Details, tips & answers on how to get the best editorial wedding photography photos from your bridal preparation
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You may be planning your wedding with so much attention to detail that it might feel a little overwhelming having to consider so many different elements. So, I thought I’d put together some details and tips to help guide you through this wonderful experience. Included below are 8 tips I’ve put together after 10 years experience as a luxury UK & destination wedding photographer to make your day as enjoyable as possible for you and your guests and beautiful to photograph too.
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01 Location & Light
Consider booking a stunning venue that works aesthetically for your vision, has plenty of space & loads of natural light. Keep areas tidy & clutter free to keep your bridal prep images looking gorgeous & timeless.
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02 Detail Checklist
Put together a checklist of all your important details that are unique to you and your day and set them aside ready to be photographed beautifully. These could include: A wow factor dress and a beautiful hanger / your favourite scent / jewellery / shoes / accessories / bespoke florals / rings and your stationery set (inc. Save the date, invitation, RSVP & details card, menu card & envelopes).
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Flat lay photographs are a lovely way to define the tone & tell the story of your wedding day, bringing together both your style as well as your vision for the day. A perfect way to personalise your wedding flat lays is to request a few extra flowers from your florist specifically for the photos.
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03 Bespoke Hair Styling & Make-Up
Invest in having your hair and makeup done professionally by an artist. Bespoke bridal hair styling & make-up for your special day can make you feel amazing. Keep a few products on hand throughout the day for make up touch ups and consider having an outfit & hair change before the party starts.
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04 Notes & Gifts
It’s often quite nice to put a little gift together for each other and / or for your friends and family to evoke a memory or to get excited for the day ahead. It’s also a lovely moment to share with everyone in the morning.
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05 Bridesmaids Ready First
Make sure your wedding party is dressed and ready before you so that they can help you with the final touches.
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06 Allow time for Portraits
Allow time for some stunning editorial portraits by working with a wedding timeline. I always recommend allowing at least 1 hour 30 mins – 2 hours for bridal prep photography. I will work with you to put together a timeline for your whole day that works for you and incorporates all the images that are important to you.
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07 Enjoy yourself & relax!
Bridal prep is one of my favourite parts of a wedding to photograph. It’s such a wonderful part of your day – full of anticipation, love, laughter & friendship. Curate the perfect getting ready playlist and bring a mini speaker. Pop open the bubbles, have plenty of snacks available and have fun! When you look back through your photos this part of the day is not only full of beautiful moments but also builds excitement for the day ahead and is the start of your story.
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08 Your Reveal & Exit
I love a reveal, whether it’s to your bridal party or your family members. If its something that’s important to you let me know and I will make sure I’m in the perfect position to capture it. I also absolutely love capturing a brides final moments before she walks down the aisle – The final walk down some elegant stairs, stepping foot into a classic car, however you choose to make your way to your wedding I will capture you naturally and unobtrusively.
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Getting ready for your wedding is so wonderfully special and I really hope that you enjoy every second of it! I also hope that you have found my hints & tips useful. You can find more details, hints & tips to help guide you through this amazing experience on my blog here: More hints & tips.
If you feel a connection to my work and you would like me to be there to capture your story, please get in touch by completing my contact form in the link below:
"Gem totally understood the vibe of the wedding. She worked so hard all day & we hardly knew she was there. We received lots of comments about how lovely our photographer was! It was like having another friend there. We absolutely love each & every one of our photos, we can’t believe how she managed to capture so much & so many special moments! Thank you - you are amazing!"
"WOW, WE ARE SO GLAD WE CHOSE YOU!"
LOTTIE & PAUL
EL CORTIJO DE LOS CABALLOS, SEVILLE
"It is Gem's uncanny ability to capture the real "moments" of the day that really makes the images special & brings memories flooding back when you look through them! Gem made the whole process effortless from start to finish, especially on the big day where she really went the extra mile. The editing & quality of the finished product is outstanding, this coupled with Gem's talent for picking the moment & her easy to deal with nature makes her your obvious choice for your wedding photography!"
"WE COULDN'T RECOMMEND GEM ENOUGH"
JEN & NEIL
SQUARE TOWER, SOUTHSEA
KINd WORDS
Gem was amazing from the moment we met her, she was so warm & friendly she really made us feel at ease. Gem captured every detail, every smile, laugh, tear, it was so wonderful to relive the day when we got our photos back! She captured all the bits we missed and more. Gem's photos are beautiful.
Hire Gem, you won’t regret it!
"i cannot tell you how happy we are with our photos"