Post # 1
Member
8879 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
We are doing a First Look so I started a list of all the formal shots I want during the photo session before the ceremony.
I have bride and groom, immediate family, bridal party, and extended family.
It comes out to be about 35 shots, even though I hope our photog takes more than 1 for each of these or even poses people differently and has a few of each.
For those that did the first look, did you include your extended family in the photos before the ceremony? Or did you do extended family photos during cocktail hour? Another time?
Any suggestions on how to keep everything running smoothly.
We have our engagement photo session at the end of the month so I am going to discuss this with the photog, but I was looking for advice, suggestions, how you would have done it differently, or how it worked for you.
Thanks!
Post # 3
Member
753 posts
Busy bee
Only our bridal party and parents will be at the first look. We’re doing pics with everyone else after the ceremony
Post # 4
Hostess
8145 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
We didn’t do a first look, but I will say that if you can get shots crossed off the list before the ceremony, do it! You, and your family will want to enjoy as much of cocktail hour as you can!
Post # 5
Hostess
7560 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
We did a first look like you described. We had our extended families meet up with us after the ceremony.
Post # 6
Member
209 posts
Helper bee
My Maid/Matron of Honor has told me that the first look will be a private moment between me and my groom (I agree). Momma wasn’t so pleased with this. haha. Once our first look is done, we’ll do some shots with our parents and wedding party.
Post # 7
Member
11747 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
Our family portraits were done after our first look/before the ceremony. Our first look was just us, then our parents came in while we were taking some couples shots.
We didn’t actually take that many – just bridal party and parents/grandparents. We ran out of time and I had no patience for the big family photos that I would never do anything with since you can’t see anyone’s face in them anyways.
Post # 8
Member
1572 posts
Bumble bee
Commenting to follow, as I want to get all the pics out of the way before cocktail hour too. I’m paying for all of us to have cocktail hour, I’ll be damned if 20 of 60 guests miss it for pictures!
Post # 9
Member
753 posts
Busy bee
@MrsWBS: I tried my hardest to nit have to take thr family portraits. FI’s famimy is so big and I don’t want to deal with it 🙁
Post # 10
Member
298 posts
Helper bee
My wife and I had our first look and then went to the ceremony… we did bridal parties, bridals, and family formals during cocktail hour 🙂 We had originally wanted to do bridal party photos before the ceremony but we wouldn’t be able to take them without our guests peeking. I actually liked the way it ended up… it was a more personal moment and special!
Post # 11
Member
700 posts
Busy bee
We did him with the GMs and me getting ready way early, around 3PM, at the hotel. Then, First Look at 4:30PM (which takes all of 5 minutes, if that). Right after that, we started doing Wedding Party shots and me with the BMs. After the 6:30PM ceremony, we did family stuff (parents, grandparents, siblings, godparents), but for extended family, we just did one picture of everyone on my side that came. Then, during the reception, we did one shot of his mom’s side with us, and one shot of his dad’s side with us (I don’t have a dad’s side, so that’s why there was only one for me). It all worked out perfectly.
Post # 12
Member
2178 posts
Buzzing bee
We did our first look, all bridal party and all family photos before the ceremony… It was wonderful, because everyone looked great, was excited and fresh.
After the reception, Darling Husband and I spent about an hour with the photographer out and about in the city taking more casual, romantic and unposed shots.
Post # 13
Member
1314 posts
Bumble bee
Things that can go wrong with family photos –
- a key family member who is supposed to be in multiple photos goes missing
- people are uncooperative or generally do not understand that you’re on a time table and/or don’t want to be standing out there forever
- people wanting to invent their own combination of groupings before the main list is complete
- family members standing behind the photographer taking the same photo as the photographer is taking (subjects get confused and eyeballs are all over the place)
As a photographer who has witnessed many a bride and groom completely melt down during this process, I’d suggest that you do whatever you can to make it as quick and efficient as possible. I wouldn’t suggest doing multiple poses of the same combination, you generally are lucky to get one shot where everyone’s eyes are open simultaneously and looking in the right direction even if the photographer takes 3 or more shots. If doing something different or artistic is important to you, include time for it after you gotten the basics accomplished. Few people have the patience for family photos, and most groupings take at least 2 minutes to finish.
Post # 14
Member
135 posts
Blushing bee
@ajillity81: maybe multiple poses for the wedding party but not your family. I’ve never seen that done. I think you’d have some confused family members and youd hear ” we already did that one” many times. Weddings aren’t the time to get fancy with families. One nice shot with eyes open and mouths shut is an accomplishment!
Post # 15
Member
8879 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
@Atlanticbride: great advice! thanks.
Post # 16
Member
1606 posts
Bumble bee
@ajillity81: We are attemping to do ALL of our pics before the ceremony.
We don’t want to have a long wait for guests in-between the ceremony and the reception (all at the same place). So we will do all of our bride/groom, bridal party and family pics beforehand then we will only need a few minutes after to get a few extras.
I was at a wedding once where we did 4 hours of pics. No. Way.
