The details of your wedding tell a beautiful story all on their own, and flat-lay photography is the perfect way to capture those small, meaningful moments that make your day unique. As a documentary-style wedding photographer in Central Florida, I love creating moody, intimate detail shots that highlight everything from your invitation suite to those sentimental items you’ve spent months planning. Here’s how to prepare for perfect flat-lay and detail photos.

1. Gather Your Key Items Ahead of Time

Flat-lay photos are all about the details, so make sure you’ve gathered all the essentials before the wedding day. This includes your invitation suite, rings, shoes, jewelry, perfume, and any other personal touches like heirlooms or special gifts. As a Central Florida wedding photographer, I always recommend having these items ready in one place for me to photograph while you’re getting ready. That way, I can take my time styling them into a beautiful, cohesive story.

2. Think About the Textures and Colors

When creating flat-lay photos, I love to play with textures and colors that complement your wedding theme. For example, a beach wedding in Central Florida might include seashells, sand, and soft blues, while a more rustic wedding might feature wood, lace, and greenery. The goal is to make the details pop and give your flat-lay a sense of depth and character. Incorporating florals, ribbons, or fabric from your dress can also add that moody, artistic vibe to the photos. If you don't have ideas for this, no worries at all, I have a full box of flowers, ribbons, ring boxes, etc.

3. Don’t Forget the Personal Touches

What makes flat-lay photography truly special are the personal touches. These could be family heirlooms, a handwritten note from your partner, or a small item that holds deep meaning for you both. Including these sentimental pieces helps tell the story of your wedding day in a more intimate, authentic way. In my documentary approach, I love focusing on these small details that are often overlooked but hold so much emotion and memory.

4. Timing is Everything

Flat-lay and detail shots usually happen during the getting-ready portion of your day. In Central Florida, where the light can be bright and bold, I like to find soft, natural lighting to create those moody, atmospheric photos. Make sure to budget a little extra time in your wedding day timeline for these shots, so they don’t feel rushed. The more time I have to style and photograph the details, the more creative and beautiful the final images will be.

5. Trust Your Photographer’s Vision

Flat-lay photography is an art in itself, and as your Central Florida wedding photographer, I bring a unique eye for moody, cinematic details. Trust me to style your items in a way that’s both beautiful and true to your wedding aesthetic. From delicate arrangements to dramatic shadows, these detail shots will capture the essence of your wedding day in a way that feels timeless and personal.

Preparing for your flat-lay and detail photos is all about bringing together the small pieces that make your wedding unique. With the right items, timing, and creativity, these photos will tell a stunning visual story of your special day!