Some of the most beautiful photos that I capture on a wedding day, is of the bride getting ready. It’s an easy part of the day to overlook and skim past. “Oh, I’ll just be putting on my makeup, it’s no big deal,” but think about the moments that really occur during those few hours. You laugh with your friends. You get nervous, anxious, excited. Your mother sees her daughter in her wedding dress for the very first time. You see yourself, all made up and in the dress for the first time. Your friends and family cry, laugh and hug. A lot more happens during these moments than simply getting your hair done.
This is a great reason to put a lot of thought into where you choose to get ready. How large is the space? Is there enough room for you, your bridesmaids, your hairdresser and/or makeup artist, your mother and your photographer to move freely? Is the decor eye pleasing? The decor will play in to a lot of your details. Does it have a great amoire or window to hang your dress for example, or will your photographer have to struggle finding a suitable location. Of course, these are the things I worry about. I don’t expect my clients to scout out locations for hanging the dress and doing ring shots, but rather take in the location as a whole. An attractive location not only promises beautiful photographs, but it allows me to spend much more time with you, instead of trying to areas to work in.
Take the image above for example. It was taken in a suite at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Lexington, KY. It’s very simple, a bride in the mirror putting on her earrings, but take in the surroundings. What would the image be without the ornate mirror, the tasteful wallpaper, the room for the mother to also be caught watching her daughter, handkerchief in hand?
Here’s another shot. A simple detail of the shoes. This was taken at the Bridal suite of Talon Winery in Lexington, a favorite spot of mine. A great thing about the suit is there are a lot of great little nooks for me to grab detail shots at, without having to leave the bride and potentially miss a great moment.
This last shot was taken at Griffen Gate in Lexington. Again, it was a large lovely bridal suite, with plenty of room for everyone, and had a lovely large window that I put the dress in, without ever leaving the brides side. Sometimes I leave the dress up, people love walking in and seeing the dress on display. They always say how lovely it looks in the window ;)
I have tons more that I can showcase, but I will save that for another post! Remember, feel free to ask your photographer about areas you are considering. There is a good chance we have shot there or have some information to pass on!
Square Apple Studio 