Wedding Details | Complete Guide for Pittsburgh Couples

The Wedding Day Begins with Beautiful Details!

I absolutely love capturing wedding details at the start of the day because it allows me to prepare and get my creative side warmed up! When I photograph a bride’s wedding details, I carefully match and showcase the style of the entire wedding day. Therefore, these special items set the stage for the look of the whole wedding gallery. Additionally, I enjoy having ample time to stylize and shoot everything from the dress to the jewelry, and even grandma’s cherished handkerchief!

Essential Wedding Details to Have Ready for Photos

Before I arrive, I encourage brides to gather all their special items. This way, when I walk in, I can give you a big hug and immediately begin working with all your beautiful details! To make this process smoother, consider placing all your small items in a shoebox or decorative container. Consequently, everything stays organized, and nothing gets misplaced during the excitement of the morning. (And don’t worry—I promise to take excellent care of the dress!)

For beautiful hanger options, check out Etsy’s Page.

Complete Wedding Details Checklist for Brides:

• Dress – Hung on a quality hanger (I recommend investing in a custom or wooden hanger)
• Veil/Hairpieces – Any special accessories for your hair
• Rings (all three) – Engagement ring and both wedding bands
• Shoes – Those special heels or flats you’ve chosen for the day
• Bouquet & Boutonniere – Having these delivered early allows for detail photos
• Jewelry – Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, family heirlooms
• Perfume – The scent you’ll wear on your wedding day
• Invitation Suite – Your full invitation set including envelopes, RSVP cards, etc.
• Something Borrowed & Blue – Any sentimental items that fulfill this tradition

For more inspiration, check out my wedding gallery to see how these details come together in beautiful images that you’ll cherish forever. These photos complement your wedding album perfectly by capturing the small touches that made your day unique.

Capturing Meaningful Groom’s Wedding Details

While much attention is given to the bride’s details, the groom’s special items deserve equal attention! These personal touches help tell the complete story of your wedding day. Here’s what the groom should have ready:

• Suit/Tuxedo – Hung nicely on a quality hanger
• Dress Shirt – Ironed and ready for photos
• Tie/Bow Tie – Laid out flat or gently draped
• Shoes – Polished and ready for their close-up
• Watch – A timeless accessory that often has special meaning
• Cufflinks – Especially if they’re personalized or meaningful
• Boutonniere – Have this delivered early with the bridal bouquet
• Cologne – The scent he’ll wear on the wedding day
• Pocket Square – Adds a pop of color and personality
• Belt/Suspenders – These details complete the outfit
• Socks – Especially if they’re fun or meaningful!
• Any personal items – Like a special gift from the bride, family heirlooms, etc.

The Importance of Natural Light

Natural light dramatically impacts your pre-ceremony images. With just a simple window in the bridal prep area, I create beautiful portraits with soft light that perfectly highlights every special element. If your getting-ready area lacks windows or natural light, I’ll likely suggest taking some faux “getting dressed” shots elsewhere on the property where we can access better lighting. Often, we just need another room or a simple doorway.

My signature style of photos relies heavily on natural light. As a result, finding good lighting becomes essential for capturing those magical moments. However, if you can’t control your bridal suite location, don’t worry! I’ll work my magic to ensure we still capture stunning detail shots and getting-in-the-dress photos with beautiful natural light!

Wedding Details and Morning Preparation Tips

On your wedding morning, hopefully you’ve checked off all the little details, allowing you to relax with your best friends while getting ready. If you still have tasks on your to-do list, now is the time to delegate them to someone else. Above all, delegation plays a key role in ensuring a stress-free wedding day.

Although handing over decorating duties and last-minute tasks feels difficult, relaxing on your wedding morning truly matters. After all, the rest of the day will move quickly and bring many emotions! Therefore, take full advantage of this quieter time.

Furthermore, consider a few important aspects about the “getting ready” portion of the day. For instance, would you like to share a “first look” with your dad or another important person in your life? Additionally, planning your wedding details ahead of time helps create a smoother, more enjoyable morning.

Final Thoughts

Remember that your wedding details tell a unique story about you as a couple. These carefully selected items represent your personal style, family traditions, and the thought you’ve put into your special day. By preparing these details ahead of time, you’ll ensure that nothing is forgotten in the excitement of the morning.

As your Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I’m passionate about capturing these meaningful elements with care and creativity. Every button, every sparkle, every handwritten note becomes part of your wedding day narrative – a visual story you’ll treasure for generations to come.

Have questions about preparing your wedding details? I’d love to hear from you! Contact me to discuss your wedding photography or to schedule a consultation.

As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I’ve found that these early morning moments often create some of the most cherished images from the entire day.