YOU LOVE DETAIL SHOTS AND FLAT LAYS...
Of course you do! We all do! One of the reasons I love photographing wedding day details is because it is the foundation of a wedding day! Almost always on a full wedding day, the details are the first photos I take! It sets the mood for your wedding day story. Because, that's what your love and your wedding day is - a story of you and your sweetheart. And every story needs a foundation.
So how do we start your wedding day story...
Because this is your love story, we should be intentional about how we set up your wedding day and all its beautiful details. Intentionality starts with a plan! Here are three major tips to planning your detail photos, so that we can set your special day for success!
THE FIRST PHOTOS OF THE DAY!
On full wedding days, I almost always start the day by capturing details. During this time, your hair and makeup is finishing up and your wedding party starts to segue into "getting ready photos".
The reason I start with details is that it lays the foundation for the rest of your day! It also helps me to get my creativity flowing early in the day. Stylistically, detail photos prepare me for the feeling and mood that will be conveyed throughout your wedding!
PREP EVERYTHING BEFORE!
You can start gathering various items for detail pictures days and even weeks before your wedding day! As you gather them, store them in a shoe box or Ziploc bag.
On your wedding day, have your dress out of its garment bag and hanging on the hanger you want it photographed on (If you don't have a special hanger for the day, no worries! I have one I always bring with me to weddings!). If you have a veil, have it out of its garment bag as well and hanging with your dress.
Pro-tip: Give one of your bridesmaids the job of getting your dress ready and giving the box or bag with all your details to me when I arrive! This isn't something you should be stressing over on your wedding morning!
MAKE ROOM IN YOUR TIMELINE!
Having enough time blocked for details in your wedding day timeline is KEY!! I like having 45 minutes set aside for detail photos. This helps me set up your wedding details beautifully and not feel rushed! Having less than 45 minutes for your wedding details can run the risk of getting behind- which is a disaster when it's the literal first photos of the day!
Starting your wedding day strong with gorgeous, timely details is important to setting up the rest of the day for bliss and success!
So what should BRIDES have ready for THEIR detail photos?
WHAT SHOULD GROOMs HAVE READY FOR DETAIL PHOTOS?
A NOTE ON GROOM DETAILS...
For wedding days with a second shooter, Jason will be taking photos of groom details. Just like me with my brides, Jason will start by photographing the groom's details!
If your wedding day is just me, it gets a bit trickier to capture groom details. We just have to be mindful about your timeline if you want photos of your groom's details. I can either:
- Photograph groom details simultaneously with the bride's - with this, be sure to have the groom's detail items in the same box/bag as the bride's.
- Block off about 15 minutes, in addition to the 45 minutes for bridal details, to photograph the groom's details prior to the first look and ceremony. This would happen immediately following bride & bridesmaid "getting ready photos" and immediately before groom & groomsmen "getting ready photos".
YOU CAN ELEVATE THE LOOK AND MAKE YOUR DETAILS LOOK SUPER INTENTIONAL AND LUXURIOUS WITH THESE TIPS:
INCLUDE LOOSE FLORALS!
This is major for taking your wedding details to the next level. Simply ask your florist to include several loose flowers. Also, be sure to communicate with your florist that your bouquet be delivered to the bridal suite.
PERSONALIZED DETAILS!
Things like custom cookies served at the reception, the jewelry box your grandma got you for your ring, the wax seals you used on your invitation... these all add personal flare to your details. This personality and intentionality goes a long way!
HAVE A VEIL!
Veils add beautiful texture and depth to detail shots! Veils with designs, like pearls, beading, embroidery or lace acan be especially gorgeous in detail shots! But be aware that heavy veils are not great for "flying veil shots". So if you'd rather have the flying veil shots, avoid heavy veils!
PURCHASE MUST-HAVE ADDITIONS!
I own and always bring different ring boxes, ribbons and flat lays in a variety of colors! However, if you have a specific color or detail accessory you LOVE and want included, always feel free to purchase additional items and include them in your detail box/bag. You can always ask me what sort of accessories I own and plan to bring on your big day!
