How to Prep All of The Details | Tips From a Utah Wedding Photographer

A few loose florals add texture and visually tie your detail photos into the rest of your day. Most florists are happy to include them if you ask. If you don’t have any extras, no worries, I can always borrow your bouquet or boutonniere.

Tip #3: Bring a Clean, Simple Hanger

Your wedding outfit deserves better than a plastic hanger. A wooden or custom hanger looks amazing in wedding photos. Some couples opt out of this photo, asking for detail shots to be taken of their outfit once it’s on. If this is your preference, just let me know! I actually prefer this method as well.

Tip #4: Keep Rings Together and Hand Them Off Early

Rings are small and easy to lose. Place them in a ring box or whatever you’re going to use for the ceremony when handing them off to me. If we’re doing any solo portraits before the ceremony, I may hand them back to you to put on, otherwise they will be returned to the box and passed off to the ringbearer or best man for safe keeping.

Tip #5: Choose Items That Actually Mean Something

Some of the most emotional detail photos include personal items. Consider adding a handwritten note from your partner, ribbons from your bouquet, and your “something old, new, borrowed, or blue.” This is where you can add some unique flare to your detail photos. One of my favorite shots included some custom D&D dice a couple ordered for their day.

Tip #6: Build in Time (or Embrace the Real Moments)

If your timeline allows, set aside some time at the beginning of the day for me to capture stylized details. If that isn’t possible or your timeline is tight, I can capture what’s called “lived-in detail photos.” These are moments as they naturally happen:

• Shoes as you put them on
• Your necklace being fastened
• Rings in your hands
• Perfume on the vanity
• The final veil adjustment

One of my recent couples said that detail photos are some of their favorite from wedding days, while another couple just months before preferred that everything had lived-in coverage, but noted a few specific things they would love to see preserved in their final gallery. Both approaches are beautiful; it just depends on your day and how you’d like to see your details in your final gallery.

Note: Most couples I work with prefer “lived-in details”. You’ll be able to note your preference in the final questionnaire I give you before the big day!