Pictures AFTER the reception?

sarah0725

I think I'm suffering from being around here too long, and seeing way too many people's lovely wedding pictures, because I'm starting to have a situation where I want everything.

I really like the idea of having cool wedding portraits taken, but I don't want to have a gap or miss our cocktail hour, and FI feels pretty strongly about seeing me for the first time when I walk up the aisle. Also, our ceremony is probably going to be around 10:30AM, so taking pictures before then would involve getting up ridiculously early.

Since our reception is in a hotel on the boardwalk where we spend every summer, I'd like to spend some time walking around and taking pictures at our favorite haunts, like the pirate store where we got engaged. Our reception ends at 4pm, so I'm toying with the idea of taking pictures afterwards in the beautiful golden light that is comes with a summer evening in late August on the beach.

Married ladies, any reason I'm missing that this would be a bad idea, other than possibly being disheveled by the end of the day (nothing a fresh coat of makeup and some bobby pins can't fix)?

georgia_bride09

I like the idea, and I say go for it!

Anysunrise

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_pictures-after-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:f2ee5e74-f01c-409e-9433-83dfcae47d8aPost:55f7f2c0-914b-4b08-86d9-74fdbaf1772e">Pictures AFTER the reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]taking pictures at our favorite haunts, like the pirate store where we got engaged. Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]

Awesome. I say do it.

Simply Fated

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_pictures-after-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:f2ee5e74-f01c-409e-9433-83dfcae47d8aPost:55f7f2c0-914b-4b08-86d9-74fdbaf1772e">Pictures AFTER the reception?</a>:
[QUOTE] any reason I'm missing that this would be a bad idea, other than possibly being disheveled by the end of the day (nothing a fresh coat of makeup and some bobby pins can't fix)?
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]
Disheveled is one thing, but being tipsy/drunk, exhausted, and overall just wanting to go home by then might keep some people in your pictures looking their best.
Personally after spending all day running around and partying, a fresh coat of make-up is not going to help much, lol.

Although I know you don't want to miss the cocktail, one of the reasons bride and grooms have them is so that their guests will have something to do while the wedding party goes off to take pictures. I would definitely use that time wisely.

danieliza1127

Hmmm, well you won't be as fresh as at the beginning of the day as far as hair and make-up goes but like you said, you could probably fix that.   You will be tired that's for sure, but ending at 4 is still early so I bet you'll have the energy to do pictures.  One thing to consider is would you want your WP and family there too?  That makes a long day for them as well.  Also, would your photographer charge  a lot more to stick around that much longer?

Personally, as a former bride, a former BM, a sister/friend who has to be in pictures, I would prefer to get the girl pics and guy pics done before the ceremony and finish everything else up during the cocktail hour.  That way, when 4pm comes everyone can just go do whatever they want.  They can let loose and relax at the reception without worrying about maintaining their dress clothes and hair and make-up for another hour or two of pictures. 

Brie2010

After the reception, I was kind of just done, and not in an "I'm tired" way.  I was kind of sick of posing for pictures and my head hurt from bobby pins and I had a food baby in my dress from eating/drinking and my feet hurt in my shoes.  My dress was also pretty dirty/slightly ripped by the end.  I just don't know how well they would have turned out, and I think it might have pushed me over the edge a bit.

sarah0725

I think this might be just us, and not the whole wedding party, but I'm not sure. If we take a bunch of pics in wedding attire on the boardwalk, it would kind of be to indulge ourselves, and I'd rather do that privately later than miss out on spending time with our guests. I'm still toying with it, though.

ohwhynot

I think it sounds lovely.  You won't have the just-pressed look of the earlier pictures, but you will look relaxed, calm, and happy.  Even if you're a total mess, that will bespeak the fun and energy of your wedding day.  I like the idea. 

ETA;  Besides, you can always call it day whenever it stops being fun. 

danieliza1127

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_pictures-after-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:f2ee5e74-f01c-409e-9433-83dfcae47d8aPost:b0cbadcf-454d-418a-82a0-d614ed00eb11">Re: Pictures AFTER the reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think this might be just us, and not the whole wedding party, but I'm not sure. If we take a bunch of pics in wedding attire on the boardwalk, it would kind of be to indulge ourselves, and I'd rather do that privately later than miss out on spending time with our guests. I'm still toying with it, though.
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]

See now if you're talking about doing the girl and guy pics separately before the wedding, then finishing up during the cocktail hour and then going just the two of you to those other fun places, sure if you have the energy go for it!  I think what concerns me is dragging your WP and family along because by 4pm, everyone is going to be ready to chill and go home and/or relax.

