I’m often told “We aren’t sure if we need getting ready photos” in the beginning stages of elopement planning. Over the years, I’ve perfected this response to my couples that helps them realize the value of having me there while they are getting ready for their elopement day, and I’m here to share it with you!
From start to finish, your elopement day deserves to be told. Skipping getting ready photos is like skipping the first 5 chapters of a book and starting it during a pivotal storyline. You miss so much of the good stuff! The quiet moments before you get dressed, the writing of your vows, the first time you see yourself all dressed up, and the reactions of your loved ones. Do getting ready photos have to look like everything you see online? Absolutely not! You can spend the morning or afternoon of your elopement exactly how you want.
Here are some fun ideas to think about when planning your morning:
- Make breakfast together
- Read a book
- Write your vows
- Read letters from family members
- Go for a walk
- Play cards
- Go for a swim or a canoe paddle
You can do anything that makes you feel calm and grounded. It shouldn’t feel rushed or stressful. There aren’t rules here either. If you want to help each either get dressed, great! If you want to hang out all morning and sneak away to get dressed, perfect! This is YOUR day. Let’s do it how YOU want to.
Me being there during these moments also helps us ease into the day without feeling rushed. If we are meeting at your ceremony, there isn’t much time for us to chat because we are just diving into the big stuff right away. It helps us both when I’m there beforehand. I’ll walk you through the day, help with anything that needs to be done, answer questions, and we will get to know each other!
Getting ready photos are so much more than putting on a dress or sipping mimosas. It’s chapter one of your greatest story. However you decide to spend the morning of your elopement, I want to be there!
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