engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
Wedding Guide
Cameron Zegers Photography
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I’ve been to A LOT of weddings, and I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. From over 10 years of experience photographing weddings, I’ve gathered all of my favorite tips here to help you through the process of planning a wedding that will be stress-free and photo-friendly. With all the time and love you put into designing your wedding day, it’s so important to document it and turn it into beautiful wedding images! This guide will walk you through the entire wedding day to make sure that nothing slips through the cracks and that all the most important moments of your wedding day are captured beautifully.
Keep in mind though - this is just a guide. The number one priority is for you to make your wedding day exactly how YOU want it to be. In my opinion, there are no rules at all when it comes to your wedding! This is your day and I'm all for keeping it true to who you are.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Welcome
plan your session
If you’re at all nervous about having your photo taken on your wedding day (who isn’t?), then I highly recommend doing an engagement session.
They give us time to get to know one another and get comfortable working together. You’ll learn how I work, and I’ll learn about you two and what poses, settings, and angles work best for you. We'll be more in-sync on your wedding day.
Also, if you love those dreamy, golden light photos (who doesn’t?!), an engagement session is a good way to make sure you get those images. We can’t reschedule your wedding day if it’s raining, but we can reschedule your engagement session.
I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
Engagement Session
Happily Emily Made (guest watercolor portraits)
Wags Down the Aisle (pet coordination and care)
To Wag and to Hold (pet coordination and care)
Purvi Henna Creations (Henna Artist)
Crimson Haze (Event Lighting)
PHoto Booths
OFFICIANT
OTHER
Paper Goods
RENTALS
WEDDING DRESS
Baked
Deru Catering
Deep Sea Sugar & Salt
Honey Crumb Cake Studio
Jan Kim Crumbles
The Sweetside
Blue Box Bakery
Seattle Pops
Desserts
Kendra Springer
Zo and Co Styling
Offwhite Makeup & Beauty
Angie Evans
Pacific Brides
Salon Maison
Bridal Beauty Agency
HAIR & MAKEUP
Integral DJs
Chris Graves
DJ Otto
Emerald City Sound
Bamboo Beats
Magnolia Rhapsody
Blue Beatz Entertainment
WA Sound
Blue Wave Band
Sharp Dressed Band
Side One Band
Christy Becker Violin
DJ & BANDS
CATERING
Peak Digital Cinema
Shutter & Sound Films
Verdant Cinema
First & Foremost Productions
Cabfare Productions
Bogle Productions
ViDEOGRAPHY
Flora Nova Design
Goldenrod Floral Design
Leah Erikson Floral
Anthera Floral
Floral Design By Maria
Bahtoh
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Pink Blossom Events
New Creations Weddings
Gordon Duo
Clutch Events
Tapestry Event Co.
Bridal Bliss
Smiling Rose Planning
Eventful Moments
Little Wedding Blush
The Greatest Adventure Weddings
Sage Event Co.
It's All in the Details Seattle
Grit City Weddings
PLANNERs & coordinators
Looking for more vendors for your wedding day but not sure where to begin or who to trust? Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've pulled together this list of my favorite local vendors sure to make your day amazing! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Vendors
Your wedding day timeline is such an important part of wedding planning! The best timelines make for smooth transitions, plenty of wiggle-room to manage the inevitable un-planned fiasco, and time to relax and be fully present with your loved ones. Poorly planned timelines make for extra stress and missed photo opportunities.
I’ve seen it all; from the unexpected outdoor wedding downpour, to the makeup mishap, forgotten wedding activities, and misplaced wedding rings. All of these issues and more have led me to realize that your wedding day timeline can make or break your wedding photography.
For most couples, building a wedding timeline is foreign territory. Let me help you build your timeline to help your day run smoothly and to ensure that you end up with your dream wedding photos. I’m happy to help!
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building the perfect
As you build your timeline, consider the following time estimates:
Getting ready photos and details – 1.5 hours. I like to arrive 1 hour before you put on your dress to get all the detail photos and candids of you and your wedding party getting ready.
