When you think of wedding photography, your mind probably goes straight to the romantic wedding portraits, like the epic first kiss at the ceremony, or the newlywed’s first dance. While these wedding day moments are essential and some of my favorites to capture, there are other photos that are just as important but often overlooked – the detail photos! Wedding day detail photos often are taken quietly, behind the scenes, telling the story of your big day in a beautifully curated way. These images showcase the heirlooms, stationery, and little touches that make your wedding uniquely yours. There is an art to capturing good detail shots and to help with that, here is a complete guide to wedding day detail photos.

A Guide to Wedding Day Detail Photos

The first key to detail shots is the items that will be photographed, and you want to make sure you include everything that will represent your beautiful wedding day and help to create a cohesive flat lay design. I also know wedding mornings can be hectic! To help alleviate any wedding day stress, here is a packing list so that you can easily gather everything needed for the detailed shots ahead of time and have them ready to go the day of your wedding.

Detail Photos Packing List 

The invitation suite is the first introduction to your wedding day that guests received, setting the tone for your day. Including your suite in your detail shots creates a lasting keepsake. For your photos, bring two copies of the full invitation suite. This includes the envelope, main card, RSVP, and any other detail cards.

I love photographing wedding florals, like the bouquet and boutonnière, along with shoes, jewelry, ring box, veil, and perfume. These items really help to tell the whole story of your day. Of course you can also include other important items that are a part of your day too!   

Pro Tip: Ask your florist about adding styling blooms to your floral invoice to use for your flatlay images – this makes a HUGE difference in the photos!

How Long Do Detail Photos Take?

I always budget a full 60 minutes for wedding day detail photos to take place at the very beginning of your coverage window. This is important because it’s the least intrusive time to take these photos since you’ll be busy getting ready. This also allows me to integrate myself with the wedding party and family prior to them stepping in front of the camera, which helps everyone feel more comfortable. My second photographer will be onsite with me during this time capturing the candid moments as well, so real memories are never sacrificed while I’m focused on details! 

What to Avoid When it Comes to Detail Shots

Pro Tip: Don’t buy cheap ring boxes on Amazon! They’re almost always way too big and never photograph well. I always bring a curated selection of ring boxes with me to every wedding, but if you’d like to purchase your own as a keepsake, I highly recommend Styling Archives or The Mrs Box. You can’t go wrong with either of these. They both create beautiful, heirloom-quality pieces that will photograph beautifully.

What I provide

Other than the personal items mentioned above, I will bring everything else needed to style and photograph your wedding details beautifully, including styling mats in colors that complement your palette, elegant ring boxes, dishes, and other small styling aids to tie the look together. Before the wedding day, I’ll coordinate with you and your planning team to make sure every detail fits seamlessly with your vision.

The Importance of Wedding Day Detail Photos

Wedding day detail photos might not seem like a big deal in the moment, but they become such a meaningful part of your wedding gallery. They capture your invitation suite, the jewelry you wore, the flowers you carried, and other meaningful items. Together, they help tell the full story of your day with artistry and intention.

Ready to book your Maryland wedding photographer? Let’s chat! I’d love to document your most special day. Click HERE to get in touch.