Wedding Photography and Videography Forum

Question about getting photos taken-Help we don't want to see each other before wedding!

We are getting married this summer on the beach. The ceremony is going to start somewhere between 4:30 and 6:00. We are in the process of hiring a photographer and are struggling with logistics...the plan is to take pictures with family/wedding party etc during day and then have the ceremony and after the ceremony during the cocktail hour take photos of the bride and groom...this way we don't see each other before the wedding...the photographer thinks the 45 minutes to an hour we get during cocktail hour won't be ample time/cutting it close to get good photos....

Does anyone have any experience with this???! how long does it take to get photos with bride and groom? Will time during cocktail hour suffice? 

Feedback is appreciated!

Thanks!
K

Re: Question about getting photos taken-Help we don't want to see each other before wedding!

  • edited December 2011
    Congrats on your wedding! :)

    We just booked our photographer and he works with a partner, my fiance and I don't want to see each other before either. So 1 will be taking pictures of me and the girls getting ready, my family, etc. Then the 2nd will be taking pictures of the groom getting ready, his family, etc. Then he said he only needs 30 - 45 minutes during the cocktail hour for our pictures together. Are you having a lot of "posed" photos? Or will you be doing more candid/in the moment? Our photographer said that if we are doing a lot of posed it will take longer, but if we don't mind candid and in the moment then it doesn't take as long.

    Just something to think about! Good luck!
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  • fallbride1109fallbride1109 member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    Assuming you are staying at the same location, 45 minutes is plenty of time to get pictures of just you and the groom--that is exactly the amount of time we had and it was just fine. 

    Now if you are still going to need family and/or wedding party shots that include the both of you in addition to B&G pictures (which you will), then you are going to need more like an hour.
  • edited December 2011
    I would recommend about 1.5-2 hours for photos on your wedding day. You want to relax and have fun, you'll have these photos forever. Also you want to make sure that you're going to maximize your photographers time. Choose one to two locations to get diverse photos and allow yourself time to have fun and not feel rushed. Remeber that things will never run ontime on your wedding day so allowing for that extra time for photos will ensure that you have just enough time to get the perfect shots.

    www.joannamoss.com
  • iloveu4everiloveu4ever member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments 25 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    I agree it shouldn't take that long for your photos unless you want a buttload of them.

     
  • I usually suggest at least a hour for formal photos. Are you doing additional family photos where the both of you are in the pictures? That can eat up a bit of time even if you've already done the individual shots. Plus there are the formal photos of you with your bridal party. 

    If you're on a real time crunch for that part of the day and can't give any more time around the cocktail hour, my other suggestion would be to take some time out of your reception, like during the salad course or while people are lined up at the buffet (depending on how you're having your meal). This can also work nicely if the sun is starting to set at about that time, depending on your timeline. It creates beautiful light that's really flattering and can create a great backdrop for photos.

    I hope that helps a bit! If you have a follow up question on any of that feel free to shoot me an email, I'm happy to offer suggestions from my own experience. Email: michelle@michellegirard.com
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