With all the time and energy that goes into planning a wedding, there's an obvious need for gorgeous pictures that'll stand the test of time. We've already suggested smart outfit ideas for the ultimate engagement photo session [1] and rounded up 23 pictures to take in your wedding dress [2] (do so or forever hold your peace). Now, we're thinking about gorgeous, noncheesy ways to capture your shoes, rings, and everything else little and beautiful. Scroll through to see all the ideas you need to hear before you walk down the aisle.
1. Shoes From Behind
While the majority of brides remember to get the front of their heels snapped, you don't see the back view as often.
2. Ring on Champagne Cork
Whether your crew loves the bubbly or you've always held onto the cork from the bottle he popped when proposing, the piece makes a nice little stand to photograph your diamond.
3. Rings on a Graphic Background
There's nothing wrong with packing a boldly printed piece of fabric specifically as a backdrop for your jewels. Contrasting stripes make this shot look extraintriguing.
4. Corsages
Centerpieces and bouquets get plenty of photo love, but what about corsages? The pretty wrist wrappers are lovely and, bonus, make for another opportunity to show off jewelry. Consider doing it with both of your mothers for a sweet touch.
5. A Floral Headband
For all the work and love that go into crafting a floral headband, it certainly deserves its own time in the spotlight! Keep your eyes open for pieces that it can be hung over so you'll remember your special-day headpiece for eternity.
6. Accessories With Wedding Paper Suite
Two birds, one stone. A shot of all your accessories alongside the collected paper you've been sending guests gives you multiple memories in one place.
7. Ring in Ring Box
Whether your stunner came in a brand-new box or a vintage, velvet cushion, it's worth remembering to pack so you can get it snapped nestled pristinely in its home.
8. Bride Holding Shoes
We've all seen images of a gorgeous pair of heels resting in a bridal suite, but held by the blushing bride? Love this unique idea!
9. Embroidered Handkerchief
If you're gifting your parents or bridal party with sweetly embroidered handkerchiefs, ask them to bring them along (and to refrain from crying happy tears into them until postphoto).
10. Shoes by Dress
The romantic folds of a wedding dress look gorgeous walking down the aisle, but, handily, they also make for a perfect photo backdrop.
11. Ring While Touching His Shoulder
For a shot of your diamond that isn't zoomed in too tight, consider this loving setup. Ask your photographer to catch you from behind, with your left hand gracefully set on your groom's back.
12. Rings on the Heel
Another good reason to catch shoes from behind? Spindly stilettos are the ideal size for ringing your new jewelry (and it's a good opportunity to show off any luxe soles!).
13. Jewelry Laid Flat
Don't forget you can take pictures of your jewelry before putting it on! A statement necklace, whether your something new, old, or borrowed, gets to claim all the attention when shot laid flat.
14. Ring on Favor
Depending on what your favors are, consider using them as a background for your sparkly extras. Printed tea towels, napkins, or aprons make for a chic textile background.
15. Bride Putting On Shoes
As an alternative to your shoes posed solo, consider asking your photographer to capture you pulling them on during a calm moment before the ceremony.
16. Rings on Seashell
For revelers tying the knot somewhere near the beach, play prop stylist and find a gorgeous shell to pose your engagement ring and wedding band on.
17. Rings on Shoes
The kind of girl who's obsessed with her shoes will understand the want to photograph them as much as possible. Get them into another image by using them as a display area for both of your wedding rings.
18. Monogram Necklace
A tight shot of your jewelry on lets your happy energy inject the whole scene. If you're sporting any pieces with your brand-new monogram, you'll definitely want to record the moment!
19. Rings on Antlers
Rustic weddings will have plenty of sweet decor items on hand to dot the cocktail area and reception. Scope some out before, and see what would make a pretty ring holder — antlers are an ideal choice!
20. Heels of Shoes
Sometimes the heel of a shoe is where all the prettiest action is. If you've got a pair that features artistic detailing, for goodness sakes, photograph it!
