Wedding Ceremony followed by pictures or pictures before ceremony?

My FH and I are also seeing each other for the first time as I walk down the aisle, but we are getting all the pictures where we don't have to be together out of the way before the ceremony. I would definitely not recommend doing a break between ceremony and cocktail hour if at all possible. Instead, I think it's best to do photos with wedding party, family, etc. before the ceremony, and then use cocktail hour to do the remaining pictures. Your wedding party would only miss out on a part of cocktail hour that way, and then your guests won't have to find something to do to entertain themselves.

Exactly this.

Do you have 2 photographers? I would maybe try to get your bridal party photos done and his with his groomsmen before the ceremony. that way you guys could do you solo couple shots during cocktail hour. I feel that 1.5 hour break might be a bit much for your guests. maybe 30 minutes break would be better if that works.

If that isn't an option then i would say you'll probably have to miss some of the cocktail hour. We did all ours before so we didn't miss out on cocktail hour

My FH and I have decided to do a majority of our photos with our bridal party prior to the ceremony b/c we opted to not have a cocktail hour. We also wanted to have a first look, so we are going to. We are planning on taking pictures after the ceremony as well with family members as our guests find their seats in the reception (b/c we are having assigned seating).

My suggestion is; if you want to see your FH for the first time as you are walking down the aisle, I'd say you could take photos with your bridesmaids and him with his groomsmen before the ceremony so after the ceremony you don't have to do all of your photos at once because a portion of them will already be done. This way, your guests can go right into the cocktail hour. I personally do not like the idea of having a break between the ceremony and cocktail hour. I think it would flow better for your guests to go right into the cocktail hour while you finish your photos. If guests are able to leave the venue and walk around, my fear would be some might be late returning for the reception and could miss the bridal party and you and your FH's entrance into the reception.

We had to avoid seeing each other once I was in my dress. So, the guys went and did their photos outside ahead of the ceremony. Me and the bridesmaids did getting ready photos and fun group photos in bridal suite at the venue. We did 90% of the wedding photos after the ceremony during cocktail hour