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How to Get the Most Out of your Detail Photos on your Wedding or Elopement Day

  • Writer: Katie Mae Williams
    Katie Mae Williams
  • Mar 3
  • 4 min read

Read how detail photos can tell the unique story of your wedding or elopement, and take advantage of a comprehensive list of my favorite items to include!


Pearl sandals, floral invitation, and bouquet on stone. Text: Grand Teton National Park, Jacklynn Danielle, Harrison Riley.
This is a strong example of a detail photo that encompasses many different aspects of this couple's destination elopement!

Your wedding / elopement day is filled with thoughtful touches, meaningful items, and carefully chosen details that reflect your history as a couple. Detail photos are a great way to pull in personal touches and round out your final gallery. From heirloom jewelry to custom stationary, these meaningful items work together to tell your story.


Two lace dresses hang from a tree branch in a sunny, wooded area near a river. The dresses are elegant, evoking a serene, rustic mood.
This bride knew she wanted to incorporate her daughter into her detail photos. We came up with the idea to hang their dresses up side by side.




To make the process seamless, it’s best to have your details ready when your photographer arrives. By gathering items beforehand into a container like a shoebox, you can relax and enjoy your morning. Enjoy a slow coffee without interruption… I’ll be able to start capturing those meaningful details right away while you focus on soaking in the beginning of your day.


White fabric with "Charlcie Cooper" embroidered in elegant script, surrounded by soft fur trim. Warm, cozy mood.
The bride's grandma lent her this beautiful fur coat for her special day. It has her name embroidered in it. Capturing this small detail meant a lot to both the bride and her grandma.










When couples choose to book with me, I have an existing inventory of helpful props to choose from. This includes 3 different ring boxes and white velvet hangers. I also bring along a white flat lay (a plain piece of poster board if there is not an ideal spot on the ground to lay everything out).










Wedding invitation with cowboy illustration in green envelope on wooden surface, sunlight casting warm shadows, names Mya & Robert visible.
Incorporating unique stationary like this is a great way to embody a particular theme. This couple had a huge love for all things Western!

Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of items to consider setting aside to ensure every meaningful detail of your day is included. Scroll to the bottom for even more of my example pictures to gather inspiration!


Attire & Accessories

  • Shoes: Heels, dress shoes, boots, or sneakers—whatever feels like you.

  • Outfits: Wedding dress(es), suit(s), jumpsuit(s), or custom attire.

  • Accessories:

    • Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, tie clips).

    • Ties, bowties, suspenders, belts, or pocket squares.

    • Hairpieces, veils, or floral crowns.


Two silver rings on engraved brown leather, placed over colorful plaid fabric with yellow, red, and green hues. Elegant and vibrant setting.
This groom wished to honor his Scottish heritage on his wedding day. We made sure to incorporate his tartan in several of the detail shots.

Wedding / Elopement Day Essentials

  • Rings: Full ring sets, custom ring boxes, or unique holders.

  • Flowers: Bouquets, boutonnieres, floral arrangements, or loose blooms.

  • Stationery: Wedding invitations, RSVP cards, envelopes, and save-the-dates.

  • Perfume & Cologne: Include the bottle of your signature scent.


A lacey wedding dress on a wooden hanger with pearl accents, hanging against a cream paneled wall, creating an elegant mood.
A gorgeous custom hanger this couple had made, just for this shot! If you're opting to change your last name, it can be exciting to incorporate some items with your new initial.

Sentimental Details

  • Vow Books: Personalized books or papers with handwritten vows.

  • Exchanged Items: Gifts, notes, or letters exchanged between you and your partner.

  • Heirlooms: Family jewelry, lockets, fabrics, or meaningful trinkets passed down.

  • Special Touches:

    • Anything with your wedding date, like custom embroidery or signage.

    • Pride or identity elements (pins, colors, or flags).


Two vow books on a textured surface. "Her vows" in gold on white, "his vows" on brown. Elegant, minimalist wedding theme.
Vow books are always a beautiful and meaningful addition to detail photos. I make sure to include images of them closed for your privacy, and a few open in case you want those for yourselves as well.

Unique to You

  • Personal Stories:

    • Items that reflect your relationship, like props from your proposal or favorite hobbies.

    • Photographs of loved ones or pets who couldn’t be present.

  • Unity Ceremony Details: Candles or handfasting cords used in your ceremony.

  • Cultural or Religious Items: Symbols that honor your traditions.


    Close-up of white sneakers with pearl details and "Mrs. Blahak" text on the side, set against a soft, light fabric background.
    This bride had a huge passion for her sneaker collection, and she wanted to show that off in her detail pictures

Decor

  • Table Details: Menus, name cards, and special signage.

  • Decorative Pieces: Rings resting on textured fabrics, flat lays of florals, or meaningful keepsakes.



Close-up of a fur coat with a label reading "Gentry’s Furriers Knoxville Tenn." hung on a wooden hanger, set against a dark wood background.
Another shot of the gorgeous fur coat I mentioned earlier!

Bottle of Borrasca champagne and two empty flutes on a concrete ledge. Urban cityscape with buildings in the background. Calm, neutral tones.
A detail shot from a couple who chose to opt out of a big wedding and enjoy a smaller courthouse elopement in downtown Knoxville!

White lace shoes and a perfume bottle under sheer fabric, with floral patterns visible. Bright, elegant, and serene atmosphere.
This perfume was a gift to the bride on the morning of her special day.

Wedding flat lay: white shoes, invitation card, gold tray with rings, and a perfume bottle labeled "I DO" on a soft background.
Have a love for vintage items? Don't be afraid to bring smaller items like this gorgeous golden tray. I am happy to incorporate anything you feel is representative of YOU!

Wooden ring box with two rings on lace cloth embroidered in blue with "You're Next! Mrs. Hill 8-24-24." Light background.
This custom garter was a great way to incorporate something more personalized into this couple's detail photos.

Sparkling silver boots and a Coca-Cola bottle beside a pearl-studded "BRIDE" headband on white fabric, creating a celebratory mood.
From a destination elopement in Las Vegas... this bride wanted to show off her fun side!

Silver sporran with fur tassels on a colorful tartan background, featuring intricate Celtic designs and Latin text. Scottish theme.
Another detail shot from the groom who wanted a chance to honor his Scottish roots.
Map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with two rings placed over it. Text and routes are visible. Greenery slightly obscures the top.
For this elopement in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I made sure to grab a park map on my way in the day beforehand. This made for a beautiful and insightful background to their ring photos.
Bouquet and boots on a wooden table, with a brochure titled "Great Smoky Mountains" and a ring in a green box. Warm, rustic setting.
For my adventurous eloping couples... maybe you skip the heels and grab a pair of your trusty Blundstones or hiking boots!

Planning your wedding or elopement?

Hi! I would be honored to capture your day and help make it unforgettable.




LET'S CONNECT!




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