getting ready

Why Capturing Bride & Groom Prep is Key to Your Wedding Story

Your wedding day is a story that unfolds moment by moment, and every detail plays a vital role in that narrative. One of the most important parts of this story is the preparation time before the ceremony—those quiet, intimate, and sometimes playful moments when the excitement is building, emotions are high, and anticipation is at its peak. At Move Mountains Co., we believe capturing the bride and groom prep is essential to telling the full story of your wedding day. Here’s why it’s such a crucial part of your wedding photography and videography experience.

 
 

1. Setting the Tone for the Day

The moments leading up to the ceremony are filled with raw, genuine emotions. From the bride’s laughter as she gets her hair and makeup done with her closest friends, to the groom’s nervous excitement as he adjusts his tie or reads a heartfelt letter from his bride—these are moments that set the tone for the entire day. Capturing these scenes allows us to tell a complete story, highlighting the journey from the calm before the storm to the emotional vows and the celebration that follows.

2. Warming Up to the Camera

Starting the day with prep photos and videos helps everyone get comfortable in front of the camera. This is especially important for those who may feel a bit nervous or camera-shy. By beginning with these more relaxed, candid moments, we help the bride, groom, and their wedding party ease into the day and become more natural in front of the lens. It’s also a great way for everyone to get to know our team and understand our style. Building this rapport early on leads to more genuine, authentic shots later in the day, as everyone feels more at ease with us being around.

 
 

3. Documenting the Pre-Ceremony Emotions

There’s nothing quite like the emotions that flow during the preparation stage. The bride and groom are often surrounded by their closest friends and family, sharing laughter, tears, and everything in between. These candid moments of joy, excitement, and nervous anticipation are priceless. By documenting these emotions, we capture the true essence of your relationships—the heartfelt hugs, the inside jokes, and even the quiet, reflective moments. These shots add depth and authenticity to your wedding album, showcasing not just what happened, but how it felt.

4. Capturing the Details That Matter

The prep time is when all the little details come to life—the carefully chosen accessories, the sentimental gifts, the heirloom jewelry, the custom cufflinks, and the handwritten notes exchanged between the couple. These details are not just objects; they are pieces of your story that carry personal meaning and significance. By capturing these moments, we ensure that every meaningful element of your wedding is documented, creating a rich and layered visual narrative that you can look back on for years to come.

 
 

5. Creating a Seamless Story from Start to Finish

Including the bride and groom prep in your wedding coverage creates a seamless, cohesive narrative that flows naturally from beginning to end. It connects the dots between the pre-ceremony anticipation, the emotional ceremony, and the joyous celebration that follows. These moments serve as the prologue to your wedding story, setting the stage for everything that comes next. When you look back at your photos or wedding film, you’ll be able to relive the entire day as a complete story, from the quiet morning preparations to the first dance and beyond.

6. Building a Connection with the Team

Having our team present from the beginning of the day helps build a stronger connection between us and you. When we spend more time together, you get to know us, our style, and our approach, which makes you more comfortable and confident. This connection allows us to capture you in the most authentic way, ensuring your personality and love story shine through in every image and video clip.

 
 

7. Enhancing the Wedding Film Experience

For couples opting for videography, capturing the prep time is key to crafting a compelling wedding film. It lets us capture early moments of anticipation, laughter, and excitement, adding depth to your story. An early arrival also ensures clean audio of your vows, which enhances the emotional impact and makes your film an even more treasured keepsake.

 
 

Capturing the bride and groom prep is more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a vital part of your wedding story. These moments are the heartbeat of your day, filled with genuine emotions, meaningful interactions, and the anticipation of what’s to come. At Move Mountains Co., we believe that these moments deserve to be documented with care, creativity, and attention to detail. By including prep coverage in your wedding photography and videography, you ensure that every aspect of your day is captured, allowing you to relive the complete story for years to come.

If you’re planning your wedding and want a team that understands the importance of storytelling, contact Move Mountains Co. We’re here to capture every moment—from the first brushstroke of makeup to the last dance of the night. Let’s create something beautiful together!

Groom’s Guide: Looking Your Best on the Big Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and as the groom, you'll want to look and feel your best. At Move Mountains Co., we know that getting camera-ready can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you'll be ready to shine in front of the lens. See Mike get ready for his wedding as you read our comprehensive Groom’s Guide to ensure you look and feel your best for every captured moment on your big day.

 
 

1. Skincare Routine

Start Early: Ideally, start a skincare routine at least a few months before your wedding. Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize daily to keep your skin clear and hydrated.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your wedding to maintain a healthy glow. Proper hydration is key to looking fresh and vibrant.

Professional Help: Consider visiting a dermatologist or esthetician for professional advice and treatments tailored to your skin type.

 
 

2. Grooming Essentials

Haircut: Schedule a haircut about a week before the wedding. This gives your hair a chance to settle and look natural. Avoid drastic changes; stick with a style you’re comfortable with.

Shaving: Decide whether you want to be clean-shaven or keep your facial hair. If shaving, do it the night before to avoid any redness or irritation. If you have facial hair, make sure it’s neatly trimmed.

Nails: Clean and trimmed nails are a must. Consider getting a professional manicure to ensure your hands look their best for close-up shots of the rings.

 
 

3. Attire Perfection

Tailored Suit: A well-fitted suit makes a world of difference. Ensure your suit is tailored to your measurements. Try it on a few days before the wedding to make sure everything fits perfectly.

Accessories: Don’t forget the details. Cufflinks, pocket squares, ties, and shoes should all complement your suit. Make sure everything is clean and polished.

Comfort: Break in your shoes before the wedding day to avoid discomfort. You’ll be on your feet a lot, and comfortable shoes will keep you smiling.

 
 

4. Healthy Lifestyle

Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid excessive salt and sugar, which can cause bloating and breakouts.

Exercise: Regular exercise not only helps you look your best but also reduces stress. Focus on a mix of cardio and strength training.

Rest: Get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to your wedding. Being well-rested will help you look fresh and energized.

 
 

5. On the Big Day

Stay Calm: Nerves are natural, but staying calm will help you look relaxed and confident. Take deep breaths and focus on the joy of the day.

Touch-Up Kit: Keep a small kit with essentials like a comb, blotting papers, and lip balm to handle any last-minute touch-ups.

Smile: The most important accessory is your smile. Genuine smiles look great on camera and reflect the happiness of the day.

 
 

6. Practice Makes Perfect

Photo Practice: If you’re not used to being in front of the camera, practice posing and smiling in front of a mirror. This will help you feel more comfortable and natural on the big day.

Engagement Shoot: Consider having an engagement photo session. This is a great way to get used to being photographed and to build a rapport with your photographer.

 
 

At Move Mountains Co., we believe every groom deserves to look and feel his best on his wedding day. By following these tips, you’ll be camera-ready and confident, ensuring that every photo captures the true essence of your celebration. Remember, it’s your day too, and with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to shine as brightly as your bride.