Gathering Details | Wedding Preparation
A Guide for Collecting Details for Your Wedding Photos
As your wedding day gets closer, I know how exciting – and busy – this season can be. One simple way to make your morning stress-free is to gather all your special details ahead of time. Setting aside items like your invitation suite, rings, and florals ensures they’re beautifully captured without any last-minute scrambling. Plus, it lets you soak in the joy of the day without distractions!
What to Gather
- dress
- veil/hairpieces
- rings (all three: engagement ring & both wedding bands)
- shoes
- jewelry
- bouquet
- perfume
- invitation suite (two copies, please – with envelopes)
- save the date (two copies, please – with envelopes)
- borrowed & blue
- vow books
- greenery and flowers that were used to put together your bouquet/floral decorations
- anything else special to you for your special day
If possible, please collect all of your details in a box or basket so that the items are easily handed over. This will help me to begin quickly and allow me to capture more “getting ready” shots of you and your friends!
Extra Touches to Elevate Your Detail Photos
When gathering everything for your detail photos, consider adding a few extra elements that tie into the theme of your day. A swatch of fabric from your table linens, the ribbon you used on your bridesmaids’ gifts, or even a wax seal from your invitations can add beautiful texture and meaning to your detail shots. And if your florist can spare a few extra blooms, they’re perfect for softening the composition of your invitation suite photos! Little touches like these help bring everything together in a way that feels intentional and cohesive.
Don’t Forget All Three Rings
One of the most common details that gets overlooked? The rings! Sometimes planners or officiants suggest handing over the wedding band to the best man first thing in the morning, but here’s a little insider tip – keeping all three rings with you until after detail photos ensures they make it into those gorgeous flat lays. I’ll be sure to capture them beautifully before they’re tucked away for the ceremony.
Bring the Bouquets
Your bouquet is a huge part of your wedding day aesthetic, so let’s make sure it’s there for those early portraits. Have your bouquets delivered to the bride’s getting-ready location (and boutonnieres to the groom) so we can include them in your pre-ceremony moments. And don’t worry – if the weather is warm, we’ll keep them fresh in water as long as possible before it’s time to walk down the aisle.
Pieces of Your Story
As you’re gathering all these special details, remember that they’re more than just pretty things – they’re pieces of your story. From the invitation that welcomed your guests to the rings that symbolize your vows, every little element plays a part in the bigger picture of your wedding day. Taking a few extra moments to have everything ready will help ensure we can capture these details beautifully and seamlessly. I can’t wait to document all the meaningful touches that make your day uniquely you!