Elegant table setting with blush pink napkin and white flowers against soft gray linen tablecloth and vintage silver cutlery.
Elegant nude high heel shoes arranged with delicate pink and peach roses and floral elements on a light background.
Elegant wedding invitation suite in ivory and gold with delicate floral details and calligraphy shown in a flat lay sequence.
Elegant gold and white wedding place card with 'Anna' name and delicate floral decorative details.

What defines a luxury wedding?


It’s not just about the budget—it’s about the experience, the details, and the way every part of the day is artfully curated. As a fine art wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing weddings where intentionality meets beauty and art. Every detail has a story or memory behind it. There are these little glimpses into the past, present, and future of the two lovers getting married.

Luxury Begins with Intention


Throughout this piece, you will see the word intention or intentional a number of times. I often think "what is my intention with this scene or vignette" when photographing a wedding day. I refer back to it over and over again. It keeps me focused, it allows creative ideas to organically blossom, and it keeps my couple's vision in the forefront of my mind.


When you are intentional, every choice has a purpose. You're not just “adding pretty things” - you’re telling a story.


Whether it's:


  • a signature color palette:
  • an artful floral installation, or:
  • personal guest touches


Intention ensures everything feels cohesive and elevated.



Instead of asking “What’s trending?”, intentional design asks “What feels most like us?”


 

Examples of Intentional Wedding Design

That Elevate Luxury


These choices bring thoughtfulness, style, and cohesion—the hallmarks of high-end celebrations.

 

1. Custom Wedding Invitation Suite (Even Just for Photos)


Invest in one or two custom invitation suites for your detail flat lay shots - even if you’re using digital or semi-custom invites for guests. It makes your detail photos feel editorial and refined.

Wedding stationery flat lay with elegant floral designs, vintage details, and emerald green ribbons on a light pink background.
Elegant wedding flatlay with handwritten invitations, dusty blue silk ribbons, and white floral details on a light background.
Elegant wedding invitation suite with vintage keys, pink florals and delicate calligraphy on a light marble background.
Beautiful wedding stationery with calligraphy text, pale blue silk ribbon and decorative antique gold key accent.
Aqua blue engagement ring displayed in white velvet ring box with white flowers and eucalyptus on light blue background.

 

The Bride's Grandmother's ring. A family heirloom.

 

Intentional choices resonate deeply with others. Couples feel seen. Viewers feel moved. It’s the difference between a pretty photo and one that stops you and makes you feel something.


A handwritten vow on heirloom paper isn’t just a styling element or flatlay prop, it’s a tangible piece of your heart. What looks like paper in a flat lay is really the heartbeat of your promises—timeless, tender, and true.
Elegant white and blush roses with pink accented gift tags displaying romantic text against a light backdrop.

 

The Bride honoring her love for Monet's garden.

 

Elegant wedding place cards with pink silk ribbons and gold calligraphy arranged in a decorative display.

 

Personalized name cards for your wedding party.

 

A vintage gold mirror decorated with peach garden roses, greenery, and handwritten notes creates a romantic flat lay composition.

 

An embroidered napkin that has a note from the Groom's late grandfather.

 

 How a Wedding Venue Adds a Luxury Feel to Your Wedding Day



Choose a wedding venue with character. Luxury weddings often take place in architecturally rich settings that need little decoration:


  • historic mansions
  • European inspired estates;
  • or venues with old-world charm.


 

Below are some examples of venues that I have had the pleasure of photographing over the years. Each one with its own unique charm and beauty. Be sure to read the key notes for insight on what makes them so special.

 

The Seelbach Hotel

Louisville, Kentucky

Elegant couple stands on red-carpeted steps outside The Selfbach luxury building entrance with ornate green awning.
Elegant historic hotel building exterior with red brick facade and black awnings along The Benjamin entrance.
Elegant couple in white wedding attire share an intimate dance moment on an ornate blue and gold patterned ballroom floor.
Elegant bride in white gown poses on grand staircase with ornate gold railings in historic hotel interior.
A bride in a flowing white wedding dress stands elegantly in an ornate dark wood doorway with vintage architectural details.
Elegant wedding ceremony in a grand ballroom with crystal chandelier and floral arrangements against white walls.

Key notes:


  • Iconic staircase in the lobby.
  • Rich with gold accents.
  • The striking red staircase, at the entrance, offers a moment of cinematic elegance. Reminiscent of the famed Plaza Hotel in New York City.
  • Played host to US presidents, legendary artists, and Prohibition mobsters like Al Capone.



  • The Rathskeller Room: A ceramic tiled room at the Seelbach Hotel said to have secret tunnels used by Al Capone and a crowd that helped inspire F. Scott Fitzgerald's
  • 'The Great Gatsby.'


Ornate art nouveau archway with turquoise tiles and floral patterns frames an elegant wedding photo backdrop.
Elegant wedding reception tables with white linens and ornate centerpieces featuring feathers in an arched ballroom setting.

 

Who wouldn’t want to step into a scene straight out of a classic film? Tailored suits, red lips, and a venue that whispers Old Hollywood at every turn. Count me in.