01.

Choose a Spacious & Well-Lit Location

Natural light makes a huge difference in your bridal preparation photos. If possible, get ready in a room with large windows and neutral-colored walls. A clutter-free space also helps create a clean and elegant backdrop for photos. If you havent got the luxury and things are alittle smaller were you are, no biggy, allow us some time to arrange the best place in your location to set-up the scene. I’ve worked in many nooks and crannies, if theres a will, theres a way.  

 02.

Have Your Details Ready to be Photographed

Before I arrive, gather all the little details you’d like photographed, such as:
✔️ Your wedding dress (on a nice hanger!)
✔️ Shoes, jewelry, and perfume
✔️ Bouquet and stationery (invites, vows, family heirlooms etc.)
✔️ Something old, new, borrowed, and blue

Having these items in one place saves time and allows for beautiful flat-lay shots.

 03.

Coordinate Outfits for Your Bridal Party

Matching robes or PJs add a stylish and cohesive touch to your getting-ready photos. Choose soft, neutral, or pastel colors for a timeless look. Adding the names/nicknames on the back of the robes is a classy touch and during your bridal prep shots, we get you to pop the bubbly, and have a few photographs with your hens outside/inside whilst you celebrate in style, cheer, have abit of a laugh & sip on your finest selection of persecco. Good times!

 04.

Stick to a realistic timeline

Hair and makeup always take longer than expected, so schedule in some buffer time. Aim to be ready at least 45mins/1hr before you need to leave to avoid rushing. This extra time allows for relaxed bridal portraits and those final touch-up moments. Normally, with myself I go through a rough guided timeline with you so you know whats going to happen next. Although on the wedding morning of your bridal preparations, sometimes this timeline can be altered we try and watch the time for you and plan ahead if needs to be.

 05.

Have an Emergency Kit on Hand

A small bridal preparations emergency kit can save the day! Include:
 Safety pins & a mini sewing kit, Makeup touch-up essentials, Wipes, Tissues, Mints, Pain relievers, plasters for unexpected blisters & rescue remedy.

 06.

Surround yourself with positive vibes

Only have your closest friends and family around you who keep you calm and excited. If someone that you know-of, that isnt invited, can bring unwanted nerves to your wedding day and thats never good. Some people unfortuately can’t take the hint and feel that they should be part of the show. Try to allocate someone you trust to be on the look-out incase this a person that matches this description wanders in. You should totally play some music, pop some champagne (if you like), and enjoy the moment of your bridal prep as it disappears in a blink of an eye.

 07.

grab a bite before the madness

With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to eat. Normally through-out a typical wedding day you’ll only have until you arrive at your drinks reception to grab abit of food. You are advised to have a light, protein-packed breakfast to keep your energy up throughout the day, but if you forget or hate the thought of eating in the morning, make sure you pack some snacks to leave in the wedding car so you can nibble on the go. 

Bridal Preparations

Bridal Preparations with Melissa at Limpark, Northern Ireland

 08.

Assign someone to handle the little things

Designate a bridesmaid, relative, or wedding planner to handle last-minute details—like checking on vendors and tracking down missing items. The last thing we want for you is to be your own manager. This will totally suck the fun out of it, so definitely allocate a person with this duty. I will also be around to help you with timeline management to ensure we are on track with your wedding timeline. 

 09.

the first look

Once the dress is on, shoes are fitted, perfume is sprayed, and last minute details are in the works, we then plan out your first look. All weddings are unique, some brides having a first look infront of their fathers, mums, bridal party or special person in their life. All of these moments spark an emotion, an emotion thats paramount to be captured. We set this up for you in the best possible room in your bridal prep location. Trust me, these photos are golden and one of the key moments of bridal preparations. 

 10.

take a deep breath and enjoy the moment

I say this to all of my brides on the morning of their wedding, let it flow and enjoy the process. Each moment, you cant relive twice. Which is why having someone you trust to capture it is precious as you can relive your wedding memories in photographs. The morning will fly in, so getting all the finer details, laughs, happy tears and key moments is what makes the experience truely unique. Trust your wedding team, embrace each fleeting moment and get ready for the best day of your life.