For most of the weddings that we have shot we have offered a full documentary service. We photograph the couple from first thing in the morning. Our coverage continues until the first dance. This means is a very long day.

Now it is unlikely that images taken while a couple is getting ready will be printed. However it does give them an insight into what was happening on the day. As bride and groom traditionally get ready at separate locations we will assign one photographer to each.

During the wedding of Ollie & Jess, my daughter Samantha went with the groom. I went with the bride. Before we started this process, I ensured that the time clocks in all of the cameras were identical. This night images that showed exactly what each party was doing at the same time.

It is fairly typical that the bride’s preparation takes considerably longer than the groom. Jess had rented an airB&B in Wellington so that she was closer to the venue. The boys started the day at the golf driving range.

When shooting the preparations you are looking for the candid moments that will bring a smile later. Such as the facial expression when a make up brush tickles. In small spaces these are not the easiest to capture. In the case of the image below I was actually standing inside of the shower.

It is also good to capture the interaction between the members of the bridal party or their immediate family.

Or where members of the party help each other get ready.

Finally you try to capture some family shots before they all leave for the rest of the day.