Bridal Preparation
This is my favourite portion of the day! If you’re an avid social media stalker of mine, you will know that the bridal details are when I thrive! I LOVE styling your details as they are the very first photos you’ll see when you open up your gallery! They set the mood for the gallery, bright, happy and intimate.
Even though I’ll provide you with a list of details to bring, the most important thing to have is good lighting! I cannot stress this enough. This means having lots of window light as having a well lit area will be crucial for the bridal preparation, since everything is indoors! Whether you’re getting ready in your home or a hotel, please have a clutter free area or room. The Andaz hotel downtown is a great spot if you’re getting married in the Downtown Ottawa area!
Since you’ll be getting photographed before you put on your wedding dress- - you’ll be wanting to wearing something cute! Most brides do robes but I’ve seen bridesmaids wearing matching rompers, PJ sets or dress shirts. Regardless of what you wear, ensure they’re long enough that you don’t need pants OR have everyone wearing pants {leggings or cute/matching shorts!}. Check out the VENDOR DIRECTORY for accessory recommendations!
Please have the following items ready to be photographed, in a well-lit + clutter free area:
Ladies…
You will be doing the final touches to your hair and makeup while I’m photographing the details (invites, rings, etc)! By the time I’m done details, you’ll be ready for robe photos, champagne and then get dressed!
-Veil, and bridesmaid dresses on pretty hangers
-Bridal bouquet AND ask your florist to add in extra loose florals for detail styling purposes! They will, tell them Chelsea said so ;)
-Brides shoes
-Two copies of your wedding stationery, including envelopes and bonus points for having an address written beautifully on the envelope!!
-You and your grooms wedding bands, as well as your engagement ring {freshly polished!}
-Your personalized Mrs. Box or Marbella Dish {I do supply a variety of Mrs Boxes, but feel free to purchase a monogramed one to keep forever!}
-Your other jewellery {Sarah Walsh Bridal Jewellery for the win!}
-Handwritten, calligraphed vows or vow book
-Ribbons and any other personal details you will be wearing throughout the day.
MEN….
Please be showered, dressed {except for the following} and have the following items set out prior to our arrival! Basically, just please have pants on.
- Shoes
- Ties
- Cufflinks
- Cologne
- Boutonnières
- Socks
- Watches
- Any further details you’d like photographed!
If you’ve seen any neat bridal preparation shots online, please feel free to share! Sometimes the bridesmaids will pop confetti with champagne, if this is the case, please let me know ahead of time as we’ll have to include some clean up time afterwards {picking it out of your hair!}. Doing little things like confetti popping will add of fun to your gallery so PLEASE don’t hold back if you’re wanting to do something fun like this!