Couple’s Portraits (and First Look) – 1 hour. This time can be split between golden hour photos, first look photos, and portraits.
Wedding Party Photos – 30 minutes. These photos can be taken right after your couple's portraits.
Family Formals – 30-45 minutes (depending on number of groupings).
Golden Hour Portraits – 10-15 minutes. We can sneak away super quick to play in that glorious evening light.
Dance Party – 30 minutes. I don't need more than 30 minutes to get you a ton of killer dance party photos at the end of the night! (People generally don't want a photographer documenting the dance floor longer than this anyway!)
12:00 - Detail and getting ready photos
12:45 - All hair and makeup done (hard stop)
1:00 - Attire on, final touches
1:30 - First look followed by couple's portraits
2:30 - Wedding party photos
3:00 - Family photos
3:30 - Guests arrive, photograph ceremony details
4:00 - Ceremony begins
4:30 - Ceremony ends, sign marriage license
4:45 - Couple joins cocktail hour
5:30 - Guests invited to dinner
5:45 - Grand entrance
6:45 - Toasts
TBD - Sunset couple portraits (10 min)
7:15 - Cake cutting
7:25 - Special dances
7:30 - Open dancing
8:00 - Photography coverage ends
10:00 - Reception ends
8 hour Timeline With A First Look
8 hour Timeline Without A First Look
Example Timelines
12:00 - Detail and getting ready photos
12:45 - All hair and makeup done (hard stop)
1:00 - Attire on, final touches
1:30 - Portraits of Partner One, their wedding party, and their family
2:30 - Portraits of Partner Two, their wedding party, and their family
3:30 - Guests arrive, photograph ceremony details
4:00 - Ceremony begins
4:30 - Ceremony ends
4:35 - Combined family portraits
4:40 - Combined wedding party
5:00 - Couple's portraits
5:30 - Guests invited to dinner
5:45 - Grand entrance
6:45 - Toasts
TBD - Sunset couple portraits (10 min)
7:15 - Cake cutting
7:25 - Special dances
7:30 - Open dancing
8:00 - Photography coverage ends
10:00 - Reception ends
The number one thing that makes a wedding day run late is getting ready. Hire a professional hair and makeup artist that is experienced with wedding days. Plan lots of extra buffer time during this part of the day. Expect to have family and friends drop in, venue staff and vendors seek your approval on various wedding-related decisions, and misplaced items that need to be tracked down.
Get Ready On Schedule
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With all of the stuff to get done, this part of the day can be chaotic. Don’t make yourself crazy trying to keep everything perfect, but do your best to keep the space tidy. Throw away garbage, and store purses, overnight bags, extra clothing and unimportant knick knacks in a separate room; it is distracting in photos. The best getting ready photos are in clean rooms.
Keep Clutter to a Minimum
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Wear an outfit that is comfortable and easy to take off (after hair and makeup), looks authentically like you, and makes you feel confident as you get ready.
What to Wear
03
Try to set up your hair and makeup station near a window to give me (and your makeup artist) the best possible lighting. Natural light always beats artificial light.
Use Natural Light
02
Choose a getting ready location with lots of natural light, and one that is big enough for everyone to fit comfortably when the room is filled with all of your stuff. Pick a space that reflects the decor and mood of your wedding. If your venue doesn’t have a space like this onsite, consider renting a cute AirBnB.
Choose your space
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tips
Getting Ready
I love photographing the ‘getting ready’ portion of the day! Those first moments shared with your important people are filled with laughter, excitement, and anticipation. By making just a few specific decisions ahead of time, you can sit back and relax knowing that your ‘getting ready’ shots will look awesome.
If you're planning on having someone help you with your dress or doing a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire. Please communicate timing to them and schedule hair and makeup appointments accordingly.
