Hairdo & Makeup – Getting Ready

One of my favorite parts of photographing a wedding day is the quiet energy of the getting-ready moments. Hair and makeup are more than just preparation—they’re the beginning of the story.

For this wedding, the morning unfolded in a spacious hotel room filled with the bride, her bridesmaids, and the flower girl. There was laughter, movement, and a growing sense of anticipation as the day slowly came into focus. These moments set the emotional tone for everything that follows, and photographing them allows me to capture the atmosphere before the ceremony ever begins..

Hair and makeup are a vital part of every wedding morning, and this time was no exception. As the artists worked, soft natural light filled the room, creating the kind of environment photographers love—calm, flattering, and authentic.

I’m always drawn to the details during this part of the day: the curl of a strand of hair, the final brush of makeup, the quiet expressions in between conversations. These small moments help tell the story honestly, showing not just how the bride looks, but how the morning felt as everything came together.

The Beauty in the In-Between Moments

One of the things I love most about photographing the getting-ready portion of a wedding day is how naturally beautiful and unscripted these moments are—not just for the bride, but for everyone around her.

Just a few feet away, a bridesmaid caught my eye as she sat near a window, softly backlit by a flash I had placed across the room earlier in the day. I hadn’t planned this exact moment—but that’s often how the most meaningful images happen. By adjusting my position and framing carefully, I was able to use the light without showing its source, allowing the scene to feel completely natural while still beautifully sculpted.

These are the creative accidents I’m always watching for—the interplay of light, movement, and emotion that happens when you stay present and responsive instead of forcing a moment. It’s this awareness that allows me to tell the full story of a wedding day, from the smallest details to the biggest moments, exactly as they felt.

The flower girl, calm and patient as her makeup was gently applied, completely stole the room. There’s something incredibly special about documenting these quieter moments—when the excitement slows just enough to reveal genuine emotion, trust, and care. These aren’t posed portraits; they’re moments unfolding exactly as they should, and that honesty is what makes them timeless.

Once the bride’s hair and makeup were complete, it was time for her to step into her wedding dress. I captured the intricate process of fastening the dress after she was in it, button by button, as well as the final touches like jewelry, gloves, and shoes. Each moment was filled with emotion and excitement, making for photographs that the bride and her family will cherish forever.

As the finishing touches were completed, the focus shifted toward getting into the wedding gown. This is often one of the most emotional parts of the morning—when preparation becomes reality.

We chose a quiet spot in the hotel for portraits once the dress was on. In these moments, the bride radiated a sense of calm confidence and joy. These images reflect not only the elegance of the gown, but the care, support, and emotion that surrounded her throughout the morning.

By the time she stepped into her gown, everything felt complete. The clean lines of the dress, the subtle sparkle of her jewelry, and the way the light wrapped gently around her reflected a quiet confidence and elegance. This wasn’t about excess or trend—it was about timeless style, thoughtful details, and the way a bride carries herself when she finally feels ready. Moments like this are subtle, but they matter deeply, and they’re the ones I’m always watching for.

After the bride was completely ready, it was time for the much-anticipated First Look—the moment when her groom would see her for the very first time in her wedding gown. With her hair perfectly styled, makeup softly finished, and every detail coming together just as it should, she was ready to step into the next chapter of the day.

Moments like this are what make the getting-ready process so meaningful—it’s not just about preparation, but about transformation, emotion, and the quiet pause before everything begins.

"Serving Boston & New England – Your trusted Wedding Photographer"

Ron Richman Wedding Photography