Capturing Wedding Detail Shots: A Green Bay Photographer's Guide

Britt NewLand
Feb 24, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 7, 2025

green bay photographer setting up wedding detail shots with the invites and flowers on white background

Hi there! I’m Brittany, a Green Bay, Wisconsin wedding photographer. I've been photographing weddings since 2010, long before detail shots became a trend.

The Evolution of Wedding Photography

I'm fascinated by how wedding trends emerge. One of these is the art of laying out invitation suites and styling them for photography. This trend gained momentum thanks to social media, particularly Instagram and Pinterest. These platforms increased the visual emphasis on weddings. While beautifully designed invitations have existed for a long time, the focus on detail shots has become a staple in modern wedding photography.

modern green wedding invitation photography flat lay setup surrounded by other wedding items

What Are Wedding Detail Shots?

Wedding detail shots are close-ups of significant items, such as your invitation suite, rings, shoes, jewelry, and floral arrangements. These images set the scene for your wedding album. They capture the essence of your carefully curated wedding aesthetic.

I understand how much thought couples put into their wedding details. Each element tells the unique story of your day—from the shoes you select to the scent you wear down the aisle. Capturing these details beautifully requires planning. Here’s everything you need to know about wedding detail shots, including preparation and pro tips.

What to Bring for Your Wedding Detail Shots

To achieve stunning flat-lay and styled shots, gather these essentials before the big day:

For the Couple:

Florals: Extra flowers, bouquet, boutonnieres
Invitation Suite: Two copies of the complete suite (if possible)
Other Stationery Pieces: Programs, menus, vow books
Accessories: Shoes, jewelry, hairpieces, veil
Rings: Engagement ring, wedding bands, ring boxes
Fragrance: Your wedding day perfume
Sentimental Items: Something old, new, borrowed, blue
Groom’s Details: Tie or bowtie, cufflinks, cologne

Photographers Often Bring / Bonus Styling Items:

To elevate the aesthetic of your detail shots, many photographers (myself included) carry a styling kit with items like:

Flat lay backgrounds
Ribbons and wooden spools
Ring boxes
Vintage stamps and wax seal tools
Gold vintage trays and circular trays
Vintage scissors and keys
Small blocks and napkin rings for depth and layering

Tips for Perfect Wedding Detail Shots

Communicate with Your Photographer: Let them know how important these shots are. If detail shots are a priority for you, we’ll plan accordingly. It's crucial to have that conversation. Some couples focus on other aspects of the wedding day. If there's a special item you want to capture, like an heirloom necklace, discuss it with your photographer.
Have Everything in One Place: The morning of your wedding can be hectic. Keep all your details in one container or box to ensure they're ready when your photographer arrives.
Allocate Time for These Shots: Detail shots are an art form. Plan on 30 minutes in your timeline for them to capture the best images.
Consider a Pre-Wedding Detail Session: Some photographers (like me!) offer pre-wedding detail sessions. This allows for more time and creativity in capturing these important shots. Just keep in mind that we may not have your gorgeous flowers at that time.

Where Can I Get Custom Luxury Invitations?

If you’re looking for stunning invitation suites, check out Thoughtfully Yours Design. They specialize in creating fine art stationery, whether it’s gorgeous calligraphy or bespoke engraving.

The Importance of Detail Shots

Wedding detail shots go beyond being just pretty pictures. They capture the essence of your style and the sentimental elements of your wedding day. By preparing in advance, you can ensure these details are beautifully documented.

Conclusion: Cherish Your Wedding Memories

Remember, these details tell your story and should be preserved. Take the time to plan and gather what you need. The effort will be worth it when you look back at your wedding album filled with beautiful detail shots.