Everyone Looking their Best
05
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! I usually start the day by photographing your personal details (rings, shoes, invitation suite, etc.) while you’re getting ready. Make a list of all of the important items you want to have photographed, and gather all of those items into one specific area. This will give me quick access to important pieces for detail photos, so I can dive right in.
Details
Wedding Day
Dress (on a pretty hanger)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Books
Cuff Links
Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Any other sentimental items you would like to include
Bonus: If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra floral cuts, I can incorporate those in your detail photos.
DETAILS to consider having photographed
More and more couples are choosing to see each other before they walk down the the aisle. That planned, private moment before the ceremony when you see your fiancé for the first time on your wedding day is called a first look.
About 90% of my couples in the past few years have chosen to do a first look.
As a wedding photographer, my strongest advice will always be to plan your wedding exactly how YOU want it to be. If you dream of seeing your fiancé for the first time at the end of the aisle as friends and family look on, I fully support you. That said, if you are on the fence, here are a few reasons I am a huge fan of doing a first look.
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
First Looks
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 4b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First Look
03
One of the most beautiful parts of a wedding is bringing all the people you love together! Your guests will travel from near and far to celebrate with you on your wedding day, and you will only have a short amount of time to spend with them. Planning a first look means you can use the time before the ceremony to take photos so that you can be fully present with your friends and family after they arrive. By taking your portraits before the ceremony, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy cocktail hour with your wedding guests rather than having to disappear to take photos.
A FIRST LOOK GIVES YOU MORE TIME WITH YOUR GUESTS (You don't have to miss cocktail hour!)
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Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after the first look
The first look usually happens about two and half hours before the ceremony – giving you all that extra time with your favorite person. Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A first look is an opportunity to spend some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage our couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
A first look cuts through the chaos of the day and Gives you more time with your fiance
01
It’s completely normal to feel nervous on your wedding day. Not being able to hug, kiss, or even see your fiancé before the ceremony can exaggerate those feelings. If you feel nervous at the thought of standing up in front of friends and family and exchanging vows, sharing a first look will give you a chance to connect with your love, take a deep breath, and calm your nerves before the ceremony. And don’t worry; a first look won’t take away from the big, beautiful feelings of the ceremony; you’ll be overcome with emotion no matter what.
A First Look Soothes The Nerves
04
In my experience, first looks result in some of the most heartwarming, intimate, and all around best photos of the wedding day. The genuine joy and relief you’ll have in those first moments will be preserved in your first look photos. With fresh hair and makeup, and the all the feelings of love and anticipation, these photos often capture the sweetest, most emotive moments of the day.
05
First Look photos are beautiful!
Scheduling a first look before the ceremony will extend our total window of time for taking portraits (not just of the two of you, but can knock out family photos and wedding party photos before the ceremony too!). We'll have a bit more flexibility instead of rushing through them during cocktail hour. You will get more photos overall and more time to spend with your fiancé and your wedding party.
If you’re having a winter or evening wedding, it's best to do all photos before the ceremony, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits for your families, wedding party, and couple's portraits. With this in mind, take a close look at your timeline and the time of sunset on your wedding day to see if doing a first look is a logical (or even necessary) choice.
A first look is timeline-friendly
06
Whether or not you choose to do portraits before the ceremony, I HIGHLY recommend making time for couples portraits during golden hour! Golden hour is that magical light before sunset and is, without a doubt, the most beautiful time to take portraits. Budget 10-15 minutes to run away with your love (and me!) to bathe in that unreal light. These photos are often the favorites of the day; I promise it will be worth your time (and you’ll probably want a little breather by then anyway!)
My goal for your portraits is to make images that show the love and connection between the two of you. I want them to look natural and comfortable. When it comes to posing, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I'm not expecting you to show up and model for me...I'll help you out! I’ll guide you through the entire process with “poses” that are super easy and natural.
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
The more trust you place in me, the more free I will be to create the types of images that you’ll love the most. So trust me, and go with it - it might feel silly at first, but it turns out amazing!
