Your wedding day is the day that tells your love story and showcases both of your personalities and what you find meaningful. That’s why I really believe that capturing your wedding detail photos are just as important as all the other photos (maybe even more important – I said what I said!)

As a Philadelphia wedding photographer, detail and getting ready photos are some of my favorite photos from your wedding day! These pictures capture the little things that make your day uniquely YOU! While some couples might consider skipping these to reduce coverage time, I cannot stress enough the importance of allocating at least an hour for your wedding detail photos.

So, in this blog, you’ll get some tips on what you should prepare for your wedding detail photos, as well as some, dare I say, GORGEOUS detail shots for inspiration. Some of the most creative detail shots will come from weddings that have 1.5-2 hours budgeted for this section of the day.

Why Your Wedding Detail Photos Are So Important to Capture

Wedding detail photos serve as the narrative thread that weaves together the story of your day. They showcase all the little things that often might get overlooked in the whirlwind of celebration but are so important in revisiting the emotion and uniqueness of your big day. 

• Preservation of Details: Your wedding day will pass by in a blink. Detail photos ensure that the intricate elements you’ve meticulously planned and the personal touches are preserved forever.

• Personalization: These photos reflect your personality and style. They tell the story of who you are as a couple and the journey that brought you to this moment. 

• Completeness: When you look back at your wedding gallery, detail shots add more depth and context to the whole story of your day, from the table settings to the venue surroundings and ceremony setup.

Checklist for Your Wedding Detail Photos

While your wedding detail shots should resonate with you, here’s a starting checklist to inspire your preparations. This list is not exhaustive but more of a guide to build upon to ensure your wedding detail photos feel authentically “you”:

• Jewelry: Earrings, necklace, bracelets, all rings.

• Attire Accessories: Hairpieces, cufflinks, watch, tie/bowtie, shoes.

• Special Items: Decorative hanger for the dress/suit, loose florals, boutonniere, handkerchief, trinket dish, perfume/cologne.

• Stationery: Save the date, invitation suite, and vow books.

• Heirlooms and Personal Touches: Any family heirlooms or personal items that hold sentimental value.

Wedding Details That Are More Than Just Things

Beyond the physical items, there are moments and spaces that are equally important to capture:

Getting Ready: The anticipation and excitement of hair and makeup, the quiet moments before the ceremony.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces: Before the guests arrive, when the spaces are clean and untouched, capturing the beauty of the decor and the atmosphere of the location is essential. Communicate with your photographer to ensure they have early access to these venues, allowing them to document the effort put into creating the perfect setting for your wedding day.

Allocating extra time for your photographer to arrive early and capture these details can make all the difference. It ensures that the photos of your ceremony and reception locations are free from distractions, allowing the beauty of your carefully chosen decor to stand out.

Katarina Celine Photography | PA Wedding Photographer

Your wedding detail photos do not just capture ‘things’, they help you tell the story of your wedding day and showcase all the little things about you and your love. So I HIGHLY recommend as you plan your timeline with your photographer (and if you’re still looking for one, reach out!!), remember to make some time for all of these!