Fiance doesn't want to do a first look...

That is going to be difficult. Do you think it is possible to not see him for that extended amount of time even though you'll both be in the same place? I wouldn't be able to do it!

We had an hour in between the ceremony and the reception for pictures. We took formal (on the altar) pictures separately beforehand though too.

We're not doing a first look, but we have 2 hours in between the ceremony and the reception where we will be taking pictures

Have a cocktail hour.

Our guests will be busy mingling, eating appetizers, and taking pictures in the photo booth while we are taking pictures.

We do have a cocktail hour after the ceremony so we could take pictures during that time. I think we could also get all of the separate bridal party shots during the 2 hour window before the ceremony. The venue is a very large garden so I don't think bumping into one another would be an issue if we're tactful. Another thing to consider (maybe someone with some photography skills can chime in) is the lighting. We are getting married in August (7pm ceremony) are there any considerations needing to be made for shooting outdoors at this time of day (approx. 7:30pm)? Thanks.

We had two photographers for 12 hours so one was with the girls and one with the guys from 10am. We had plenty of time to do tons of getting ready pics and shots of both groups. We took the rest of the photos during cocktail hour - it took about 50 minutes to do me and H, family shots, and mixed BP shots. Having two photographers helped because we could do 2 groups of poses at once.

Thanks Jules, that is really helpful.

We didn't do a first look either...it was one thing H was really adamant about (and considering he didn't ask for much for the whole wedding, I couldn't really say no). We had plenty of time beforehand and got all the pictures with me/bridesmaids/my family and him/groomsmen/his family, then we had an hour cocktail hour afterwards where we got pics just of us/our families/entire bridal party. We had a very organized list of pictures, and 2 photographers, so it was no issue getting it all done in time.

I don't want to have FH see me before the ceremony but I've seen on Pinterest where the couple gets before pictures where the groom is blindfolded which eh I'm not for sure if I like that. But I saw something I really LOVED there was one picture where the bride and groom were standing on either side of a door/wall and reaching around to hold hands. It was so beautifully photographed that I instantly fell in love with it and I think we want to do this! You could come up with a lot of other things to have in between you guys to keep you hidden while still getting a "together" shot. Just another idea for you guys to possibly try!!! Hope this helps!

Ok, thanks everyone, it's seeming a little more feasible. I guess I just needed some moral support.

I am the one really adamant about not doing a first look. I think it's ridiculous when you do it because your photographer tells you that you need to for picture purposes. First of all, a talented photographer will get the pictures regardless. Your guests will be at cocktail hour, so there is how they will be entertained. After all, they knew they were invited to a wedding and it is expected that you need to have pictures after the ceremony. I do NOT want to do a first look. Period.

Before the ceremony 1 photographer is getting all the "guy" pictures out of the way. Gabe, his dad, my step dad and the GM's will do all their pictures. My other photographer will get some of the "girls" pictures out of the way as well. Then, during cocktail hour we'll do the remainder of the pics. Us with the BP, Us with our parents, and then a bunch of just us. Both of us refuse to have a first look.

Jesse's girl, I agree with you. I think that the first look thing has sort of been created by photographers to make their job a little bit easier. 5 years ago I don't remember anyone doing first looks and they all seem to have plenty of photos from their special day.

I found a couple photos like the ones I was describing above.

We're not doing a first look. FH didn't even know what that is haha. We are doing our separate photos before the wedding (main photog w/ me & BMs and 2nd photog w/ him & GMs) and then we are doing the rest of the photos during the cocktail hour. We just need to figure out how to arrange everything so we don't see each other.

We're doing a First Look, but I'm still not confident it's going to be as helpful as we'd like it to be.

We're doing our First Look, then doing Wedding Party photo's, and Wedding Party group photo's. All of that will happen about 2 hours before the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the goal is to get as many family photo's done as possible.

Have a plan in place, notify the people you want to appear in the formals beforehand so that way they know they need to stick around for a few minutes after the ceremony. Enlist your photographer(s) and Day of Coordinator (if you're having one) to help corral everyone.

That's our plan anyway. Hopefully it works.

I have recently started seeing brides do a "first touch" it's pretty cute and the pictures look amazing! Great way to incorporate both

We're not doing a first look either because I'm set in the tradition. We will be taking photos between the Church and the Reception whilst everyone takes photos. There will also be a cocktail hour at the reception where we are having all the family get together (because we all live in different parts of the world and haven't seen each other in AGES) so everyone will be really busy with everyone else.

My FH did not want a first look until he saw the photography itinerary. I think he thought you just snap a few pictures and 20 minutes later you're done. We're doing most of the more formal, traditional pictures before the ceremony but my photographer thinks we'll be more relaxed after, so we'll also do a few more then. We wanted to have some time at the cocktail hour to mingle and reboot before the formalities of the reception.

We are doing a first look because we are both pretty shy people and know that we will be so nervous! It will calm us down to have seen each other and had some time alone together. It also helps with photos since we are not able to have alcohol at the wedding, "cocktail hour" will just be some hors d'oeuvres and lemonade.