Groom prep usually gets a fraction of the photo time bride prep does — but it’s often where some of the most genuine, unscripted moments of the morning happen.
Here’s what I’m looking for in the hour or two before a groom heads to the ceremony, and a few things that help it run smoothly.
The energy is different
Bride prep tends to be quieter — hair and makeup, a slow build. Groom prep is usually louder, faster, and a lot funnier. There's background noise, someone's always misplaced a shoe, and the nerves show up as jokes rather than tears. I love photographing it for exactly that reason.
The little rituals
A father helping with cufflinks. A best man double-checking the rings for the fifth time. Someone pouring an early drink "for the nerves." These small, ordinary moments are some of my favourites — they're unguarded in a way that's hard to recreate later in the day.
The nerves show differently
Where brides often go quiet, grooms tend to get chatty, fidgety, or suddenly very interested in their phone. I keep half an eye out for that one quiet moment — usually right before everyone leaves for the ceremony — when it all becomes real for a second.
What helps on the day
A few small things make a big difference to how this part of the morning photographs:
Get ready in a room with good natural light — avoid dark hotel rooms if you can
Put the suit, shoes and accessories on last
Have your groomsmen ready and dressed a little earlier than you
Keep a clear corner of the room free of bags and coffee cups
Have something to toast with — even if it's just for the photo
Why it matters
These photos rarely make the highlight reel everyone expects, but they're often the ones that mean the most a few years down the line — a reminder of the people who were there with you before any of it began.
Planning your morning timeline? I'm always happy to talk through what works best for getting ready photos.