk in, say hello (and give you a big hug!), then get right to photographing everything beautifully.

A couple of quick tips:

• Hold off on putting your jewelry on until after you’re in your gown. We love capturing those final touches—putting on your earrings, clasping your bracelet, slipping into your shoes—it’s all part of the story!
• If your dress is on a plastic hanger, try to bring a wooden or padded one instead—it just photographs a little more elegantly. But don’t stress if you forget! We’ll work with whatever you have and make it look lovely.

Timeline Tip: Add a Little Cushion Time

When it comes to planning your wedding day timeline, the best piece of advice I can offer is this: build in some buffer time. Even the simplest tasks can unexpectedly take longer than planned, and before you know it, the morning can start to feel a little rushed.

Adding an extra 10 minutes here and there throughout the schedule gives us some breathing room—and helps keep the day feeling calm and joyful rather than stressful. If something runs a little behind (which is totally normal!), we can adjust and make up that time elsewhere without it affecting the flow of the day.

A few things to keep in mind:

• We always plan travel time to be about one-third longer than expected—just in case there’s traffic or a delay.
• We also ask that hair and makeup be finished for anyone you’d like included in the “getting ready” photos before we arrive. This way, we can focus on capturing beautiful, relaxed moments without a rush.

A little cushion time goes a long way in helping everything feel smooth, easy, and most importantly—enjoyable!