These Moments Only Happen Before the CeremonY - And They’re Almost Always Missed

Alright so you’ve chosen Denmark. Maybe it’s the modern city vibe of Copenhagen. Or the ease of getting legally married here as an international couple. Whatever brought you to this decision, it’s safe to say that you’re thinking things through. You’ve researched the process. You’ve picked the date. You’ve booked a wedding photographer in Copenhagen.

But let me ask you something you probably haven’t thought about yet.

What’s the first photo you’ll see from your wedding day?

Will it be the one where you’re already standing, side by side, at City Hall?

Or could it be the moment right before - when your hands were still shaking from excitement, when your heart hadn’t quite settled, when you were still in that little bubble of anticipation?

That’s what preparation photos are for. And they’re not about hair and makeup.

They’re about everything you don’t want to forget.

You’ll Never Feel This Way Again

There’s no shortage of emotion throughout your wedding day. After the ceremony, you’ll feel relief, joy, maybe even that “we did it” kind of peace. But before?

That’s where the tension lives.

That’s when your hands are a little shaky. When your breath catches in your chest. When you’re still not sure whether to laugh or cry. It’s not just excitement - it’s anticipation. Nerves. The quiet build-up to something life-changing.

And that shift - from not yet married to finally married - is something you’ll only feel once.

Only photos before the ceremony can capture that build-up. They give you a window into the journey, not just the moment you arrive. The way your fingers fidget with the ring box. The deep breath before you open the door. The last glance in the mirror where you see not just how you look - but how much this means.

Most couples remember the ceremony. But what they often miss is the emotional climb that got them there.

This part of the story is just as real. Just as human. And just as worth keeping.

It’s Where the Story Begins

Think of your wedding day like a movie.

No great story starts at the climax.

It builds.

The pacing, the tension, the setup: all happen before the main event. Photos before the ceremony are that setup. They give context to the tears, the smiles, the meaning behind every “I do.”

If you’re getting married in Denmark, you probably appreciate clarity and intention. Prep photos do exactly that. They give your story depth and structure.

The Moments You LiveD, And the Ones You Didn’t Notice

Sometimes couples get ready in different places. Sometimes they help each other get dressed, side by side. Either way, something real is happening.

And it’s easy to miss it, because they’re busy getting ready and remembering everything.

What am I talking about? Well.

The way they looked at you when you weren’t looking. The little laugh you didn’t even hear. The touch on your back that calmed you down. These are the things you won’t remember clearly - unless someone’s there to catch them.

Hiring a professional isn’t just about taking portraits for mama’s fridge. We - photographers - see these things, because we are trained to notice things that anybody else is simply overlooking.

Prep photos let you see the full picture. Not just what happened around you, but what happened between you.

Because later, when the day’s a blur, these are the quiet seconds that bring it all rushing back.

It Slows Down a Fast Day

Getting married in Denmark is logistically smooth, especially in Copenhagen. But your wedding day will still move fast.

Prep photos are an anchor. They ground you in the quiet moments before the rush begins. They capture pauses you didn’t know you’d miss: sipping coffee, folding the vows one last time, your best friend helping you zip up your dress or straighten your collar.

And later - when you’re flipping through your photos - you’ll realize just how much those small, still moments mattered.

It Adds Layers to Your Memories

Think about your favorite photo of yourself. Is it the posed one? Or the one that caught you mid-laugh, unaware?

Most couples think they only need the ceremony and portraits. But the best memories often come from the unexpected moments. The unplanned ones. The ones with crooked ties, sleepy eyes, and a quiet kind of joy.

Preparation photos give you that. And they do it without adding pressure. No audience. No timeline. Just real life, as it happens.

You know what people tell me?

“Our Room Was Small, We Were Stressed, and We Didn’t Think It’d Be Worth Photographing”

I get it. You're in a small hotel room, trying to keep calm, clothes everywhere, maybe running late. The last thing you want is someone pointing a camera in your face. But that’s not what I do.

I’m not there to make things harder. I’m there to blend in. To notice the moments you’re too in-the-thick-of-it to notice yourself. The way you breathe a little faster. The way your hands shake while taping your vows to your notes. The glance you give your partner that says “we’re really doing this.”

And no - this isn't just about makeup.

It's about memory. It’s about having proof of how it felt to step into the day you’ll never forget. Messy bed, open suitcase, tiny room - it all becomes part of the charm. Not because it’s perfect. But because it’s real.

How to make the most out of prep photos?

Now that you’re convinced you need prep photos, let’s make sure we get the best out of them.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you out:

• Create space
  You’ll need room for everyone to move around without feeling cramped. Hotel rooms are small, yes, but hiding your bags somewhere helps a lot.

• Let the light in
  Natural light from big windows is a photographer’s best friend.

• Gather your accessories
  Keep all your important items - jewelry, vows, rings - in one place for easy access.

• Declutter the area
  A tidy space makes for clean, beautiful photos. Remove anything you don’t want in the shot. Like plastic bags.

• Give yourself a little time
  It takes a few minutes to forget the camera’s there. That’s why I recommend we start at least 30 minutes before you head out. It lets you settle in, breathe, and ease into the moment, without feeling rushed or watched.

• Capture the details
  Little moments like shaving or eating breakfast make for great candid shots. And so does video calling mama on the phone.

• Write love notes
  This is my absolute favorite tip for you. Exchange hand written cards with your partner and read them during this session. I know, it sounds super cheesy but TRUST ME, you’re gonna thank me for the rest of your life.

If you’re planning on getting married in Denmark, and you're looking for a wedding photographer in Copenhagen who understands how to tell a full story - this is your sign.

The photos before the ceremony might not be the ones you expect. But they’ll be the ones you keep coming back to.

Let’s make sure you don’t miss them.

Get in touch to learn how I can help capture your full story, from start to finish.