When is it appropriate to ask my photographer about our pictures?

Yeouch. I would NOT be too happy having already waited 8 weeks and not have received so much as a sneak peek! I would email your photographer NOW. Be polite and professional in your inquiry....for now. If you get back from your honeymoon and you STILL havent received them, I would get a little harsher in my communications.

I think it’s perfectly ok for you to send an email just touching base with them. “Hey hope you’re well. Just wanted to reach out and check in on the status of our photos. I know the lead time was specified at 6-8 weeks, and with our upcoming trip nearing closer I just wanted to reach out before we’re out of town” or something like that.

Since this week is basically 8 weeks I'd probably reach out now-ish and just politely ask for an update on the photos and if they have an idea of when you'd be getting them. I'd say something like "I double checked our contract and it said we'd receive the photos 6-8 weeks after the wedding so I just wanted to make sure everything was going smoothly, etc." That way you gently let them know that you checked the contract again.

I would just email now and ask if you will be able to see them prior to leaving on Friday. I would sound really nice and just say you are SO exciting to see them (maybe mention this has been such a hard 8 weeks waiting with anticipation and excitement...to remind her it's been 8 weeks). If your contract says 8 weeks, it should be no longer than 8 weeks.

Thank you guys!! I was hoping it wouldn't be considered rude to reach out to them.

NO it's not rude! These vendors are making me nutso. They should deliver what they promised, particularly since you spent that amount of money! A sneak peak would've put your mind at ease, and now it's been right at the maximum time frame with no contact. You have every right to ask about the status of your pictures! I hope you get them before your trip!

I would not be happy about this either! If it's been 8 weeks now, I think it is fine to send her an email checking up on them to see if they're almost ready. Even if it was only 7 I think it'd be fine just to inquire if they were almost done. You can even mention that you're going on your honeymoon on Friday and won't have service and that you'd really like to see the photos before you leave *hint hint.*

If she STILL hasn't sent them by the time you get back, I'd send another email because at that point it's ridiculous.

I'd definitely shoot them an email. You don't have to be nasty but get your point across.

I would wait until the end of the week. If Saturday is the deadline I would be kind of annoyed to be getting inquiries before then. I think it’s okay to reach out before Saturday but I would wait until Closer to the end of the week.

I see nothing wrong with a polite "just checking in!" Email.