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Getting Ready: Must-Have Photos For Her | Monterey Wedding Photographer

stunning bridal bouquet dream film image by AGS Photo Art

In today’s Tips & Tricks, we’re going to talk about the top five must-have getting ready photos for her as a Monterey photographer. I think these are really key to preserving special moments behind the scenes with you and your lovely ladies!

Must have – Girl Time

Getting Ready Must-Have  Photos For Her bride with flower girls

This is that special get-ready-with-me time with you and your friends and family. The bride isn’t in her dress yet, everyone’s wearing their cute matching robes, drinking champagne and calming those nerves! Capturing this time of preparing and hanging out before the ceremony and activities begin really adds to your album of memories for your wedding day.

Must have – Her Details

Similar to his details, pictures of her vows, her ring, her family heirlooms- these complementary pieces make the couple’s story so much more visually cohesive. I had one gal who wore her mother-in-law’s fur coat, SO precious! These details will tie everything together in a pretty ribbon. It adds to the sentimentality of everything when you look back on it after the fact.

wedding details must have photos for her wedding stationary and mrs box
bridal details must have photos for her film images by AGS Photo Art Carmel Wedding Photographer
wedding details must have photos for her badgley mischka shoes and mrs box with pearl earrings

Must have -The Dress

This is a sacred time! The bride puts on her dress and shows herself to her family. Capturing the candid reactions of her mother, her mother-in-law, her sisters, and her bridesmaids are one of my favorite things about wedding photography. The teary smiles and embraces are one of a kind! The energy in the room becomes quiet and thoughtful as they make little adjustments here and there. One by one putting jewelry on the bride before she enters this new chapter of her life, it’s truly a special moment that I can’t emphasize enough has to be captured.

bridal details hanging dress must have photos for her
film image of haley paige gown hanging on porch with gold hanger from Anthropologie

Must have – Mother-Daughter Moment

This is the immediate follow up now that the dress is on and the finishing touches have been made. Of course, this could also be the Sisters’ Portrait or the Best Friends’ Portrait- whoever the bride wants this special connection to be captured with before she becomes a wife. The final moments before she takes on this new identity and starts her journey with her partner are moments you won’t be able to recreate. I get a good chill thinking about the powerful emotions and reflections that fill up the room.

mother daughter getting ready portraits at Mission Ranch film images by AGS Photo Art

Must have – The Bridal Portrait

Romantic bridal portraits must have photos for her at Mission Ranch Wedding Venue Carmel CA

Finally, this is just before the first look begins. The bride is alone with her thoughts. Thoughts of how the rest of the wedding will proceed. Thoughts of how the rest of her life will proceed. It’s an indescribable moment of looking back and looking forward. I guarantee the expression on her face will change the moment she sees her lover and vice versa! The nervous smile becomes overwhelmed with restless excitement and joy for the future. It’s something to be memorialized alongside all the beautiful moments to come!

romantic bridal portrait outdoor scenery at Mission Ranch green backdrop
must have photos for her bridal portrait of pretty bride at Mission Ranch Carmel by the sea

I hope these five Tips & Tricks on must-have getting ready photos for her inspire you for your big day! You won’t want to miss the opportunities for these reflections on your history as lovers, before, during, and after the wedding. They’ll be just as breathtaking then as they will be years into the future when you look back at your album.

Capturing these moments for you would be my pleasure! Contact me here and we’ll make it happen together!

Shoes – Badgley Mischka Bow Shoes

Florals – Fionna Floral

Venue – Mission Ranch, Carmel By the Sea California

Film – Fuji 400H

Film lab – Photo Vision Lab

Ring Box – The Mrs. Box

comments +

  1. Ryan Smith says:

    Beautiful details and getting ready photos!

    • Hi! Thank you! Brooke had stunning details for her sweet intimate wedding at Mission Ranch in Carmel. She asked what she should have on her list of getting ready photos and so I thought it was time to write about it!

  2. Flora says:

    Beautiful guide on details every bride deserves! Amazing images and advice.

  3. Lorinda says:

    Beautiful work Amanda. I love the way you captured all the details and your bride is stunning !

    • Hi Lorinda, thanks for reading! Film will do that! I love to photograph with film because of the tones and colors it brings out. For getting ready photos film is beautiful for indoor shots!

  4. These photos are STUNNING! Great tips and helpful ideas to ensure brides feel well prepared the morning of their wedding! Beautiful as always!

  5. Summer says:

    I love everything about these gorgeous photos! Thank you for the handy information, it’s really helpful!

  6. Laura Young says:

    What a stunning wedding! The crude was absolutely breathtaking!

  7. Heather says:

    This is a great list and all the images are stunning!! Thank you for putting this together <3

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