Filed in: Tips

August 5, 2021

The Must-Have Details for Detail Shots

As you plan your wedding, there are so many little details that are so important. You spend so much time (and money) picking and choosing these details, you should get pics of them to tell your wedding day story! These details include your invitations, wedding gown, veil, shoes, perfume, rings, jewelry, vows, and other heirloom items that mean so much to you. As wedding photographers, we make sure to take time to capture these precious and meaningful items! We often get asked what items to bring and how our process works. So today, we are sharing those must-have details for detail shots!

Everything you need to know about detail shots for your wedding

Getting Ready Details Are Photographed First

Your details are some of the first images we will take on your wedding day. We will spend the first hour styling and photographing them. Richard will be with the groom and groomsmen, focusing on his details, while I (Michelle) will be with the bride. One of my favorite parts of the wedding day is getting ready with the bride. When working on the timeline, I schedule enough time for the day to start relaxed. It’s important that the bride can focus on having fun with her friends and sharing these sweet moments with everyone she loves! It’s such an incredible time of the day, before the business of the wedding.

During the first hour, we will bring our styling kit to photograph your images. These are the intimate pieces that you fell in love with! Pieces like the flowers in your bouquet, your hair, your manicure, and the details of your wedding gown. These little details often make for our couple’s favorite images.

I’m always so excited to see the dress our bride chose and get to play with the other details. It really gives me a glimpse into their personality and sets the tone for the whole day!

wedding dress detail shotRhinestone heels by Bella Belle Shoes

Have Your Details Ready

Since this is the first thing we will photograph, make sure to have them ready to go. This way you can focus on getting ready, and we do the rest. Designate who will be in charge of your getting ready details. We suggest your Maid of Honor since they will be there with you the whole day! We suggest having all the items collected and placed in a box beforehand, so the Maid of Honor can bring them.

Get your rings picture-ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. Also, make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. The flowers always add the perfect texture, so we love being able to use a few additional blooms if your florist has some!

Why Capturing Detail Shots For Your Wedding is Important elegant wedding rings

If you are writing letters to one another to read before the ceremony, have those on hand as well! We love to capture you both reading them and opening any gifts you are giving to each other. We will often capture these after you are dressed.

Keep Your Space Clean

Keep your space neat and clean. I know there is a lot of movement during the getting ready part of the day, but a clean, well-lit space will make this much easier for us to get lots of great shots! Don’t worry about styling, we will bring some extra styling items to make them perfect.

Fall wedding at Trinity Farmhouse Why Capturing Detail Shots For Your Wedding is Important

Have a detail shots checklist ready

As you start planning, keep a list of the important items you will want to be photographed! This way you can start placing them aside and have them ready. Here are some items we recommend:

  1. Your rings (including wedding bands!)
  2. Ring box.
  3. Dress and a pretty hanger.
  4. Any jewelry, like hairpieces, earrings, bracelets, family heirlooms, etc.
  5. Your perfume.
  6. Vow book.
  7. Invitation Suite (Two full sets with envelopes and stamps! We suggest having the address be one that can be seen online, so a lot of couples will choose a restaurant where they had their first date or an address of imaginary places from their favorite books or TV show!)
  8. Any other paper stationery you may have like program cards, Save The Dates, etc.
  9. I’d love to have a few cuts of the florals you’ll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply me with a few extra pieces and flowers, I can incorporate those in your detail shots.
  10. Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include.

elegant wedding rings

Don’t forget the groom! We will also make sure to photograph their details on the wedding day. Here is a list of some important groom items to set aside.

  1. His shoes.
  2. Socks (if they’re special)
  3. Cuff Links.
  4. Tie or Bow Tie.
  5. Pocket Square.
  6. Boutonnière.
  7. Vows Book.
  8. Rings.
  9. Anything else he’ll have that is special or sentimental.

wedding band detail shot

Trust me when I say that you’ll cherish these detail shots for years to come. It’s so much fun being able to look back on your wedding and see how everything came together. It’s so important to us that we capture all of those important memories. If you’re planning your wedding, it would amazing to work together. We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Vendors:

Venue: The Springs Wallisville

Shoes: Bella Belle

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Reserve your wedding date

We rarely end a day having only been photographers. Boutonniere pinning, timeline coordinating… we sensibly step in when needed, and blend into the scenery when perfect moments arise, guiding, reassuring and capturing the split-second moments and loving glances. 

In fact, our passion for what we do is reflected in the genuine smiles of the couples we’ve been honored to work with. As you navigate this next chapter in your love story, we’ll be by your side at every step, committed to telling your story. Receive a collection of sun-drenched images that gleam with unwavering love.