Why Getting Ready Photos are Important on an Elopement Day
As an elopement photographer, one of the most common things I hear from couples is that they’re not really interested in getting ready photos. I totally understand that these photos might seem like something that you only take on a traditional wedding day and they may seem super posed, but I want to share why I believe this part of your day is so so important to have documented no matter what type of wedding you’re having and how you can re-imagine this time to be less of a checklist of shots and more of a way to make your day more intentional and unique to you!
“Getting ready” can be more than just getting dressed
While “getting ready” is the most common way to refer to this part of the day, it includes more than just the few moments when you put your clothes on. I think of it more as the time that includes anything you do before the ceremony. Most people who opt out of “getting ready” coverage also miss out on the things that happen between getting dressed and the ceremony, like solo portraits, meaningful moments with family before you walk down the aisle, and even a first look with your partner. So even if you don’t want traditional getting ready shots, I highly recommend starting your coverage an hour or two before your ceremony.
You deserve to have the WHOLE story of your day documented.
Getting ready time is the beginning of that story and without those photos you’re missing out on a lot of context of the day! There are a lot of emotions, details, and little moments happening and they’re building up to what the day is all about - you two getting married. That’s really exciting and special! Just because you’re having a more intimate and less traditional wedding day, doesn’t mean it’s any less important to document every moment. In fact, I really believe that makes it even MORE important to document every single moment! Big and small. The more time passes, the less you’ll remember those small details and moments and having photos to look back on will be so special. Photos of your day will also be the only way to share your experience with your loved ones who aren’t there - it will be really meaningful for them to be able to see the full story through your photos.
It’s an opportunity to slow down and be more intentional with your time.
Instead of rushing through the morning and getting ready just to run out the door, really soak in each moment and what it means. What this whole day means. This time will really set the tone for the rest of the day!
Here are some ideas on ways to spend your morning / getting ready time to make the most of it:
hand write your vows into a special vow book
exchange gifts with each other
read pre-written letters to each other
FaceTime with loved ones who aren’t there
have coffee together in PJs
making breakfast together
after hair and makeup, set aside some time for boudoir photos or robe photos
pop some champagne or make your favorite drinks together
go for an early morning hike
have a pool dip or hot tub soak before you start getting ready
It allows you to have special moments with loved ones documented.
You may not want a traditional wedding day, but it’s likely that if you’re having loved ones join you, they may really love to share some “traditional” wedding day moments with you, like helping you zip up your dress or put on your tie, giving you a pre-ceremony gift, sending you off with a hug, etc. Having your getting ready time documented will mean more memories of all the little moments and emotions you’re experiencing on one of the most exciting days of your life! If you’re having a “just us” elopement day and you’re getting ready together, then those photos of you helping each other will be a really intimate and beautiful look into your relationship. If you’re getting ready separately, photos will be the only way you see what that time was like for your partner!
It allows you to get comfortable with your photographer and having a camera around.
Oftentimes, when I show up on an elopement day, I’m meeting the couple for the first time and they’re usually a little nervous or anxious about having photos taken. By arriving during a slower paced part of the day, we have time to get to know each other and get comfortable before we dive into the rest of the day’s bigger events. During this time, I’m typically shooting a lot of details and candid moments (where I’m observing and watching for moments to happen naturally) and I pick up on things like how you interact and move and use this info throughout the day to capture you as authentically as possible! By the time you’re saying your vows you will almost have forgotten I’m even there taking pictures and you’ll be really warmed up for portrait time. And I will be warmed up too! I want to be able to give you the absolute best photos possible and building trust and comfort during the first part of the day is crucial to be able to capture natural photos and genuine moments throughout the rest of it.
Ultimately, I will never force anyone to take getting ready photos or do anything they don’t want to do, but I wanted to share why this time is really important to have documented and how valuable those memories will be! If you’re worried about things feely really cheesy and forced, think about it this way: getting ready photos are less about the “must have shots” and are more about the moments that are ACTUALLY happening. As far as what those moments are and how you spend the time, that’s up to you! Elopements allow you to break away from the formula and truly make the day all about YOU. Take this opportunity to completely personalize your experience from beginning to end.