Gorgeous Photos + Time with your love
Couple's Portraits
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Couple + Partner One's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Couple + Partner One's Parents + Siblings
Couple + Partner One's Parents
Couple + Partner One's Siblings
Partner One + Mom
Partner One + Dad
Couple + Partner Two's Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Couple + Partner Two's Parents + Siblings
Couple + Partner Two's Parents
Couple + Partner Two's Siblings
Partner Two + Mom
Partner Two + Dad
Couple + All Parents
Couple + Both Immediate Families
Family Formals Checklist
I'll ask you about any family dynamics in my pre-wedding questionnaire so that there are no awkward moments come family formal time. Don’t be afraid to let me know all of the things. Kids who should be photographed early on. Family members who have mobility issues or shouldn’t stand for long periods of time. People who shouldn’t stand next to each other. And of course any divorces, conflicts, sensitivities and so on. All in all, the more informed I am, the easier it will be to keep things running smoothly.
When photo time arrives, I’ll take the lead in an assertive, yet kind way. This is your day and there is no need for you to be the one working to keep your friends and family in line.
I also recommend assigning a family member (someone who knows all of the people involved) to help gather everyone.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Wedding Party & Family Formals
Communication is key here! When everyone is on the same page it makes a huge difference. So, let everyone in your wedding party know where to be and when ahead of time.
Make sure your wedding party knows to plan enough buffer time to gather bouquets and pin their boutonnières (This always takes longer than they think!). Often the florals are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
Wedding Party Photos
Family Formals
Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. When I send out the pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you for a list of specific groupings (but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find my typical list below). Then I'll go over the list and make sure to photograph things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
The ceremony is about you, and the most important thing is that it’s held where you want it to be held. That said, there are steps you can take to have a photogenic ceremony. Ceremony photos can look very different depending on the direction of light and orientation of your group. For outdoor weddings, consider the time of day of your ceremony to avoid harsh overhead sunlight, distracting backgrounds, and spotty shading. Ideally, you’ll be in full shade or have the sun behind the officiant (2nd best is having the sun behind the guests). If you want to really geek out, you can use an app called Sun Seeker to see exactly where the sun will be at the time and date of your wedding (I can help with this!). For indoor weddings, choose a venue that offers lots of beautiful natural light. I’d love to help you choose a location and orientation to ensure you get the best possible lighting and photos during your ceremony!
The Ceremony
Take a moment during the ceremony (you can even schedule it in) to look around and take a mental picture of all the people you love the most gathered to celebrate your love. The day will be gone in the blink of an eye, so enjoy yourselves and be present.
Take it all in
I always feel weird telling people how to kiss, and obviously feel free to ignore this advice! But, if you're looking to make the most photogenic first kiss, hold it for 5 seconds or so. Or do a few kisses. That way I can get multiple photos to choose from. Also, have your officiant step to the side when they announce the kiss so they aren't standing directly behind you.
A Photogenic first Kiss
04
03
One of my very favorite tips - Have your parents sit on the opposite side from you during the ceremony so they get to see your face the whole time!
GIVE PARENTS SEATS WHERE THEY CAN SEE YOU BEST
02
People tend to get nervous and speed walk down the aisle. Try to remember to take it slow. Hold your bouquet down at belly button level to let everyone see your dress and florals best.
walk slow & hold your bouquet low
01
tips
Ceremony
If you want your guests to be fully present with you or you want to avoid phones in the photos of you coming down the aisle, request that your guests put away their phones and cameras during the ceremony.
Consider going unplugged
05
Cocktail hour is a busy time for photography (and one of my favorite parts of the day to photograph). Lots of things to capture: Signing the marriage license, extended family photos, reception decor before guests enter the space, guest candids, "grip and grins."
It's a time that is ripe with opportunity for magical moments, and cocktail hour is the BEST time to get candid photos of you with your guests.
