Maine & New Hampshire Wedding Photographer //Flat Lays: They're Pretty... But Let's Not Lose Our Minds, Okay?

Alright, let’s talk flat lays. You know, those picture-perfect little detail shots of rings, shoes, invites, grandma’s brooch, and probably a sprig of eucalyptus that someone fought a squirrel for. They’re beautiful, no doubt. And when done well, they are Artsy vibes. But here’s the thing: flat lays are not the be-all, end-all of wedding photography.

Let me say it louder for the photographers in the back—I don’t do what most people would call a "proper" flat lay. Not because I’m lazy. Not because I don’t love my couples. But because, to be honest? I think I suck at them. And more importantly… I just don’t think they should be a major time suck on a wedding day.

Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely believe that capturing the details is important and I do make a special space in the timeline for them. Those little pieces help tell the full story. The perfume she wore. The heirloom handkerchief. The handwritten vows. All of that matters. But spending a whole hour to two hours trying to arrange a ring box and bouquet ribbon while the bride is getting her hair and makeup done? Nope. Hard pass. I’d rather be in the room documenting real moments, real people, and that nervous excitement you can practically feel in the air.

I also don’t believe in hauling around a suitcase full of mats, props, stamps, wax seals, and 17 types of velvet to get “the shot.” It feels fake. I use what’s already part of the couple’s day. Want a killer detail shot? Lay those rings on a windowsill with some gorgeous light, or toss the invites on the old floor boards of the barn venue with their wedding shoes and the morning’s coffee mug. Boom—authentic, real, and still aesthetically pleasing.

The whole point is to document the day, not recreate a magazine spread.

So, if you're a fellow photographer stressing because your flat lays don’t look like a styled shoot that cost $6k just for florals—breathe. You’re doing great. Focus on the big picture. And if you’re a couple reading this? Know that yes, I’ll absolutely capture your meaningful details. But I’m not going to miss your mom tearing up as she helps you into your dress just so I can get a symmetrical layout of your earrings and invitation suite. Real moments > curated clutter.

Long story short: details are great, but they’re not the main event. Don’t get so caught up in styling socks and ties that you miss the wedding.