21. Shoes in Their Box
Part of the pleasure of designer shoes is the pretty packaging. If suitcase space allows, travel with yours — it'll protect the shoe and make for a pretty shot.
22. Shoes on Feet
All by themselves, sandals and stilettos can look gorgeous, but a bit lonely, no? After you've shot them alone, ask your photographer to zoom in on the lower quarter of your dress so that they're clearly seen on, too.
23. Shoes on a Rug
If you're anywhere near a boldly printed rug, use it! The contrasting colors and geometric shape on this one make for an interesting background.
24. Shoes Walking Away
Get extra drama in your photo by adding some movement. By walking away from the shooter, your dress will look gorgeous and viewers will see details and angles of your shoes that are normally harder to capture.
25. Shoes and Veil Together
The veil can seem like the unsung hero of your bridal style — it's dramatic, but it rarely gets photographed on its own. Give it some love by delicately hanging it behind your shoes and snapping both together.
26. Ring on Invitation Close-Up
All the gorgeous calligraphy that goes into many a wedding invitation is a shame to miss. Pack a fresh copy of your paper on the wedding day, and then take a picture of your ring zoomed in closer on your names or the city and state of your ceremony.
27. The Boutonniere
While lots of attention will be lavished on your bouquet, don't forget his boutonniere. For an alternative to the snap of it on his lapel, consider posing it on a sweet tray.
28. Rings on Lace Trim
Get crafty to achieve an elegantly simple shot like this one. If you don't have a lace-trimmed veil, consider pulling up a layer of your gown and using it as a backdrop for your jewelry.
29. Rings on Special Linen
Plenty of brides are opting for weddings with lots of personalized touches. Take advantage of yours by styling it with your diamonds.
30. Shoes by a Window
Few things are better in a photo than natural light. As you're getting ready, ask your photographer to alert you to the best time to pose accessories on or near a windowsill.
31. Rings on Candy
Did you opt for a candy bar? Anyone with a sweet tooth will smile at the vision of their rings happily arranged on or around some serious sugar.
32. Ring While Holding Bouquet
We've already seen a lot of ideas for the rings off your finger, but what about on? Whether it's yours or a sentimental piece you gifted your bridesmaid, consider shooting it while they're holding flowers.
33. Shoes in Nature
If you're getting married outside or simply incorporating a lot of natural elements into your decor, consider scouting out dry, well-lit shots to arrange your accessories. Don't forget to grab some perfectly formed leaves, too!
34. Rings on Wedding Program
A lot of work went into designing the programs for your big day — take advantage of it! By snapping rings atop paper, you're keeping the main reason at the forefront of your mind.
35. Shoes by Centerpieces
See if you can capture some of your floral arrangements before the reception starts and use them as a lush background for shots of your shoes. Somehow, Miu Miu manages to look even prettier in front of crisp white blooms!
36. Rings While Hugging
Your wedding day should be all about love, right? And while plenty of sweet, intimate moments will be captured by your photographer, ask them to also hone in on details like this pretty pose that shows off her gorgeous rings.
37. Ring on Monogrammed Hanky
The monogram is a big deal when it comes to weddings! Whether you have a piece incorporating your married name or a vintage item as your something blue, set your diamond alongside it for a sentimental pairing.
38. Shoes on Printed Background
If possible, ask your photographer to scout out locations for your accessories alongside the more common group shots. A trained eye might just spot a gorgeous upholstered chair in the hotel lobby that'd look divine with your wedding shoes perched on it.
39. Ring With Dress
A zoomed-in pic of your hand holding up your dress while walking isn't just a random action shot — it's a unique angle to focus on how your ring looks out and about in the real world.
40. Shoes From the Front
Aerial shots of heels are nothing new, but what about from straight on? We especially love this idea if your shoes have a bold detail like the zippy bow on this pair.
41. Shoes With Perfume
Many a bride picks out a brand-new scent for her walk down the aisle, ensuring she'll always think back to her wedding when certain notes waft into her area. The bottles are typically gorgeous, too, making them a nice buddy to shoot with your shoes and jewelry.