When my team arrives, we go straight to the details. This includes the rings, the invitations, and your shoes. These small pieces tell the story of the day before it starts, and it helps everything run more smoothly if they're set aside and ready before we walk in.
Why Detail Shots Matter More Than Couples Expect
It's easy to think of these photos as extras, but detail shots slow the story down and help to show the intention behind each piece that's so special.
What to Actually Set Aside
Here's the specific list I ask couples to gather the night before, all in one bag or box so nothing gets left behind in the morning rush:
- Rings and ring boxes
- Vow books or the paper you wrote your vows on
- Invitation, save the dates, and any calligraphy pieces
- Shoes for both partners
- Jewelry, including anything borrowed or from family
- Perfume and cologne
- A boutonniere and a small piece of the bouquet or extra florals
- Cufflinks, tie, pocket square
- Veil or hair piece
- Any family heirlooms, like a handkerchief or a grandparent's watch
Not every item applies to every wedding, and that's fine. The point isn't to check every box but to gather the pieces that actually mean something to your day.
Set It Aside the Night Before, Not the Morning Of
Wedding mornings move faster than people expect. Hair and makeup are happening, someone is running a forgotten steamer back to the hotel, and your phone won't stop buzzing. If the detail items are scattered across suitcases and gift bags when we arrive, we might spend the first twenty minutes of the morning hunting for a ring box instead of photographing it. Set everything aside the night before in one spot. It takes a few minutes, and it means we can start strong the moment we walk in. This small bit of prep on your end makes a real difference in what we're able to create.
FAQ
What if we forget something? It happens, and it's not the end of the world. We'll work with whatever is available and photograph it as thoughtfully as we can.
Do we need to set aside items for both partners? Yes, each person has their own details worth capturing, from cufflinks and a boutonniere to jewelry and a veil.
How much time does this actually take? The detail shots usually take at least 30 minutes at the start of the morning, sometimes less if everything is already gathered in one place when we arrive.
If you're planning a wedding in the Seattle or Tacoma area, send me your date, and I'll walk you through exactly what to set aside for your morning so we can make the most of that time together.