Wedding Guide
Seth Ratliff Photography | 2026
I'm so glad you're here!
Thank you for trusting me with your biggest memories. I'm honored every single time that couples love my work, my style, and want me to capture their day. Photographing weddings is truly my passion, and I work continuously to improve my skills both behind the camera and with wedding planning & coordination.
Quick Answers
Liability Insurance
Many venues require each vendor to carry liability insurance. I'm happy to provide my Certificate of Insurance (COI) upon request.
Booking Details
To book & reserve your date, a signed contract and 30% non-refundable retainer are due within 14 days. This secures me as your wedding photographer and blocks the date from other inquiries.
Specific Photo Requests
You may absolutely request specific photos! I want to make sure you get all of the photos you want, and more, from your wedding day! Keep in mind that my mental list for each wedding is quite long, to include all standard moments and key angles from experience (e.g. bride walking down aisle, groom's reaction, bride solo portraits, first kiss, family photos, candids, parent dances, cake cutting, etc. - the list goes on!)
However, any specific photos, such as a spot at the venue you love, or making sure we get you with a group of friends from college, etc. is definitely something I want you to let me know about!
My Contact Info
I'm excited to work together in planning and to capture/celebrate your special day with you! Feel free to reach out at any time with questions or if you just need my thoughts or ideas on something.
Email: sethratliffphoto@gmail.com
Socials: @sethratliffphoto
Awesome, now where do we start?
Engagement Session
I include an engagement session with both my 8 and 10 hour wedding day packages as it's a great way to get to know each other before your wedding day. This also creates a nice gallery of images for you to use for save the dates, your wedding website, social media, etc.
Engagement sessions can be scheduled whenever it makes sense for your timeline (within a 12 month timeframe from original booking). Some couples plan theirs soon after booking, while others wait until a few months before the wedding. I generally recommend spacing it out from the wedding so you have time to enjoy these images before your full wedding gallery is delivered.
Couples may swap the included engagement session for ceremony video at no additional cost. The ceremony is recorded in 4K and delivered within your wedding gallery, offering a simple alternative to hiring a separate videographer for ceremony coverage.
Planning Your Timeline
Planning your wedding doesn't have to be difficult! I'll be here to help with timeline, family photo lists, etc. to make sure your day flows smoothly. This guide provides some great resources and starting points for planning your timeline!
While it is important to have a wedding day timeline, I think it is equally important to be able to enjoy your wedding day as it flows and just follow a general timeframe for main events. So rather than staring at a clock because the timeline says you're supposed to do something at 1:02pm, let's keep it straightforward with some wiggle room for enjoyment.
A relaxed timeline with space for real life to happen is the best tip I can give!
Resources
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
Based on 10 hours of coverage, a 4:00PM ceremony, and a first look. Every wedding will be different, but this may help give you a starting point!
12:00 PM — Photographer Arrival + Getting Ready Begins
1:30 PM — Bride Final Touches
2:00 PM — Groom Final Touches
2:30 PM — First Look (Optional)
2:45 PM — Couple Portraits
3:15 PM — Wedding Party Photos
3:40 PM — Ceremony Hideaway/Photographer Prep
4:00 PM — Ceremony
4:30 PM — Family Portraits with Couple/Cocktail Hour Begins
5:15 PM — Reception Details + Room Reveal
5:45 PM — Grand Entrance
6:00 PM — First Dance/Parent Dances
6:30 PM — Dinner + Toasts
7:30 PM — Golden Hour Portraits (Sneak away for 10-15 minutes)
8:00 PM — Open Dancing
9:30 PM — Night Portraits (Optional)
10:00 PM — Send-Off/Exit
Wedding Prep Guide
Wedding planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The goal isn’t perfect planning — it’s creating a day that feels smooth, meaningful, and true to you.
12–9 Months Out
Book your venue and core vendors (photographer, planner, caterer, DJ, florist, hair/makeup, etc.), set your budget, estimate guest count, start attire shopping, and create your wedding website.
9–6 Months Out
Schedule engagement photos, send save-the-dates, plan your honeymoon, begin invitations, and start thinking through your ceremony and timeline. Consider decisions like first look vs. no first look, private vows, and sunset portraits, these can shape how your day flows and feels.
6–4 Months Out
Finalize attire, schedule alterations, order rings, book beauty trials, and plan florals, décor, and music. Start gathering meaningful details you may want photographed (rings, invitations, vow books, heirlooms, etc.).
4–2 Months Out
Send invitations, confirm ceremony plans, finalize vendor details, schedule final fittings, and create your family photo list. One of the best things you can do for your experience? Build extra breathing room into your timeline.
2 Months–1 Week Out
Finalize guest count, seating chart, vows, and logistics. Confirm timelines with vendors, pack your details and personal items, and hand off last-minute tasks where you can.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day isn’t a performance, it’s a day to be fully present with your people. The more room you give yourself to actually experience it, the smoother it tends to feel… and the better the photos usually are, too.
Should we do a first look?
First look or no first look? There’s no right answer... it really comes down to the experience you want. A first look gives you a quiet, private moment together before the ceremony, can calm nerves, and often creates more flexibility in your timeline for portraits and time with guests. Skipping it keeps the traditional aisle reveal and all of the anticipation that comes with it. If you’re torn, there are middle ground options too, like a first touch or private vows without seeing each other. The best choice is simply the one that feels most like you.
Wedding Prep Timeline
The things that will actually help your wedding day feel smooth, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable.
