Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Why "Getting Ready" Photos Are the Best Part of the Whole Wedding Day

Let’s talk about the part of the wedding day that doesn’t get enough hype: the "getting ready" time. You know—the hours before the vows, before the ceremony, before Aunt Linda tries to take over the timeline and someone breaks a heel. That part.

Yeah, those getting ready moments? Absolute gold. I’m talkin’ laughter, champagne, nerves, eyeliner wings, inside jokes, hugs that linger just a little longer, and your mom low-key crying while zipping up your dress.

It's the Calm Before the Beautiful Storm

This is the last quiet(ish) stretch of the day. You're surrounded by your ride-or-dies, sipping champagne, vibing to whatever playlist is setting the tone. Everyone's glowing—literally and emotionally.

There's a kind of peace in this part of the day that just doesn’t happen again. Once the ceremony kicks off, it's go-go-go: guests arriving, timelines to follow, rings to remember, and someone definitely asking where the bathroom is for the third time.

The Comradery Is Real

There's nothing like being in a room full of people who really love you, hyping you up while you get your hair and makeup done. The banter is top-tier. The robes are usually adorable. And the energy? It's this mix of nerves, nostalgia, and hype that makes for insanely good photos. You’re laughing, you’re tearing up, you’re doing little happy dances while holding your mimosa.

Oh, and the bridesmaids always have snacks. Real ones know.

That Dress Moment Hits Different

Let’s not forget one of the most emotionally charged parts of the whole dang day: when your mom (or sister, or best friend, or bonus mom) helps zip or button up your dress. That one gets me every single time. It’s quiet. It’s tender. It’s usually when the first tear slips out, and someone yells “Don’t cry, your makeup’s not waterproof!”

But like... cry. It’s fine.

Getting ready photos aren’t just filler content for your gallery. They’re where the story begins. They’re where the nerves settle in and the joy starts to bubble up. They show your people, your personality, and the little moments that matter more than you think.

So yeah, I love this part of the day. And I’ll be there for every mascara wand, every deep breath, every last "do I have time to pee?"