Okay Ladies...I have done some thinking and here's what FI and I have come up with to avoid the gap but still allow us to do pics where we wanted to.
As you may remember we were a little stuck since the reception venue doesn't open until 5 and our ceremony will likely end around 3:30. FI and I are NOT willing to do 'first look' pics and it was resulting in an hour and a half of an unhosted gap...so here's the verdict.
- 3 - 3:30pm Ceremony (in our backyard)
- 3:30 - 4pm Formal photos in the backyard with family (this way my Dad with MS/dementia doesn't have to travel). We will also provide punch and cheese/cracker, fruit, and cold cut platters at this time
- 4pm - 5pm Rail Bridge Photos with FI and the WP. The snacks and punch will continue at the house in our absence
- 5pm - 5:30pm Guests arrive at the restaurant for dinner
This way, we are avoiding the gap but still getting the pics in the location that was important to us while properly hosting our guests

Thoughts? Does this work?
Re: Gap Update
Alcohol doesn't need to be involved for a cocktail hour so your good
I had the same dilemma and am having my photographer do a separate photo shoot on a different day, because I'd never dream of putting my own wants above my guests' comfort.
Yes it's nice that you're hosting the gap but I'm still not understanding why you NEED to top all these things.
What you NEED to do is be thoughtful with your guests' time and not put your desire for photos in a special place ahead of their comfort.
If it's only 20 people, why can't you get married at the photo location? ?
You realize that having a cocktail HOUR that lasts over an HOUR is also an etiquette issue, don't you? You throwing a fruit plate and punch at the issue doesn't change the fact that that, in and of itself, is its own issue.
And newsflash, snowflake, it doesn't matter whether that's your preference or not. You chose to have guests and now you're expected to host them graciously. Making them stand around and wait for you for 2 hours does not a gracious host make.
So in that case, why can't you guys hire the photographer to come back another day and just do photos with your new husband at the bridge? You can wear your dress again, and you don't have to "trash" it although it might get mucked up a bit anyways.
What are you guys planning on doing as a back-up rain plan since so much of your wedding day is outside? Would you still go out to the bridge in the rain?
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."