Wedding planning can feel like a lot. The good news? You don’t have to figure out everything at once. This guide is here to help you stay ahead on the big things, avoid last-minute stress, and create a wedding day that feels natural, meaningful, and true to you.
12–9 Months Before
This is your foundation phase: the big decisions that shape everything else.
- Set a realistic overall budget
- Book your venue
- Choose your wedding date
- Estimate guest count
- Book your core vendors:
- Photographer
- Planner / Coordinator
- Caterer
- DJ or Band
- Florist
- Hair & Makeup
- Videographer (if desired)
- Officiant
- Ask your wedding party
- Start dress / attire shopping (earlier is almost always better)
- Create your wedding website
- Start gathering inspiration — but don’t overcomplicate it.
Friendly reminder: Pinterest is great for ideas, but your wedding doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be beautiful. Additionally, a lot of what you see on Pinterest are weddings with extremely unrealistic budgets, or styled shoots.
9–6 Months Before
The fun planning details start taking shape here.
- Schedule your engagement session
- Order save-the-dates
- Start honeymoon planning
- Reserve hotel blocks if needed
- Begin invitation design
- Think through ceremony plans and traditions that matter to you
A photographer’s perspective:
Start thinking about a few experience shaping decisions:
- First look or no first look?
- Private vows?
- Sunset portraits?
- Quiet moments intentionally built into your timeline?
These choices don’t just affect photos, they affect how your day feels.
6–4 Months Before
Now’s the time to dial in the details without leaving everything for the final month.
- Finalize attire selections
- Schedule alterations
- Order wedding bands
- Book hair & makeup trials
- Plan florals, rentals, and décor details
- Meet with your caterer/menu planning team
- Start thinking about music for ceremony + reception
4–2 Months Before
This is where logistics become your best friend.
- Send invitations
- Finalize ceremony plans
- Confirm vendor details
- Schedule final fittings
- Create your family photo list
- Research marriage license requirements
One of my biggest pieces of advice:
Leave breathing room in your timeline. Extra buffer time is one of the most underrated ingredients of a calm, enjoyable wedding day.
2 Months – 2 Weeks Before
The finish line is in sight!
- Finalize guest count
- Confirm vendor timelines + logistics
- Finish seating chart
- Write vows / speeches
- Break in wedding shoes
- Prepare your wedding detail box
Your detail box might include:
✓ Rings
✓ Invitations
✓ Jewelry
✓ Shoes
✓ Veil / tie / cufflinks
✓ Vow books
✓ Special keepsakes
Pro tip: Put everything in one box or bag ahead of time. Future you will be grateful.
1 Week Before
You’ve done the work. This week is about simplifying, not adding more.
- Confirm timeline with vendors
- Share family photo list with your photographer
- Pack bags/personal items
- Steam attire if needed
- Delegate last-minute tasks
- Drink water. Eat actual meals. Sleep.
And most importantly… try to let go of perfection. The moments you’ll remember most usually aren’t the perfectly styled ones.
Wedding Day Essentials
Wedding Details (Gather These Ahead of Time)
Place these in a small box or bag so they’re easy to grab:
- Invitation suite (invite, RSVP card, envelope, etc.)
- Rings (both engagement ring and wedding bands)
- Vow books or handwritten vows
- Jewelry, shoes, and accessories
- Perfume/cologne
- Any meaningful heirlooms or sentimental items you'd like photographed
For You Personally
- A water bottle and light snacks
- Comfortable shoes or slides for downtime
- Touch‑up makeup or blotting papers
- Phone charger (or portable battery)
- Bluetooth speaker for getting ready is always fun!
Portraits That Feel Natural
When it comes to portraits, and photos in general, I like to capture the natural emotions, movements, and feelings of the day & moment. Do you think you feel awkward in front of the camera? Everyone says that, but then their photos turn out magical. I gently guide you to be yourselves, and the photos just happen!
If the idea of being in front of the camera makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Most of the couples I work with tell me they’re not “photo people” or that they feel awkward in front of a camera... and that’s completely okay. You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about what to do with your hands. My approach is focused on natural movement, connection, and real interaction, rather than stiff or overly posed moments.
What This Looks Like on Your Wedding Day
- I’ll give simple, clear direction to get you into good light and flattering positions
- From there, I’ll guide you with small prompts rather than rigid poses
- You’ll move, walk, talk, laugh, and interact naturally
- I’m always watching for the in-between moments — the quiet ones and the joyful ones
Think of it less like posing for photos and more like being gently guided while you spend time together.
No Pressure
You don’t need to practice, rehearse, or “act” a certain way. There’s no expectation to be perfect or overly expressive. Some of the most meaningful images come from simply slowing down and being present with each other. My goal is to create space for moments to unfold naturally, while making sure you still look and feel your best.
The result is a set of portraits that feel like you, look effortless and unforced, and reflect real emotion and connection.
Family & Group Portraits
Family photos are an important part of the day, and with a little planning, they can be quick and stress-free. We'll create an organized list of family groupings you’d like photographed. Keeping this list concise helps everything move smoothly and allows you to get back to enjoying your day sooner. (I always try to get you back to cocktail hour if I can!)
On the wedding day, it’s helpful to assign someone who knows everyone that can help gather people quickly. I’ll guide the posing and flow, I just need family members to stay nearby!
Most traditional family portraits post-ceremony take 20–30 minutes, depending on the number of groupings. My goal is to move efficiently while still making sure everyone looks great and the experience stays relaxed.