photography time line?

Pesapenny

Did anyone, or is anyone, planning on taking photos before the ceremony? Our timeline is a bit tight between the ceremony and the reception, so logically it makes sense to do it before the wedding... what do you think?

CrazyMary77

Are you having the ceremony and reception at the same place? Are there some spots closeby that are nice for pictures?

We're waiting to have pics taken together until after the ceremony only because I don't want to see him until I walk down the aisle. But if this is not a big deal to you guys, then take them before if you don't want to feel rushed after the ceremony.

Something else people do is have another photo session on a later day, just the two of you.

noodle_oo

We did photos before the ceremony and I was really glad we did.  We did a "first look" first, just me and DH so we had that private moment alone where he first saw me.  Our photographers took pics of it.  That was actually my favorite moment of the day because it was quiet and we got to enjoy it before the craziness of the day began.

Then we left an hour for pics with the weddng party and family before the ceremony.  That was nice also because that was a little stressful (family stuff) so once ti was over, I felt relieved and it took the pressure off the rest of the day since everyone else was free to enjoy themselves.  The only tough part was my family is always late, and getting them to come on time before the ceremony was a little annoying (although otherwise they probably woudl have missed the ceremony!).

You can see our first look photos here:

http://leahhaydock.blogspot.com/2010/08/hyatt-regency-hotel-cambridge-ma-boston.html

october010bride

We are doing photos before. IMO, "first look" photos are just as powerful and emotional as ones from the aisle perspective.

We are doing a "first look", just the two of us, and then taking some more pictures before our ceremony begins with out bridal party. We will also take family and bridal party pictures after the ceremony as well.

We are having a Jewish ceremony and its basically a must that you see eachother before since ther are certain religious traditions that we must complete. The ceremony begins at 2:15, so I'm thinking the pictures will start around 1.

happybunnyhop

We are doing our formals and family portraits before the ceremony and then half an hour after the ceremony of just me and the groom.

cdlnmf

We did ours ahead of time. I think its important to consider what type of photos you're looking for also, but your photographer should be able to suggest what will work best for you and your wedding. I think a lot of people underestimate the planning and time that goes into getting those really pretty artsy or creative wedding shots that are all the rage these days. They aren't pictures that can be taken in 45 minutes between the ceremony and reception. Consider how many shots of you and your husband you will want, how many different poses, how many different combinations and poses you want with wedding party members or family members.... the more it is, the longer you will need. We wanted some really creative and artsy photos, we did several poses between ourselves, and our 8 person wedding party, and I'd say we needed a solid 1 to 1 and a half hours. That wasn't including family, which we did later in the day. Some people are sentimental about not seeing each other, so just feel out what matters to you in terms of seeing each other as well as the type of photography you'l want to end up with.

JBs_Bride

We did "first look" photos and it was awesome (my siggy pic is one of them). We were both relaxed and it did not take away from the emotion at all (I was totally the bride who cried down the aisle). We did all of the formals before as well and that was great since we got to enjoy our cocktail hour with our guests.

fuccisphotos

If you aren't superstitious, do it if you can, without question.  Both from the perspective of a bride, honestly at first I wasn't all for it, but our timeline demanded it, and MAN was that the best decision.  One of my fav parts of the day was our big reveal and the half hour of just my husband and I getting to be together and the photographer capturing it.  As a wedding photographer, I would highly recommend it as well.  Your make up is freshest then.  Get it out of the way, or else later when you are running late (it is almost inevitable) the photos you wanted to get will be rushed or even worse, not taken at all.  

If you are adamant about not seeing your husband in advance, do all the family shots beforehand and all your side of the wedding party shots before hand.  Schedule a half hour with the photographer after the ceremony if you can, so you at least get 15 minutes of time with just you and your husband when the time crunch comes.  

megandjay

We did separate pictures beforehand with our families and bridal party, me - with my BMs and parents, and DH -with his GMs and parents. So we got some of the pictures out of the way before.