15/12/2025
A quick one about prep. The lovely Polly (.millar) got ready (on-site at ) with her mum and her sis Libby. Dad came over for the reveal and then they all walked Polly to the ceremony space. It was such a warm and good-natured vibe.
Why get photos of getting ready? Different reasons for different people probably: it’s your last act before getting married. You have some of the most special people in your life with you. It’s ritualistic. It’s a chance for a one-off portrait or two before the kisses and tears and heat and rain and sweat smudge that makeup, if you care about that. And it’s natural, candid photos in an environment of shared effort, care-taking and love.
If you want nice photos in prep (and they’re not obligatory) here are my tips:
1. Tidy up! Has a big impact on both the photos and the feeling. Tidy room tidy mind!
2. TVs off. Bring a Bluetooth speaker for music
3. Experienced makeup artists are your friend and mine! They get things done on time so there’s no mad rush, and they’ll have that pin/scissors/thing someone suddenly needs. Shout out to Polly’s MUA who always does such amazing work and is always super calm
4. If you want a proper bridal portrait, get that dress on and let’s do it. Leave a little time. Honestly we can do it in five minutes, but let’s do it with ten minutes to spare, rather than right down to the wire.
I’m an advocate of finding a little headspace before walking into that ceremony room. Oddly, taking a few pictures can be quite calming and help get you into the here and now, ready for the next, special, part of the day.