If you want to sign your marriage license and then get to cocktail hour ASAP, fill everything out ahead of time so that all you have to do on your wedding day is sign your name. And don’t forget to tell your witnesses *when and where* they need to be so you’re not chasing them down last-minute.
I am always more than happy to take portraits of your guests. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, just grab my attention. I love being your personal paparazzi!
Cocktail Hour
Instead of doing a sparkler exit, consider doing an entrance back to the dance floor after you sneak off for sunset photos. Three reasons I love this: 1. The lighting is gorgeous that time of night. 2. You don't need to pay me to hang out for an extra 2 hours of dancing until your formal exit. 3. The people holding the sticks of FIRE will be less drunk and SO much safer earlier in the night!
Do An entrance instead of An exit
06
Practice bustling your dress before the wedding. They can be tricky and time-consuming, and you’ll be wanting to get out on the dance floor ASAP.
Practice Bustling
03
Make sure your reception area has enough light after the sun goes down. Bistro lights are great if your reception is outside. I’m happy to help with figuring out reception lighting.
Bistro Lights
02
Remember to bring comfortable shoes for this part of the night! Your feet will thank you.
Bring Extra Shoes
01
tips
Reception
Communicate with your DJ ahead of time to make sure they switch off the crazy party lights for the special dances so you don't have rainbow spots on your faces. After that, when the dance party starts, go crazy with all the flashly lights if you want!
First Dance
04
More specifically, feed me when you the two of you eat. (No one wants photos of themselves shoveling food into their faces anyway.) That way I’ll be ready to photograph toasts, cake cutting, and other important moments that I could potentially miss if my meal is served later in the night. Some caterers insist on feeding vendors after guests, so please communicate this importance of this to them.
Please Feed Me
05
Do you need your grandma to the venue early? Do you want your wedding party to hang around after the ceremony? Tell them! Make sure you communicate your wedding schedule to necessary parties so that everyone is on the same page.
Communicate
04
Even if you don’t hire a wedding planner, still consider hiring a ‘day of’ coordinator. A day of coordinator communicates with guests, acts as a liaison between the couple and the vendors, and makes sure that everything runs smoothly and on-schedule. Having a day of coordinator takes a lot of pressure off of you on your big day, so you can be fully present.
Hire a Day Of Coordinator
02
Dogs at weddings - THE BEST. Make sure your pup is safe and happy by assigning someone you trust the role of dog wrangler. If you don't have someone who fits the bill, consider hiring a vendor like Wags & Garland.
Best Dogs and Dogs of Honor
01
tips
Additional
I'l love to help you plan your timeline, decide on the best lighting options, or answer any other questions you have! If you'd like my input, don't hesitate to email or call!
I'm here to help
08
If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your'e wearing suits.
Beat The heat
05
If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair. Rainy day weddings may require more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason they can't be as beautiful and joyful as sunny weddings!
Plan for the Rain
03
Don’t give in to the urge to plan everything back to back. Give yourself at least 10 minutes of buffer time between activities. At least! Trust me. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some time so that I can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Buffer Time
07
Even the happiest couple is not immune to hangriness! Eat breakfast in the morning, snack while you’re getting ready, and indulge in the beautiful meal you worked so hard to budget for. Don’t forget to drink lots and lots of water. Wedding days can be physically exhausting, so eat up and stay hydrated!
Don't forget to eat
06
Photos are about more than just capturing a smile or an event, they’re about documenting your life, your family history and transformation over time. They’re about sparking joy and keeping family near when they’re far away and honoring loved ones who have passed.
I want you to have an album you can pass down to your children... and their children. I want you to be able to experience holding your memories in your hand (instead of letting them collect dust on a hard drive), I want you to turn the pages of your wedding album and see your story unfold again and again before you.
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments.
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen & leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
Because You can't pass your Facebook page down to your grandkids
Handcrafted Albums
see the album guide
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this guide! I hope it helps make the process of planning your wedding details easier and less stressful.
I can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time.