What to Expect: Bride Prep

Chloe Gelsthorpe
Apr 29
4 min read

Bride prep is honestly one of my favourite parts of the wedding day. It’s such a special, emotional, and often slightly chaotic time.. but in the best way possible. It's full of excitement, nerves, laughter, music, prosecco… and all your favourite people in one place.

If you’re wondering what actually happens (and what I’ll be capturing), here’s exactly what to expect.

What can we expect?

When I arrive, things are usually already in full swing. Hair and makeup is underway, playlists are on, and there’s a real buzz in the room. I tend to start photographing this section of the day around 2-3 hours before the wedding ceremony.

Bride prep is all about those natural, behind-the-scenes moments, your closest friends and family getting ready, your special someone helping you into your dress, your mum having a quiet moment with you, or everyone laughing over something completely random.

My approach is very relaxed. I’ll blend in like a guest with a camera, capturing everything as it naturally unfolds without making things feel staged or awkward.

As a photographer with a natural, candid style, I won’t be directing the morning or turning it into a photoshoot. Instead, I’ll gently document what’s already happening with gentle direction if needed. I am flexible to what you want from your morning photos. If you want some fun poses with your bride team then I can definitely capture those! If you want some relaxed portraits I can help pose you and direct you for the best shot. Alternatively, if you want ultra vogue, glam shots - we can totally do that too! The morning can be tailored to what you want from your prep photography.

Top tip: Try and keep your space clean and tidy. This makes photographing and finding the best spots for shots so much easier.

Details, Details, Details
One of the first things I’ll do is photograph all your beautiful details.
This might include:
- Your dress
- Shoes
- Jewellery
- Perfume
- Invitations or stationery
- Any sentimental items
These little details help tell the full story of your day, the things you’ve carefully chosen and might not get a chance to fully take in once everything gets going.
What getting ready moments do I capture?
This is where the magic really starts to build. Like I said above, I tend to arrive a 2-3 hours before the ceremony. This allows me to capture:
- Hair and makeup finishing touches
- Bridesmaids getting ready alongside you
- Those candid, in-between moments
- Any emotional reactions from your friends or family
- Any group photos or fun posed shots you might want with you bride team

Will you capture me getting into my dress?

Getting into your dress is a big one, and it’s usually a really special moment.

Whether it’s your mum, maid of honour, or someone else helping you, I’ll document it in a natural way without interrupting, but can gently guide you for the best poses and spots for us to take the photos. These are often some of the most emotional photos, so I always give this moment the space it deserves.

Top Tip: Allow yourself plently of time for this section of the day. You don't want to be rushing these moments, you want to take it all in and have enough time for us to take some beautiful photos. I recommend getting into your dress at least 45 minutes before the ceremony.

What else will I cover?

If I have time, I will also use a bit of bride prep time to nip around your venue and get some detail shots of your set-up. Including: ceremony space, reception details & venue shots.

Final Touches
Once you’re dressed, we’ll take a few moments for:
- Shoes going on
- Jewellery being adjusted
- Veil placement
- Any last little tweaks
Nothing overly posed, just gentle guidance if needed to make sure everything looks its best while still feeling like you.

Will you capture first looks?

If you’re planning a first look with your bridesmaids, parents, or anyone special, this is such a lovely part of bride prep and I'm always up for capturing these moments.

Those reactions are always priceless and completely unique every time. Again, make sure to allow lots of time for these moments, you definitely don't want them to be rushed.

In a Nutshell..

Bride prep is such a special time for you and your nearest and dearest. Make sure to take it all in and make it whatever you want. If you want some posed photos, let's do it! But if you want everything candid and not staged then I'll just blend into the background. I'm happy to work with you to make these few hours, whatever you envisioned.