One of my favorite parts of any wedding day is the beginning when everyone is excited and getting ready, and when I get to photograph all of the wedding day details. Now, let me be clear, details are by no means THE most important part of a wedding day, but I really do believe that there’s something special about having beautiful photos of the little details that filled the little crevices of your day.

When I’m shooting a wedding one of the things I keep in mind are what images are vital to tell the WHOLE story of the day, from the beginning to the end. I shoot to make sure that when you choose images for your wedding album you are able to pick photos that will show each piece of your wedding day.

The week before your wedding the last thing you’re probably thinking about is gathering up items for detail shots, but something I tell my couples is to take a little bit of time out of the chaos to gather some sentimental items that will be part of making your day extra special.

I recommend gather up the following items and putting them in a little box (the box for your wedding shoes makes a great place for them), so that when I arrive on the morning of your wedding everything is ready to be photographed.

The Ultimate Detail List:

• Invitation Suite

• Dress & Wooden Hanger, Suits

• Jewelry i.e. necklace, earrings, ALL the rings (engagement ring(s), and wedding bands for both of you)

• Veil or hairpiece, if you have one

• Shoes!

• Bouquet, Boutonnieres etc. Also, ask your florist if they can bring a few extra stems to use for styling your details

• Perfume or cologne

• Cufflinks

• Sentimental keepsakes i.e. handkerchief, garter, your grandmother’s locket etc.

I know it seems like a LONG list, but I promise you won’t regret taking the time to gather these things up!

Keep scrolling for some of my favorite detail photographs, and inspiration!

Michelle and Josh had a stunning wedding in June at The Lavender Farm in Harrisonburg, VA! Blog post coming soon!