Wedding Day Detail Photos

The content in this blog post first appeared in my monthly newsletter in February of 2024. Sign up here for first access to more content like this!

Hi Friend!

I hope this newsletter finds you in good health both physically and mentally. Last week we had lots of sun here in Northwest Arkansas, and I could tell a big difference in my mental health after spending time in the sun! Winter is rough, y’all.

This month’s newsletter is all about your wedding day detail photos! I remember when I was planning my wedding and my photographer first mentioned details, I had no idea what she was talking about! Oh young Bree, you had so much to learn. So today I’m going to break down what detail photos are, why they are important, and the best ways to help your photographer capture your wedding day details. And if you sign up for my newsletter email list, you’ll get access to my freebie “Wedding Day Details Checklist” so that you won’t forget a single thing from your “details” box as you pack for your wedding day!

Before we get into wedding day detail photos, I’m going to shamelessly plug my email newsletter. It comes out once a month and I get to go super in depth on specific topics of wedding planning. But the best part, in my opinion, is that each month, to go along with the newsletter topic, I create a freebie that only the people who have subscribed to my email list have access to. Some of the titles include “Sample Wedding Day Timeline”, “The Wedding Day Family Photo Shot List”, and “Leave No Trace Wedding Guest Guide”. All in all, there are currently 12 freebies posted, with more being added every month. Oh, and did I mention that they’re free? 100% completely free. And you will never get spammed with random emails cluttering up your inbox. So click on one of the many links in this blog post and sign up to be the first to read my thoughts and advice on topics like “Wedding Day Detail Photos”!

Okay, back to the topic at hand.

What are detail photos?

Basically, details are all the small things that may or may not otherwise get photographed during the ceremony and reception portion of the day. They’re the little touches that make your wedding unique. Your rings, heirloom jewelry, the wedding dress and veil, flowers, perfume, cologne, shoes, socks, garter … you get the picture. 

Arranging all those details for photos is truly an art form. But it’s something that I, as a photographer, absolutely love to do! It reminds me a little bit of still life paintings, and I love the fact that couples get to have the tiniest details of their wedding day preserved in that way.

Why are detail photos important?

As I mentioned earlier, these items may or may not be photographed during the more active portions of the day; oftentimes they are some of the most sentimental items that you have chosen to include in your wedding day. For example, maybe the necklace you’re wearing is a family heirloom and has never been photographed before. Maybe you had your watch engraved with your wedding date or your fiance’s name. Maybe your tie or dress is embroidered with a meaningful quote. Maybe your mom hand stitched the pearls onto your wedding gown.

By setting aside time in your wedding day timeline specifically to photograph these special details, you ensure that all these precious items are well documented and will be remembered for generations to come. 

When is the best time to photograph details?

Usually, detail photos are the very first thing your photographer will do on your wedding day. Before you’re dressed, while hair and makeup are still being done, is the best time to gather all these things together and find a quiet corner of the venue (with good lighting!) to photograph them. I always recommend that my couples put together a “details” box or bag as they are packing for their wedding day so that everything is all together and easy to carry when I arrive.

What items should I include in my detail photos?

I’m so glad you asked! I have actually created a freebie this month with a whole list of detail items that can give you ideas. Not every couple will have everything on that list in their detail photos, or even at their wedding, but it’s a great starting point when making your own details list. And you may even have things that you want photographed that aren’t on my list! 

A good starting point as you’re brainstorming and gathering items is to include the things that are meaningful to you as a couple, to your wedding, and to your families. Small things that may not be seen during the rest of your wedding day (think garter, personalized socks, etc.). Maybe something that is unique to your venue. The sky is the limit!

Final Thoughts …

Now that you have read all about detail photos, I hope you’re inspired and excited to pack your own “details” box (I promise, your photographer will love you for it!). Now, let’s hit the comment section hard! If you’re already married, leave a comment below with your best detail item recommendation so that those who aren’t yet married can make sure they don’t forget to include anything!

*All my blog posts contain a selection of images that I’ve taken. If you are interested in booking a wedding or session with me, I am more than happy to send you a full gallery upon request!

I’m a wife, a dog mom, a foodie, a wanderer, a registered nurse, and a couples/intimate wedding/elopement photographer … and this blog will cover it all! If you enjoyed this post, first of all thank you, and second of all please follow me on Instagram + Facebook and sign up for my monthly newsletter to get exclusive wedding planning advice and access to all of my new (and old) freebies! If you have any questions about elopement photography, my journey from nursing to photography, or my time spent as a full-time RVer, drop a comment and I just might write a blog post answering your question (but I definitely will)!

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