Why You Should Include Getting Ready Pictures in Your Elopement?
First of all, what are 'getting ready shots? Those are the shots taken during everything leading up to the first look and ceremony. It's the hidden emotions, those smiles or tears, the laughter between you and your best friend. Any signs of nervousness and excitement captured on camera prior the ceremony. Those are the pictures that tell the story right before the big 'yes'. Getting ready photos are an important part of the complete story of your wedding day, from beginning to end. Since most couples choose to get ready before their elopement or a wedding in different rooms or even airbnbs, the other party never gets to see how excited and nervous their partner was before their wedding. I love taking candid/documentary style photos of couples getting ready because they are the ultimate story tellers. They capture raw and unforced emotions in a more relaxed setting. They're also never seen before angles of your face and body, all those cute expressions that make you YOU.
How Much Time Should You Have For Getting Ready Photos?
That's totally up to you and the package you choose. I offer elopement packages starting at 3h coverage, but that's never enough time to capture it all. If you want getting ready shots, I offer them in packages starting at 5h. The most popular one is 8h coverage that allows enough time to capture everything from your make up to the ceremony, plus plenty of time for hiking adventure to that dream portrait location.
Every bride requires different amount of time for getting ready shots, since not everyone wants full on make up or hair done. Some brides want to get ready on location, which adds another element of surprise and adventure.
If you're planning on getting ready at airbnb or a hotel, I like to spend minimum of an hour with couples getting ready to capture the most important stages of 'dressing up'.
If you'd like to get ready at a trailhead before embarking on a hike or at the parking lot near the ceremony location, 20-30 minutes is enough for the more'adventurous' version that tells a story from start to finish .
Ready to elope and have a great experience?
