Lay Flats: All the Little Details, All in One Shot
Lay flats are a fun way to capture all the little details of your day you don’t want to forget. Usually done during getting ready time, a lay flat is basically an overhead shot of your invitation suite, shoes, jewelry, family heirlooms, cufflinks, or anything meaningful—or just plain cool.
Tips for a Great Lay Flat
Ask your florist for extra loose flowers. A few petals or sprigs make everything pop and give me a chance to play around without risking the actual bouquets.
Include your full invitation suite. Envelopes, RSVP cards, inserts—whatever tells the story of your day. No mailed invitations? Have a copy of your online invite printed, many online design sites (like our friend canva) offer on demand printing. It’s an easy and fun way to work it into the story.
Not doing getting ready photos? Bring your invitation or special items, and we can schedule a lay flat for another point in the day. Just plan it ahead so we can make time. It might not be as detailed as during getting ready unless you’re up for taking off your shoes and earrings mid-day (your call).
Separate getting ready locations. If you and your partner are getting ready in different places, the second photographer can capture a lay flat for the other person too. Both wedding and engagement rings should be together in one spot, and if there’s a second photographer, these items travel with wherever I, the lead photographer, start the day.
Lay flats tell different stories. Often one lay flat highlights shared wedding items like rings, vow books, invitations, and flowers. Other lay flats can focus on each person’s personal items—perfume, veil, shoes, cuff links, jewelry, socks, anything that feels personal. This helps tell the full story of the day through all the little items you’ve chosen to adorn your day with.
Lay flats are about celebrating the little things that make your wedding yours. The shoes you picked, the rings with your story, that heirloom necklace that means the world—they all deserve a moment in your gallery.
Think of a lay flat as a way to give all the tiny treasures you’ve chosen the spotlight they deserve.
