Name: Carrot Top Photos
Price range: $$$

Groom Prep Photography

Groom prep photos are not always something that couples request, but where it is possible, and if you have 2 photographers it’s very likely something we will try and capture.

Unlike bridal prep, the groom and groomsmen prep doesn’t tend to start quite as early, and traditionally the wedding suits require a lot less time to get on. I usually ask grooms not to put their jackets on until just before we take the final photos prior to leaving for the ceremony, just because I know how much trouble you are going to get in when you spill something down your jacket!

Instead, during this time some grooms choose a few cheeky shots of something strong for Dutch courage, and some choose to just chill with their mates. I use this time to gather photos of your time chilling with your mates, your accessories, your suit, and anything else that I think will be an awesome memory of your day.

Wedding Suits

You and your to-be spouse have spent hours deliberating over the wedding colour scheme, regardless of whether you’ve bought or rented your suits, they are an important detail to capture.

I quite like the shots of the groomsmen assisting the groom with putting the jacket on or straightening their tie especially when you’ve tried a Windsor knot or real bow tie for the first time. If the suits look nice on a hanger then you should have that photo too!

There have been some weddings (that I will mention no names) where I have actually had to help with the tie knots, I’m a pro at the Windsor, and I wore a real bow tie at my own wedding, so don’t stress!

no school boy knots here

Groom smiling as he straightens his tie in a blue tweed three-piece suit

Groom being helped into his navy jacket by his best woman

Black and white photo of a groom fastening his shirt cuff

Groom in a blue tweed suit smiling as he fastens his cuff

Black and white photo of a suit jacket hanging in a wardrobe

Black and white photo of a groom laughing as his tie is straightened

Black and white photo of the groom fixing a groomsman's tie as they laugh

Black and white photo of a groom buttoning his waistcoat

Groomsmen helping the groom get ready under a chandelier

Black and white photo of the best woman tying a groom's shoelace

Groom tying his brown brogues as he gets ready

Groomsman having his pink buttonhole pinned on

Buttonhole of white flowers being pinned beside a yellow tie

Black and white close-up of a buttonhole being pinned to a jacket

Black and white close-up of the groom's gypsophila buttonhole

Button Holes

Buttonholes or boutonnières have been used since the 16th century, and whilst they are only small, a lot of thought will go into them matching up with the bridal bouquets.

My favourite way of getting shots of these is whilst they are being out on, they are pretty difficult to affix them yourself, so it also gives the opportunity to gather interactive shots of you and your buttonhole on-ner-ra.

Grooms Accessories

It’s often more than just a suit, most grooms/groomsmen have some wedding accessories that should be in their wedding photos.

Often these accessories are gifts to the groomsmen from the couple, or from the bride to the groom, even your wedding aftershave scent is a memory that is great to capture.

I’ve seen custom cufflinks, Some quirky socks, and some expensive timepieces regardless of how small and insignificant they may be, photos of the item will help you remember it for years to come.

Pale blue tie and yellow rose buttonholes on a wooden table

Groomsman helping the groom with his cuff in a red-walled room at Addington Palace

Groomsman putting on brown brogues with red socks

Close-up of the groom fastening his cufflink

Close-up of a groomsman fastening the groom's watch

Groom's aftershave, wedding rings and watch laid out on a striped chair

Groom and a groomsman chatting in a red-walled room at Addington Palace

Groom seen between two groomsmen holding hands in prayer

Groom and groomsmen walking to the church in blue and grey suits

Young man laughing as he decorates the wedding car

Groom and best man in blue suits posing with their arms crossed in a London garden

Black and white photo of a groomsman laughing in a waistcoat as he gets ready

Fun Times

Many grooms forget that whilst the day can be stressful, it’s very important that the day is as relaxed as possible for you. Stressed couples often result in worse images than relaxed couples. During the groom’s prep there’s generally no makeup and hair to image.

I’ve known grooms to have shots of Whiskey or brandy for some confidence, others just have a few laughs with mates, and some pray with their brothers prior to getting wed. I like to capture you boys having a good time prior to the wedding ceremony whatever you choose to do.