I have always been a firm believer in being inspired and effected by the space around me. We decorate our house to make it feel like a warm nest, our work space to make us smile, maybe even our car. I can never work or concentrate in a messy space, and in turn, I work a lot better when my surroundings are pretty and inspiring to get in to a great head space. When preparing for a big meeting or just getting ready for a date night, I like to light a candle and put on some good music to get me into the right groove.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so I am believe you should do the same thing when getting ready for it. Wether it's a pretty hotel room or an Air BnB, or the Bridal Suite of your Venue, make a conscious decision on where you will get ready for your big day. A beautiful space will create a beautiful mindset and inspiration, as well as put you in a great mood. Additionally, your Hair + Make up Artist, as well as your photographer will thank you!

Here are three tips for the perfect getting ready space.

Getting ready and wedding details - raleigh north carolina wedding photographer

Big Windows and lots of light will not only put you in a good mood, but also helps your Hair and Make up Artist to do better work. Great light serves a good purpose for make up application and you will see how your face looks in sunlight, vs indoor lighting. Additionally, your photographer will love you. Lots of natural light makes for beautiful photos, and gives us room to play with shadows and light. While both the HMUA and the photographer can use artificial light, natural light is a lot prettier and looks more, well, natural!

Choose a space that inspires you and makes you excited to be in.A dark room with old green carpets and a weird yellow light, no windows, doesn't sound like fun, now does it? Getting ready for your wedding takes a couple of hours, and it's like a pre party to your wedding with your bridesmaids. A gorgeous space will not only give you guys a great backdrop for selfies, it will also help the photographer get the most out of your details and getting ready shots. How often do you have a glam squad working on you, a photographer documenting you and all your best friends together? Exactly. While I have learned to work with all kinds of getting ready areas during my time of my photographer, I get the most inspired and can get the most out of your detail + getting ready shots in a beautiful space. Here are some things to look out for: White ceilings, big windows, nice furniture and enough space for your glam squad and bridesmaids to hang out at. Additionally, make sure the place where you are getting ready isn't too far from your actual venue. Bonus points - if you're getting ready space has a pretty outdoor space, we can do your bridesmaids and bridal photos before the ceremony, which means more time to party during the cocktail hour!