Detail shots???
"I don't really have anything, and my shoes are Air Force Ones ..."
I had just asked a bride if she brought anything for her detail shots. You could tell immediately that she hadn't even considered detail shots—I mean, who does, besides wedding photographers? She was not prepared. She was skeptical that her sneakers would photograph well, but handed over what she had. That conversation resulted in this photo:
Not bad, if I do say so myself. And I will, because I took the photo and it's magical. Everything looks classy and perfect, and this photo will help her remember those pristine AF1s long after they're gone.
I don't tell this story to shame our bride. She is wonderful. It's just that detail shots don't even most brides' minds when wedding planning. That's why your Nashville wedding photographers are here to handle them!
I'm going to help ya'll out and tell you what you should bring, how you should bring it, and who should be responsible for it on your big day.
Things to bring:
In a few words, anything that is important to you or your spouse could be the key to a timeless detail shot. Sentimental items like grandpa's watch, Mom's handkerchief, or as seen in the center photo, the fortune you've been carrying in your wallet for years as you search for the partner that will fulfill the fortune! Don't forget:
- Both sets of rings
- Jewelry that will be worn, new or family heirlooms
- Invitations, save the dates
- Written vows
- Shoes
- Your bouquet or snippets of flowers that your florist can provide
- Anything monogrammed or printed with your names
How to bring them:
When Jordan and I got married, I made a list of the things I wanted in our detail shots, and the night before the wedding, I packed them all in one bag so I could just hand it over to our photographer.
Having everything neatly packed into one bag or box makes it very easy to keep up with, and you're not scrambling to find everything when you're supposed to be sipping mimosas in the makeup chair!
It's important to make sure it arrives all together with one person. We try to get our detail shots done as soon as we arrive so we can focus (pun intended) on you for the rest of the day.
But if the groom has the rings and he's not getting to the venue until 20 minutes before the ceremony, that puts us frantically trying to get those photos during a part of the day where we need to be preparing to capture the ceremony.
Who's responsible for this stuff?
Assign someone else to be responsible for your bag of items! This person needs to arrive with the group of people that arrive before the photographer. I recommend a parent or member of the wedding party that will be available when needed.
This keeps us from bothering YOU to find the items. We will get the items from them, photograph your details, and return the items to them.
That way, you know who has them and we know who has them. It takes away the risk of things getting misplaced when you need them most.
We always open the ring boxes to show your Responsible Person that all rings are being returned, and will show them each item as we return it.
But wait! This isn't just about weddings!
Are we shooting a birthday party? Retirement soiree? Baby shower? The details are still important! Bring invitations, bits of decor, and fun personal items for us to photograph! You've put a bunch of hard work (and money!!) into making this event look amazing, and we want to give you the images you will want to remember!
Always remember, if you're not sure if you're bringing enough or too much, we are here for you! Just reach out to our traveling photographer and team, and we'll gladly help you choose the best things to bring with you.
-Leslie
