Creating Meaningful Flatlays: A Guide for Romantic Couples and Artful Wedding Photographers

Creating Meaningful Flatlays: A Guide for Romantic Couples and Artful Wedding Photographers

In the quiet moments before a wedding day truly begins, there’s a certain kind of magic in the details. The perfume she’s always worn, the love letter he wrote the night before, the lace from her mother’s gown—each piece holds a story. As a romantic wedding photographer who values artful storytelling and timeless imagery, I see flatlays not as styled still-lifes, but as visual love letters to the day unfolding.

Flatlays allow us to pause and preserve the emotion within the details. Here’s how photographers can create meaningful, romantic compositions, and how couples can prepare their details so come wedding day their story is told with depth and heart.

For Photographers:

Designing and Capturing Artful Flatlays and Details

1. Compose with Emotion and Story in Mind

The most meaningful flatlays tell a story rather than simply display objects. Before you begin, take a moment to learn what’s special about your couple’s details. I personally ask these questions a month before the big day in the form of a questionnaire, as well as talking through it on their timeline call! Maybe the bride’s ring box was a gift from her grandmother, or the invitation suite was hand-painted by her sister. Arrange these items with narrative intent, layer heirlooms with artful touches, create visual flow through leading lines, and let your composition reflect the couple’s unique love story.

I like breaking the rules and turning “flatlays” into immersive 3D experiences as well. Look at your surroundings and be intentional as you choose, but imagine the bride is an artist and you hang her shoes on an oil painting or her veil on a statue at the venue. This is not only an artistic way to showcase details in an immersive way, but is crafted with intention which fits into her story.

2. Use Light to Create Depth

Light is the foundation of artful wedding photography. Seek out window light or a shaded outdoor area that provides a gentle, diffused glow. Add interest by letting shadows fall naturally to create texture and mood… flatlays don’t need to feel flat. Slight elevation or layering fabrics adds depth and draws the viewer in, making the image feel alive and emotional rather than overly styled. I personally use both acrylic risers and floral holders to help add elevation as well! (find the exact ones in my flatylay kit checklist below)

3. Curate Color and Texture with Intention

Artful flatlays often evoke emotion through touch and tone. Mix soft linens, silk ribbons, canvas or painted backdrops, and paper textures with organic elements like florals, wax seals, or personalized trays. Keep your palette cohesive with the wedding’s overall design, but allow one or two pieces of an accent color like gold or silver to catch the light and add soul! Again, I go over color palettes and vision boards with my couples before the wedding day and hand select ribbons, ring boxes, backdrops and specialty items from my arsenal. Prepping for details by asking the right questions is what sets your detail photos apart from the standard wedding photographer. Be different. Help them tell their story!

For Brides + Grooms:

How to Prepare for Your Flatlays and Details

1. Gather Meaningful Personal Items

In the weeks before your wedding, collect details that hold meaning like your invitation suite, vow books, jewelry, rings, perfume, shoes, and any heirlooms or keepsakes that feel like you. These are the pieces that make your flatlay uniquely personal. Don’t be afraid to include sentimental touches like a love letter, a family handkerchief, or your something blue. While your photographer will do the heavy lifting on providing artistic touches, bringing your own monogramed ring box or even a thrifted oil painting could be the game changer in making your detail photos one of a kind!

2. Ask Your Florist for a Few Loose Blooms

Florals bring life and cohesion to your gallery when included in your flatlay images. Ask your florist to set aside a few extra stems or petals for your photographer. In my experience, they LOVE seeing their work flow into the small details of the day outside of the bouquet and centerpieces! These small touches tie your detail photos into your floral design and create a seamless visual story that feels intentional and romantic.

3. Prepare a “Details Box” for Your Photographer

On the morning of your wedding, gather all your items including your rings, jewelry, invitation suite, shoes, perfume, and any special keepsakes into one small box or basket. This makes it easy for your photographer to begin capturing your story right away, without interrupting your getting-ready moments. A keepsake box labeled “wedding details” is perfect, and if you want to take it a step further, appoint your maid of honor or coordinator the task of handing the box of details to your photographer upon arrival so you do not have to worry about it!

The Art of Storytelling Through Details: Final Thoughts

Flatlays and creative details are so much more than pretty photos—they are the first chapter of your wedding story told through artful imagery. Every ribbon, letter, and heirloom speaks to who you are and what this day means. When created with intention, your flatlays and details become quiet poems you want to read over and over.

Click here to view my Amazon shopping list for flatlay details!

• Tool Box (for local weddings)
• Pouches (for destination weddings + more curated selections)
• Acrylic Risers
• Flower Holders
• Ribbons
• Ring Boxes
• Backdrops
• Museum Glue
• Glue Dots
• Microfiber Cloth
• Pearls
• Mini Columns
• Mini Statues
• Dishes (I often thrift handmade pottery or vintage brass!)
• Oil paintings + Prints (I thrift most of mine!)
• Scissors
• Rings (for styled shoots)

Where to Find Niche Items:

Outside of amazon, I have a trove of niche detail items I buy from Etsy shops and thrift stores. Photographers, I recommend The Styling Archives, The Styling Reserve, Olive and Oak, or Light Atelier on Etsy.

Brides, if you are looking for custom ring boxes or something out of the ordinary to protect and display your diamonds, check out my blog post “Creative Wedding Ring Boxes: Every Detail Tells a Story!”