sarah0725

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_pictures-after-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:f2ee5e74-f01c-409e-9433-83dfcae47d8aPost:2f33f1d5-82a5-402d-8aa6-d8b55dd06301">Re: Pictures AFTER the reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Pictures AFTER the reception? : See now if you're talking about doing the girl and guy pics separately before the wedding, then finishing up during the cocktail hour and then going just the two of you to those other fun places, sure if you have the energy go for it!  I think what concerns me is dragging your WP and family along because by 4pm, everyone is going to be ready to chill and go home and/or relax.
Posted by danieliza1127[/QUOTE]

I think that's a good timeline. I definitely don't want to torture anyone for too long after the wedding. :)

I'm also figuring that maybe if I'm wandering around in the sand and stuff, it doesn't matter if I'm a little windblown.

andyandhillary

If you're anything like me you have the potential of being more than a little disheveled.  You know yourself best, though, so if you don't think you'll sweat to death or anything go for it! 

FutureMrsTR

It'll be like doing a TTD shoot, just on the wedding day

arbolita

We did the pictures with the bridal party/family immediately following the ceremony, but we didn't want to delay the start of the reception too long, so Mr. Arb and I did the rest of our pictures after the reception was over.  My hair stylist and makeup person were both awesome, so I actually didn't have to redo anything before we started our pictures.  We got some really cool shots also.

Here's the link to my old bio if you want to see them:
http://mrsarbolita.weebly.com/at-the-rock-garden.htm

sarah0725

Ooh, thanks Arbs! Your pictures are gorgeous, and that's exactly what I needed to hear. I never would have known that you'd taken them after the reception just by looking at them.

missy68

No wallet photos.

*BeachBride0410*

Sarah-  Since I know where you are getting married and have been there so many times.....I think it would generate some AWESOME pictures!  Could you and your DH duck out right after you eat or a little bit before the reception ends? 

Or like another PP said do a TTD on the boardwalk, then you could go onto the sand and take some really fun pictures.  What will you be doing the next day?

Labrnr

We are going to go with the photographer right after the ceremony and have about 1/2 hour to photograph us together as we take in our thoughts and emotions of newly marital status.

I think you should do whatever you want to capture, you will only have one shot.

Pirata13

I wouldn't want to do pics after, as a bride or WP member.  Like Dani said, we're knocking out as many pics as possible beforehand without FI & I seeing each other, then setting a pretty detailed list of pics we want so we can get there and get them done. If you want to do them after with just you & FI, go for it, but I really wouldn't expect your WP to do that. People could be drunk, exhausted, wanting to go meet up with people after, whatever.  If you do pics after, I'd keep it to you & FI.

sarah0725

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_pictures-after-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:f2ee5e74-f01c-409e-9433-83dfcae47d8aPost:cf2631d0-7780-4062-9f84-2034a2e6dd68">Re: Pictures AFTER the reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]No wallet photos.
Posted by missy68[/QUOTE]

Do you mean like photobooth photos? Because if so, we are both kind of photobooth fanatics.... <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-embarassed.gif" border="0" alt="Embarassed" title="Embarassed" />

BeachBride, I think we are both pretty excited about taking pictures at that time of day, in addition to the fact that it's Ocean City. Every summer when we're there, we make sure to take lots of pictures around 5-6pm, because the light is so perfect. We'd also probably want to take pictures at the lifeguard stand, since we do that every year, and we'd need to wait until the lifeguards left.

Pirata13

And FWIW, yesterday I was at my aunt's air conditioned home, in my dress and shoes so she could pin for alterations and I was SWEATING. Just standing there. I'm telling you, all I could think of was by the end of the reception, I am going to be SO. GROSS., I am just going to want to get out of the dress.  And my dress isn't very full and I am not wearing a slip and I was that hot.

*BeachBride0410*

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[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Pictures AFTER the reception? : Do you mean like photobooth photos? Because if so, we are both kind of photobooth fanatics.... BeachBride, I think we are both pretty excited about taking pictures at that time of day, in addition to the fact that it's Ocean City. Every summer when we're there, we make sure to take lots of pictures around 5-6pm, because the light is so perfect. We'd also probably want to take pictures at the lifeguard stand, since we do that every year, and we'd need to wait until the lifeguards left.
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]

Yeah seeing how much you and he love OC and I assume you are very excited of the idea of taking pictures there together I saw go for it.  Even if your tired, you will find energy and even if you have to touch up makeup or your hair, they will look great.  They will be fun and playful.   Maybe one of the mini golf places will let you pretend you are golfing and let you take pictures there....and even sit at the counter at Mack & Mancos!!  oh and there is the Wonderland Pier.  haha now I am jealous because you could do so many great shots.

sarah0725

Oh there will definitely be Mack and Manco's involved.

