2017 Favorite Prepping Moments | Virginia Wedding Photographer

In an 8-hour contract, I typically have 30-minutes to photograph the details, but I believe it’s important to capture some prepping photos even before the dress is put on. 🙂 So, when shooting solo, I try to pop in and out from the details to photograph candids of the girls hanging out. If I have an assistant with me for the day, I have her dedicated to documenting the candids of the bride and groom with their wedding party. This is typically the casual, hang out time (of course, if the timeline isn’t behind schedule) when everyone feels comfortable and in their element. And sometimes when they are really in their element, hilarious moments happen! ESPECIALLY when it comes to the groom and his groomsmen. Every wedding is the same deal. But thinking about it, the men just have it easier the day of the wedding! You’ll find them out golfing, sleeping, horseback riding, hanging out at the bar, playing video games, watching their favorite sports, etc. While the guys enjoy the go with the flow morning, the women had to wake up super early to have hair and makeup done. It’s so funny comparing the different perspectives!! In the midst of the prepping portion of the day, I love finding candid photo opportunities! What’s so sweet and special is when the bride finally puts on her dress. And gosh, once the veil is in place, it’s game over for everyone in the room! Actually, it’s REALLY game over when the parents have some personal time with their daughter/son. I build parent-time into the timeline because it’s so important to have nice photos of them!!! They are some of my favorite pictures from the day. 🙂

From the time the bride and groom get dressed to walking down the aisle at the ceremony, there are many beautiful, naturally occurring, heartfelt moments that happen. These “prepping photos” do not only tell a story from the bride and groom’s different perspectives of the day before they saw each other, but they also show the love, support, excitement, and enthusiasm from those who shared that intimate time with them leading up to the wedding ceremony. 🙂 My couples value people. Their family, wedding party, friends, coworkers, etc. It’s important to have them a part of their story because they shaped them into who they are today. <3 As much as I love a good, pretty photo, what’s important to me standing behind the camera is finding the bride and groom’s personality, joy, and love with their loved ones. And, gosh, there is PLENTY of that in these photos below!!! I was very blessed with the most incredible couples. I hope you enjoy some of my favorite 2017 prepping moments as much as I do!!!! It’s humbling to think I got to experience these intimate times with my couples. <3 I cannot wait to see what the rest of the 2018 wedding season brings!