How to prepare for pre-wedding portraits (getting ready)
Getting ready at the Berkeley City Club
Location matters: Choose a space with natural light, clean backgrounds, and enough room for your bridal party and photographer.
Timing: We typically arrive toward the end of hair and makeup for the final touches and candid moments.
Key moments to capture: Wedding dress, shoes, accessories, candid shots with bridal party, and personal moments like the bride or groom getting dressed.
Clear the clutter: Move personal items away from windows and main areas to avoid distractions in photos.
Details: Have your rings, invitation suite, and other important items ready for styled shots.
Groom prep: Ensure the groom’s space has good light and that accessories are laid out for smooth photos.
Pro tips: Plan for matching robes, keep key people close for emotional moments, and make sure everyone is comfortable with their outfits for photos.
Capture meaningful moments: Include family, pets, and children for extra emotional shots.
Your wedding day starts long before you walk down the aisle.
Some of the most emotional, genuine moments happen during the "getting ready" hours — before anyone says “I do.”
These pre-wedding portraits capture the anticipation, the laughter, the nerves, and the calm before the celebration begins.
But here’s the thing: getting ready photos don’t just happen.
A little prep goes a long way.
We’ve photographed countless weddings— and we’ve learned exactly what makes these moments flow beautifully.
Let’s walk through what you can do to make your getting ready portraits smooth, stress-free, and stunning.
Bridesmaids hanging out at the Berkeley City Club
Bridesmaids hanging out at the Berkeley City Club
Where Should You Get Ready?
Your getting ready space sets the tone for your photos.
Whether you’re in a hotel suite, Airbnb, your childhood bedroom, or your best friend’s house — it becomes the backdrop for the first part of your day.
Here’s what to look for:
Natural light: Windows are gold. The more light, the better your photos will look.
Space to move: Choose a room with enough space for your bridal party, makeup artist, and us — without tripping over bags.
Clean surfaces: Clear counters and uncluttered backgrounds keep the focus on you.
Neutral or light-colored walls: These bounce light and give your skin a clean, natural glow in photos.
If you’re choosing between hotel rooms, pick the one with the biggest windows and most open floor space.
What Time Do We Arrive?
We typically arrive toward the end of the hair and makeup process — right when you're about to get dressed and start the final prep.
Why not earlier?
Because this timing gives us:
A fresh, polished look for your close-ups
Enough time to photograph your dress and details
Candid moments with your bridal party while you’re all still relaxed
On average, we recommend starting prep coverage 1.5 to 2 hours before your ceremony or first look, depending on your contracted hours of coverage. That gives us time to document everything without rushing.
What Do We Photograph During Getting Ready?
This is where the story begins. Here’s what we typically capture:
Your dress hanging up
Jewelry, shoes, perfume, invitation suite
Hair and makeup touch-ups
Candid moments with your friends and family
Popping champagne, exchanging notes, or sharing laughs
The moment you step into your dress
Final mirror check or a quiet pause before the big reveal
For the groom or partner getting ready, we’ll also capture:
Cufflinks, tie, shoes, and suit details
Toasts or drinks with groomsmen
Buttoning the jacket or tying the tie
Any personal rituals or traditions
Schedule your complementary consult call to get started on building the perfect collection for you.
Pro Tips to Get the Best Photos
1. Clear the Clutter
Bags, food wrappers, random cords — they sneak into photos fast.
Move all personal items, suitcases, and plastic bags away from windows and beds.
We’ll likely use the area near the window or the bed for portraits.
The cleaner that space is, the better your photos will look.
2. Have Your Details Ready
Set aside a small box or tray with your important items:
Rings (all of them)
Invitation suite
Shoes
Veil or accessories
Jewelry
Perfume or cologne
Special heirlooms or keepsakes
This helps us style and photograph your details quickly and beautifully.
3. Keep the Right People Close
Want an emotional photo of Mom helping with your dress? Or your best friend zipping you up?
Let them know ahead of time.
Make sure they’re dressed in something they’re comfortable being photographed in — even if it’s a robe or PJ set.
We’re capturing real moments, not just posed shots. The people around you matter.
4. Match the Vibe
If you’re doing matching robes or coordinated PJs, go for it.
If not, that’s fine too — just make sure everyone feels confident and photo-ready in whatever they’re wearing.
What Should the Groom Prepare?
Groom prep gets overlooked, but it’s just as valuable.
Here’s how to make sure those photos are clean, classic, and on point:
Choose a getting ready space with good light, just like the bride’s
Lay out the suit, tie, shoes, watch, cologne, and accessories
Keep snacks and drinks in a separate area to avoid clutter
Encourage groomsmen to be dressed (or mostly dressed) before we arrive
Want a few portraits of the groom reading a note or adjusting his cufflinks in natural light? We’ve got you.
What If You’re Getting Ready at Two Locations?
If you and your partner are getting ready in separate spots, we’ll build that into your timeline.
We can:
Divide coverage between the two spaces
Send a second photographer if needed
Prioritize the prep location with more activity or important moments
We’ll walk through the logistics during your consultation and make sure everything flows.
What About Kids, Pets, or Grandparents?
Yes to all of it.
We love capturing little moments — like a flower girl spinning in her dress or a grandparent watching from the couch.
If someone is important to you, let us know so we can prioritize them in the coverage.
Common Questions
Q: Do I need to be fully done with hair and makeup before you arrive?
A: Not fully — we like to capture the final touches. But you should be mostly finished so you're photo-ready for close-ups.
Q: What should I do if the space is dark or has poor lighting?
A: We bring lighting gear just in case, but we’ll also scout out the best corners with natural light once we arrive.
Q: Can you photograph flatlays of our details?
A: Absolutely. We love styling your items. Just gather everything in one place ahead of time — it saves time and gives us more to work with.
Final Thought
Pre-wedding portraits are more than just “getting ready” shots.
They’re about the energy. The connection. The transformation.
It’s the quiet before the celebration. The story before the ceremony.
Whether you're getting ready in a penthouse suite in Downtown Sacramento or your parent’s home in El Dorado Hills, we’ll capture it all — with style, ease, and intention.
Let’s Get You Ready
Want help building the perfect photo timeline for your day?
Schedule your complimentary consultation call.
We’ll walk you through everything — from prep to portraits to the last dance.
This is your story. Let’s start it strong.
Schedule your complementary consult call to get started on building the perfect collection for you.
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