early afternoon ceremony at Olowalu?

Ringer101

I'm thinking to have my wedding at Olowalu Plantation House. It has a 25% off discount for 10am-7:30pm. I did some research online and found the sunset time is around 6:15pm-6:30pm in February. So... I'm thinking if I have an early-afternoon ceremony and finish my reception before sunset, I'll also save some money in lighting. However, I'm worried it'll be too hot for groom in an early afternoon and the sunlight may be too strong to make good photos. (I really care about the quality of photos... but I guess a professional photographer should be able to deal with it, right?)

But if I rent a full day and have a late afternoon ceremony and reception dinner there, I'm worried it'll be a little bit cold for people who just wear summer clothes at Olowalu after sunset in February... =(

Please kindly share with me your experience. I'll really appreciate it.  
 

twie3230

We hired the photographers for 6 hours (from 2pm-8pm) as I didn't want any getting ready shots. We were there that early because my hairdresser wanted us there then to begin the hair. At first I though it was because he wanted to get out in time to catch the Superbowl (coming from Australia, we didn't realise we picked Superbowl Sunday for the wedding day), but turns out we finished right in time to have a quick lunch before the photographers got there. I can't offer any advice on how the light affects photos at noon, as we mainly did indoor shots for the first bit, then went outside for shots at around 3pm. I expressly told the photographers I did not like sunset shots, but everyone said that are so beautiful and I was crazy if I didn't. So, we got plenty of sunset shots and I really don't like any of them, except one a friend took with her camera that turned out amazing. Really, it was a bit of a waste, as I remember my husband and I really wanted to use the rest of the cocktail hour to mingle and drink said cocktails. So, if you also don't like them, let them do only a few and then be adament that you want the time for your guests. That's one thing I would change if I could go back. 

Perhaps, discuss the lighting with your photographer and they can give you an idea of timing.

Good luck!