I refer to the groom’s getting ready portion of the day, as “blink and you might miss it” section. Generally, left to their own devices grooms can take 10 to 15 minutes to throw everything on and call it a day. However if we slow things down a little, there are many important rituals worth capturing. These are the last moments of the groom as a single man, and one day when he and you are looking back through your album, he too will be able to recall all those emotions he felt in those moments.
How l photograph the groom getting ready part of your wedding day:
Just as with the bride getting ready, I do not actually capture the groom or the groomsmen undressed or disheveled. I photograph the men once they have shaved, when trousers and shirts are on and the time has come to put on the jacket and other details.
Prior to this I photograph the details, as with the bride I ask that the area is well-lit ideally in front of a large window and clutter-free. If you have a patio or outdoor area this can work well too.
Before I arrive, have ALL your details ready in the chosen clutter-free well-lit spot:
Suits hanging up on attractive hangers - wooden ones are always great
Polished shoes
Ties and bowties
Cufflinks
Suspenders
Grooming gear
Aftershave or cologne
Boutonnières
Gifts from the bride
Gifts for the groomsmen
I begin to photograph the groom and groomsmen when all the details are being put on. There is usually a significant male assisting the groom: brother, father, best friend, with the pinning on of the boutonnière, straightening of tie or bowtie. If the groom is getting ready alone, these photos are also wonderful memories. Also popular is reading a letter from the bride, toasts, perhaps some cigars, camaraderie before the seriousness of the ceremony and the opening of gifts.
Timing of the groom getting ready photos:
This will depend on your individual timeline and whether you have booked only a lead photographer or a second photographer for your wedding day. If you only have one photographer, and are at a different location, then the groom should be getting ready no later than two hours before the bride is set to depart for the venue. As the lead I will first photograph the men getting ready, then head to the bride for her getting ready portion of the day. Generally, the closer the getting ready locations are to each other and to the ceremony venue the more flexibility in timing!
An important tip for the groom and groomsmen on the wedding day:
Leave your cellphone, wallet and keys with someone you trust who is not in the wedding party. Items in your pockets are very distracting in photos so leave them empty!