Maine & NH Wedding Photographer | Getting Ready: Where the Real Emotions Actually Happen

Everyone thinks the ceremony is the emotional peak of a wedding day. And sure, vows are great, crying parents are a classic. But if you ask me?
The most emotional moments happen before anyone walks down the aisle.

Getting ready is quiet in a way the rest of the day isn’t. It’s nerves and deep breaths and that weird mix of “I’m excited” and “holy shit this is happening.” It’s where the walls are still down because the performance hasn’t started yet.

This is when moms stop moving for a second and really look at their kid.
This is when best friends tear up while pretending they’re “fine.”
This is when someone cracks a dumb joke just to break the tension and everyone loses it laughing.

There’s no audience yet. No schedule breathing down your neck. No one asking where they should sit. It’s just you and your people, exactly as you are.

And honestly? That’s why it photographs so damn well.

The moments aren’t posed because they can’t be. No one is thinking about where to put their hands or if they’re smiling “correctly.” They’re buttoning dresses with shaky fingers. Straightening ties for the millionth time. Sitting alone for a beat because it’s the last quiet moment you’ll have all day.

Some of my favorite images ever happen in these in-between minutes:

• A teary eyed parent overlooking a bride as she puts on her dress

• A friend holding back tears while zipping a dress

• A deep breath in the mirror that says okay, I’m ready

This part of the day sets the emotional tone for everything that comes after. If you rush it, you feel it. If you protect it, it shows.

So if you’re planning your wedding and wondering what actually matters?
Give yourself time to get ready. Be surrounded by people who calm you, hype you up, or make you laugh when you’re spiraling a little. Let the room be messy. Let the moments be imperfect.

Because before the music starts, before anyone stands up, before the ceremony even happens,
this is where the story really begins.

And trust me… this is the part you’ll feel forever.