Getting ready photography/video

AndreaD · July 2, 2010

Hello everyone,

I am the type of person who likes to be focused in the moments before a big event ---final exams, job interviews, presentations, etc... Although distractions can help me forget how nervous I am, they can also cause me to be absentminded. Because of this, I was adamant about not having the photographer or videographer come to my room right before I walk down the aisle. I believed that I would be too distracted to enjoy the time with the people helping me get ready and that I will not be able to take care of any last-minute emergencies if I have to pretend to be serene.

I was also concerned that the distraction of the photographer and videographer would cause me to forget something in the room---like my earrings.

However, now that my wedding is two months away, I am starting to rethink this decision. Perhaps I'll be all set and ready to go an hour before the ceremony and the time I spend with these professionals will not only provide a way to kill time and distract me from my nerves, but life long memories.

I appreciate your thoughts, brides and brides-to-be!

By the way, my fiance does not want the "getting ready" shots of him. Therefore, if I do this, we would only have pictures and videos of me during this stage, so it would be one-sided.

TATrisha · July 2, 2010

Honestly, as a photographer... I LOVE these moments. Some of my favorite captures.

But as a past destination bride, I can tell you I was STRESSED OUT the moments before walking down to my ceremony.

Back to being a photographer, I try to think of everything so my bride doesn't have to. I coordinate when she gets dressed, where her stuff is, make sure she eats, make sure the bridemaids don't drive her nuts (he he). But then, I leave for about the 15 minutes before the ceremony. She usually needs that time with her mom/dad or closest friends to just relax a little. I go take pictures of the ceremony all set up before guests are seated and then also casual shots of the guests prior to the wedding. I'm also then in place for when the bridesmaids start their walk down the aisle.

It's all personal preference though. If you feel like you would be better off without a photographer, then definitely don't let it stress you out. Just meet them at the ceremony.

~Nicole~ · July 2, 2010

This might sound strange, but I felt more relaxed with my photog there lol. She totally took control when things were going wrong which eased me and took a lot of pressure off. I didn't feel distracted at all. It's not like she was interrupting me saying "stop what you're doing and pose". I was going about my business and went about hers. I'm really glad that I have those pics

jk1101 · July 2, 2010

Totally agree with Nicole. I was soooo stressed out on the day of my wedding, and my photographer was so helpful in getting me to laugh and relax...and I'd only met her that day! Wedding photographers, if they are good, know what they are doing, and are not really in your way as you are getting ready - they're in the background taking the pictures while you're getting ready.

My other photographer (hsuband and wife team) got to my husband when he was 90% ready, and just snapped him getting his tie and jacket on...

we didn't have a bridal party so I had my 2 best friends and my mom with me and he was alone. It made both of us much more comfortable for the hundreds of pictures that followed throughout the day. there are some really great pictures from that set.