It's the calm before the storm. Some already have some nerves, but others feel relaxed. For me this is one of my favorite moments. It's very intimate. And I get to capture you as you transform into a bride.

Many bridal couples get dressed with their loved ones nearby. I photograph the connection you have with your loved ones. Sometimes the getting ready ends with a toast moment. That is often a nice image to capture. But that's up to you. Above all, don't make the room too crowded, as that can cause a lot of noise and distrections.

I also use this moment to capture details. Think of shoes, jewelry, bridal bouquet, veil and wedding rings. But sometimes also the stationery. It's nice when everything is ready. I also like to hang a dress/suit in a nice spot.

The best thing is to reserve a nice bright room, different from the room where you display all your things. That can look a bit messy. This may perhaps be possible at the wedding location itself. Or alternatively, see if there is a hotel nearby.

Advice:

• Have a wooden hanger ready! That looks better than the plastic brand hangers.

• Get a nice ring box without a brand name.

• Ask if the florist/stylist has extra single flowers. I can use this when documenting the stationery.

• Make sure that the ladies have already changed, so that they also look beautiful in the photo while the bride is getting ready.

If the groom is getting ready nearby, I would also like to visit him to capture his moment of getting dressed.

Think of shoes, bow ties, cufflinks and corsages. Here too, ensure a bright and tidy room.

Not everyone chooses to do it, but some want a special moment to see each other for the first time. This can be before the ceremony or during the ceremony as the bride walks down the aisle. Choose what feels right for you!

It would be helpful for me to know how you'd like to do this. In the case of a first look before the ceremony, please pick an outdoor location. Avoid indoors, in front of the door, in a hallway, or from a staircase. There's very limited space for me to capture your expressions well in those settings. If you organize this outdoors, I'll have more time and freedom of movement.

Usually, I start by placing the bride or groom with their back to the bride's arrival. Then the bride walks up. Upon my signal, the bride or groom turns around (unless otherwise agreed, of course).

My advice is to plan a photo shoot immediately after the first look, so that you have more time with your guests later in the day.

Since the first look in combination with a photo shoot is often before the ceremony, this will most likely be planned around noon. On a sunny day the light is very harsh. I prefer to shoot in the shade.

Advice: Also plan 15 minutes for a short photo shoot around sunset. This way you can still use that romantic light.

It is nice to gather the bridal party together immediately after your photo shoot. This way we can take photos with the ladies and the gentlemen separately.

I also recommend using this moment for family portraits. Gather only immediate family members for these group photos.

Half an hour is enough, but everyone has to know upfront exactly where they need to be at what time. If we still have time left, we can use this time to take some extra photos with a best friend or family member separately.

I would like to receive a list of combinations in advance. I recommend to have someone who can coordinate these combinations.

Example of a list:

Bride and groom with the bride's parents
Bridal couple with parents and siblings of the bride
Bride and groom with parents, siblings, partners, nieces, nephews and grandparents of the bride
Bride and groom with the bride's grandparents
Bridal couple with parents of bride and groom

Bridal couple with groom's parents
Bridal couple with parents and siblings of the groom
Bridal couple with parents, siblings, partners, nieces, nephews and grandparents of the groom
Bridal couple with grandparents of the groom