One of my favorite parts of a wedding day is the quiet excitement of the morning — everyone gathered in the getting ready suite, hair and makeup underway, music playing, and all the little details starting to come together.
Alex spent the morning getting ready with her bridesmaids at the Hyatt Regency Monterey before heading to their ceremony at The Barns at Cooper Molera, one of my favorite Monterey wedding venues. There were beautiful details everywhere — her jewelry, shoes, and veil laid out, matching pajamas for the girls, and lots of laughter as everyone helped her get ready. But Alex also had the sweetest idea for a moment with her bridesmaids.
A Simple Getting Ready Photo Idea with Bridesmaids
After hair and makeup was finished, Alex gathered all of her bridesmaids together and explained her plan.
Instead of the traditional “everyone helps the bride get dressed” moment, she had something a little more personal in mind. Each bridesmaid helped her put on a different piece of jewelry. It turned into the cutest moments!
Each friend got their own small role in helping Alex get ready, and the reactions were priceless. There was lots of laughing, a few happy tears, and that mix of excitement and nerves that always fills the room right before the day really begins.
From a photography perspective, it was also perfect. These kinds of moments naturally create candid bridesmaid photos that feel genuine and full of emotion.
Getting ready photos don’t have to be overly posed. Sometimes the best moments come from simple ideas like this that create space for genuine reactions and beautiful wedding morning photos.
Capturing Real Moments in the Bridal Suite
What I loved most about this idea is how natural it felt.
The girls weren’t just standing around waiting for photos — they were part of the moment. Some of the photos are completely candid, while others turned into quick smiles toward the camera after helping Alex with her jewelry.
Those little interactions often end up being some of the most meaningful photos from the morning.
Getting ready photos don’t have to be overly posed. Sometimes the best moments come from simple ideas that bring people together and create space for real reactions.
A Beautiful Start to the Wedding Day
Once Alex was fully dressed, we stepped outside with all of her bridesmaids still in their matching getting ready pajamas for a few group photos before the day continued.
It was such a joyful moment — the bride glowing in her dress, surrounded by her closest friends who had just helped her finish getting ready.
After that, we took a few portraits of Alex before heading off to the ceremony at The Barns at Cooper Molera in Monterey, where the rest of the celebration unfolded.
What are some fun getting ready photo ideas with bridesmaids?
One sweet idea is to have each bridesmaid help the bride put on a different piece of jewelry. It creates genuine, candid moments and makes everyone part of the getting ready photos.
What photos are usually taken while the bride is getting ready?
Getting ready photos often include details like the dress, shoes, rings, and jewelry, along with candid moments with bridesmaids and the final moments before putting on the dress.
Where should bridesmaids get ready on the wedding day?
Many couples choose a hotel suite or a getting-ready space near their venue so everyone can relax together and stay close to the ceremony location.
A wedding day like this always comes together because of an amazing team of vendors. I’m lucky to photograph these beautiful details, but they’re the ones who make it all happen.
Venue: The Barns at Cooper Molera
Events Coordinator: Events by Classic Group
Makeup & Hair Stylist: Blush
Officiant: Lucho
Florist: Thank You Come Again Flower Shop
DJ: Entourage Events
Videographer: SEVENDC Films
Photobooth: Entourage Events
Dress: Delfi Collective
Veil: Watters
Bride's shoes: Naturalizer
Hotel: Hyatt Regency
Shuttle: Pacific Monarch
Photographer: Picturist Photography
Second Shooter: Kylie Nizza