We're actually having it at our cocktail hour as an add-on for $4 a person. When the hotel said we could do this, FI was terribly excited, and I think he would be mad if we missed it. :P

missy68

No.... I mean, no taking pics with your wallet, silly goose.

sarah0725

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_pictures-after-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:f2ee5e74-f01c-409e-9433-83dfcae47d8aPost:3ba8c4b2-cc2b-4ec5-b1c7-9a7ba2690ec2">Re: Pictures AFTER the reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]No.... I mean, no taking pics with your wallet, silly goose.
Posted by missy68[/QUOTE]

Ah, well then, duly noted. :)

Simply Fated

After my friends' wedding, which ended around the same time as yours will, two of us had obvious chocolate stains on our dresses, 3 of us had sweat stains on our dresses, the guys shirts were drenched through with sweat, our hair had fallen into complete tangled messes, our make-up was completely off, one of the bridesmaids was fighting with her boyfriend, one of the groomsmen was very sick and had almost passed out, the ring bearer had more chocolate on his face, hair and tiny tux than in the fountain and he had pulled all the petals off of his flower and only the stem remained. A few of us were drunk messes, my feet were in absolute pain, another bridesmaid had cut her foot, a groomsman's date had to be taken home, the gifts and other stuff had to be packed up into cars, checks had to be made to different vendors....We didn't know where half our flowers were, we had all taken our jewelry off and stuffed them into our bags.. and all we wanted to do was go home and sleep.

If the bride and groom had wanted to keep us afterwards to travel around and take pictures, I'd have collapsed. Enough is enough, for me. But it's your bridal party, so maybe you should ask them how they would feel?

sarah0725

Thanks for the advice, Simply! I'm thinking it may be best to plan this for me and FI (H by then I suppose) only, if we do it. That's quite a series of calamities you have there.

*BeachBride0410*

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_pictures-after-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:f2ee5e74-f01c-409e-9433-83dfcae47d8aPost:6141c8a6-2684-4c4c-9d56-f7af31b9171a">Re: Pictures AFTER the reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]Oh there will definitely be Mack and Manco's involved. :) We're actually having it at our cocktail hour as an add-on for $4 a person. When the hotel said we could do this, FI was terribly excited, and I think he would be mad if we missed it. :P
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]

ok jealous again!!!!  I haven't had a slice in a couple years!

Simply Fated

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_pictures-after-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:f2ee5e74-f01c-409e-9433-83dfcae47d8aPost:9a4b813d-a604-44a3-bf54-4bcfbf92a7ff">Re: Pictures AFTER the reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for the advice, Simply! I'm thinking it may be best to plan this for me and FI (H by then I suppose) only, if we do it. That's quite a series of calamities you have there.
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I dont' think anyone would <em>want </em>us to be posing for pictures at that point, lol. And even the bride's hair had fallen. So not only would she have to pay to have her make-up professionally done again on that same day, but also her hair would have had to be redone, as well.

Being able to change into more comfortable clothes might help ease the pain if you still want to go with this idea, though... comfy shoes, especially.
My intention, of course, is not to talk you out of your idea, but to make sure you don't throw your eggs into one basket by anticipating all your pics to be taken after the reception, only to have, well, a mess, lol.

mwhitson14

I don't know if this would work for you (since we had a really laid back wedding without alcohol or dancing), but this is how we did it (and we didn't see each other before the wedding):

Before the wedding:

Bride alone pics
Bride with family pics
Bride with BMs pics

Groom alone
Groom with family
Groom with GMs

Then we went to the reception (did a receiving line), cut the cake, toasts, and then we snuck out of the reception to finish up pics of us. We didn't do tons of different poses or locations though. We did about 45 minutes of just us pictures, then went back in to the reception. This worked fine for us because the guest list was large enough that we weren't really missed and the weddings wasn't some super fun dance party that we were sad to be missing.

AdeleDazeem

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[QUOTE]Oh there will definitely be Mack and Manco's involved. :) We're actually having it at our cocktail hour as an add-on for $4 a person. When the hotel said we could do this, FI was terribly excited, and I think he would be mad if we missed it. :P
Posted by sarah0725[/QUOTE]


I love Ocean City.  I love Mack N Mancos.  I also love Wonderland.
That's pretty much all I've got to add here. 

But, Sarah, totally do these pictures and if they have to happen after the wedding, then so be it.

EDIT:  I just realized where your reception is!  That hotel is *gorgeous* and kinda reminds me of the Shining Hotel at the same time.  Your wedding is going to rock.

aragx6

I know some friends of friends who did pictures after their reception (11 p.m.!) and dragged the whole WP with them. Now admittedly, there are some cool pictures, but I told my friend (who was a BM in their wedding) that I would have been piissed. Maybe she's just laid back -- btu she said no one minded and that it was fun.