WHY GROOM PREP IS SO IMPORTANT — TIPS & REAL MOMENTS WITH BEN'S CREW

If you’ve ever wondered whether groom prep photos are important, let me assure you: they’re essential. As a luxury wedding photographer, I always tell my couples that the morning of your wedding day sets the tone for everything that follows. And Ben’s groom prep was a perfect example of why this time is so special (and fun!).

Ben flew in his whole crew from Australia — and let me tell you, the vibes were absolutely unmatched. Laughter echoed through the house, whiskey glasses clinked, bow ties were fumbled and fixed, and there was that infectious energy of pure excitement.

Groom prep is often overlooked, but it’s truly one of my favourite parts of the day to capture. It’s a chance for the groom and his closest friends or family to have a moment together before the big event. These photos are about more than just the suit details (although, trust me, I love a sharp tux shot!). They’re about brotherhood, lifelong friendships, those cheeky toasts, and all the real, candid moments that you’ll cherish just as much as the ceremony photos.

A particularly hilarious highlight? One of the groomsmen asked to do that TikTok trend: “if you do tiny jumps like this, candids turn out great” — and honestly, he was so right. The photos were epic, and yes, TikTok and reels content incoming!

Another fun addition to this prep: today was the first time I brought my new Meta AI Ray-Bans to a shoot. It was super fun to experiment and capture little behind-the-scenes snippets from my perspective. I still have some edits to do, but it was such a fun, mindful way to document the process — very informative, very demure, and a perfect insight into how I prepare for a shoot and direct those special moments.

I’m genuinely considering making these Ray-Bans a staple of my wedding days, and maybe even creating some vlogs to share more educational, behind-the-scenes content with you all. Stay tuned!

Here are a few of my top tips for making the most out of your groom prep:

• Keep the space tidy — A clean space makes the photos feel editorial and timeless.

• Have a drink or a toast ready — Nothing gets the mood going like a shared cheers.

• Allow time for portraits — Plan enough time so you’re not rushing out the door.

• Bring personal details — Cufflinks, cologne, special gifts — these tell your story beautifully.

• Stay present — Enjoy these quiet moments before you see your partner; they go by so quickly.

Ben and the guys nailed every single one of these. Between fixing bow ties, tiny TikTok jumps, last-minute cologne spritzes, and all the jokes, it was the perfect lead-up to what would be an unforgettable wedding day.

As someone who loves capturing luxury, cinematic, and editorial-inspired wedding photography, these groom prep moments really allow me to highlight that effortlessly cool energy — think GQ cover meets best mates having the time of their lives.

Ben, thank you for trusting me to capture your crew. From Australia to Newcastle, this prep was one for the books — and I can’t wait to share more of these behind-the-scenes stories with you all soon.

After reviewing the photos, Georgia shared hers and Ben’s and Annabelle’s thoughts - you can check out their glowing feedback by clicking here.