GETTING READY INDOORS:

Any space you get ready in is prone to clutter and chaos, and as a documentary photographer, I don't believe in cleaning for the shot. However, I will say a clean, beautiful, welcoming space does wonders for your mindset while you get ready, especially if you’re feeling a little nervous or stressed.

My Best Tips:

Lots of light makes the experience & your photos a whole lot dreamier. Look for an Airbnb with open space, lots of windows, and neutral walls. Window light is not only the best for visuals, but access to the outside world is also calming for your nervous system
Have a storage room for all your stuff (readily accessible, but you’re not tripping over it) and a getting ready room that’s clean and open.
Put someone in charge of feeding you. A snack plate and water while you’re elbows deep in your makeup bag makes a big difference!
Have music playing. Whether you need something catchy to hype you up or something soothing to keep your stress levels low (I personally played Soft Piano on Spotify while I got ready because I am very prone to feeling overwhelmed)
Delegate the car-loading process. Make sure there’s someone in charge of grabbing a go-bag (makeup for touch ups, kleenexes, medication, etc) and anything else that needs to be transported to the ceremony and/or reception site

GETTING READY OUTDOORS:

If you're getting married anywhere that involves a hike, it’s not always the most practical to be 100% ready at the trailhead. I recommend doing hair & makeup where you're staying and bringing your final preparations (wedding outfits, shoes, etc) to change into at or before your ceremony site. I have a pop-up changing tent I use for outdoor changing or, if we're somewhere secluded, you can just change in nature and give the birds a show.

If your ceremony is somewhere flat and well maintained, you can absolutely show up in your full outfits and shoes.

GETTING READY TOGETHER:

One thing I'm seeing more and more on wedding days is couples choosing to get ready together and I'm here for it! It may feel silly to get ready separately when it’s just the two of you, especially if you’re been together all week anyway. You can either get all the way ready together or 90% of the way (everything but wedding outfits) if you'd still like to do a first look.

First Looks — Micro weddings (with guests)

There are two types of first looks: one is private, usually after you’ve gotten ready, and the other is at the ceremony with your friends and family in attendance.

A private first look allows you to spend more time with your partner on the morning of your wedding day, instead of waiting until the walk down the aisle to see them. You can take this time to read letters to each other, exchange gifts, or simply just breathe, embrace, and take a quiet moment to yourselves. If you are particularly nervous on your wedding day and unused to being away from each other, I find a private first look helps center you and dispel some of the nervous butterflies.

If it’s important to you to have this incredibly special moment witnessed by your friends and family (after all, you’re surrounded by all your favorite people), then I would recommend you wait until your ceremony to do the first look. The ceremony is always the point in which your wedding REALLY starts to feel real, and to have this incredible moment of connection shared by your parents, siblings, and best friends creates the most magical energy.

Other first looks you can consider:

with your parents,
with your friends or wedding party,
with your children or siblings

First Looks — elopements (no guests)

“Can we still do a first look if we’re eloping?” Absolutely. It’s up to you how you’d like to structure your getting ready before your first look. Here are a few options for you:

Get ready together and skip the first look (best if you want a fully immersed getting ready)

Get ready separately and do a first look (best if you want the full effect of seeing each other in your wedding attire)

Get ready together without putting your wedding outfits on and do a first look (best of both worlds)

If we’re out hiking or adventuring, I can bring a pop-up changing tent, or you can get dressed facing different directions, then turn around and soak in the sight of each other.