Editorial getting ready photos are hands-down my favorite way to kick off a wedding day, and Lexi’s photos at Gosford House in Scotland proved exactly why. As a Grand Rapids, Michigan wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to brides who approach their getting ready coverage with the same intentionality they bring to their ceremony and reception – and when you add in vintage touches, fashion-forward styling, and dreamy European architecture, you get pure magic.
The magic started in the Oriental Bedroom at Gosford House, where original oil paintings lined silk-papered walls and light poured through massive windows onto an ornate framed bed. Lexi wasin rollers with a stunning lace corset and shorts set from House of CB, holding a vintage handheld mirror that could have been pulled straight from a Vogue editorial. We shot half of these images on 35mm film to add that timeless, organic texture that digital just can’t replicate.
Here’s what I always tell my fashion-forward brides: your getting ready photos should feel like you, not like a Pinterest board you copied. Lexi wore pieces that reflected her personal style – that gorgeous Perdita corset with its romantic bolero detailing became an heirloom-worthy moment on film. The contrast between modern luxury lingerie and antique surroundings created an editorial tension that elevated every single frame.
Lighting makes or breaks getting ready coverage, and I’m never afraid to use flash to create drama and dimension. The midday sun streaming through Gosford’s windows gave us beautiful natural backlight, while strategically placed flash added that crisp, editorial pop you see in high-fashion magazines. This combination of natural and artificial light is what transforms casual snapshots into gallery-worthy imagery.
If you’re planning editorial getting ready photos, think beyond the white hotel robe. Consider vintage pieces, fashion-forward lingerie, family heirlooms, or even just your everyday jewelry catching light in interesting ways. The goal is to create a visual story that feels both aspirational and authentically you – images you’ll want printed large and displayed proudly.
Ready to create your own editorial getting ready moment? Whether you’re getting married in Grand Rapids, Michigan or planning a destination wedding, I’d be honored to craft timeless, fashion-forward imagery that reflects your unique style. Head to cassidylynnephoto.com to inquire about your wedding date and let’s start planning the editorial coverage of your dreams!
