Details Details Details | Weddings

If you follow my wedding blogs, you'll know I have a love for details! All the small things that complete a wedding day and make the day so special and unique to each couple.

Over the last wedding season I have developed & refined my style of documenting these details. This post is not so much about how I shoot them, but more about how preparation is key! 

Paper goods

Wedding stationery can include save the date cards, the wedding invitation suite, table names, dinner menus,  favour tags, thank you cards, dress tags and more! This is an area I definitely wish I had put more thought into for our wedding. The options today are just endless!

Many couples invest in a graphic designer to do their paper goods or put many hours of effort into hand-making their own invites - either way these treasures are a part of your wedding story and I love to incorporate them into your wedding photos.

While most of these paper goods are available during the wedding day to document, it is often the invitation that is forgotten about. So I usually ask my couples to supply me with a copy of their wedding invitation. Sometimes this may mean I am given a copy at one of our meetings before the wedding, or perhaps that a copy is set aside with all the other details on the day (even just popped in the shoe box). 

Unique elements

Although we shoot the details as they present themselves during the day, there can be elements of significance that we may not immediately realise. 

I ask my couples to let me know of any less obvious but special elements. Sometimes there might be an heirloom tie pin, an embroidered handkerchief, engravings on the wedding rings etc.

I usually ask the maid-of-honour or mother-of-the-bride about this during the bridal preparation in the morning because a lot of these special elements are last minute details or are surprises on the day. 

The group photos

This is something I've done from my very first day as a wedding photographer; requesting a written list of the group shots. Having a written list makes the group photos go so much smoother and save the couple having to think on the spot on their day, plus removes the danger of an important group being missed. 

Group formals are generally done shortly after the ceremony, while all guests are still in the immediate surroundings. This is a time when I make allies with the master of ceremonies. Between the MC and my second shooter, their help is invaluable in getting the group formals done.

It is the only time of the day I shoot so formally & I try very hard to keep the group shots moving along, using my charm to get a smile out of everyone and ensuring my bride and groom are happy and comfortable. We have found that these group formals can take anywhere between 15-20 minutes and usually involve a dozen or so different group combinations. The less time it takes to get these done, the better I feel because I am conscious of my bride and groom getting tired of standing still for so long and I know everyone wants to get straight to the celebrating.

I provide my couples with a template photo list; all bride's family, then siblings, grandparents, parents, grandparents and parents, then the groom's side, and so on. From here my couples can refine and add, letting me know any specific family situations to be aware of. 

The dress hanger

A detail often overlooked - the clothes hanger for the wedding dress. Some brides get personalised hangers made and some dress makers provide gorgeous options. Even a simple wooden hanger is effective & showcases the elegance of your dress. Having a nice hanger really does make a difference to the photos of the wedding dress.

I make it a rule to always carry a simple wooden hanger in my car just in case this detail gets overlooked on the day.

Sit back and enjoy your day

Not so much a detail, but something to remember. Don't let the small stuff stress you out. The most important detail is that you enjoy your day. 

Not everything may go to plan, but it doesn't matter - just embrace it. Whether you have a small budget or a limitless one, your wedding will be beautiful, full of details that make your day unique and personalised. Take it from someone who knows, your wedding day will be one of the best days of your life but also one of the fastest, so enjoy every moment!

Many people think a wedding photographer just turns up and shoots the day, but to me it's not as transactional as that. I see it as an absolute privilege to be someone's wedding photographer. 

As your photographer I document your day, but I also work hard to create an experience that adds to your day. Making sure everyone is happy & enjoying themselves, helping you with your dress, ensuring the boy's button holes are straight, keeping the timeline on track. I'll remind you not to forget your flowers and I'll show you how to make sure you don't have strap marks on your shoulders when you go to get into that amazing strapless dress. I've even been known to act as a hairdresser's assistant, and Matt is an ace at tying ties!


Do you have any wedding detail tips? I'd love to hear them! x