We're In A Pickle

lovecat4984 · #1 03-15-2007, 10:51 PM

We are kinda in a pickle. Our Wedding Ceremony is sheduled for December 15th, 2007 at 3:00pm. As some of you may or may not know, during that time of the year, the sun sets early. That is what I am worried about, and stupid me didn't even think about when I had the church schedule the Ceremony time. We are having a tradition Catholic ceremony, and as some of you may know can run you anywhere between an 1-1 1/2 hours. We would like to take all the pictures with the family at the church outside, and then we would be going to two different locations for the pictures of us with our Bridal Party and Just me and FH...that will definetly cost us some time. I am worring about it getting dark before we finish all the pictures. We've discussed possibly taking the pictures before the ceremony like a family Member of mine did, but we want to stick with all the traditions and don't want to see each other until I meet him at the end of the isle. I don't know what to do. Do any of you have Wedding pictures taken at Sunset? Please post them. Worst case scenerio... i'll have to call up the church and change our ceremony time to a earlier time which I really didn't want because the Reception is not until 6:00pm. I feel like it wouldn't be right to have guest just waiting around town. They can't even go into the venue until 6:00pm. What do you all think? Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

clorigroh · #2 03-16-2007, 02:35 AM

I'm changing my ceremony time because of this same reason. Our photographer was willing to try taking pictures at night or sunset, but he doesn't like to because they come out badly. I was afraid to take the chance so my ceremony will now be an hour earlier.

SoonToBeWed · #3 03-16-2007, 03:17 AM

Instead of changing your ceremony time how about doing the following:

Set up a time before the ceremony where you can get pictures done with family and friends without FH in them.

Set up a time after yours to have pictures taken with your FH in them with friends and family.

This way the only pictures that need to be taken after are those that have you two in them. That way you should still have enough sunlight and it will save you some time afterwards.

Jacoby2Seelen · #4 03-16-2007, 01:14 PM

What time is your ceremony?

Our photographer was getting kind of crabby towards the end because I wanted to do all these pictures, but I really hadn't taken any by myself, and we were losing time and light (November).

They turned out okay, but I would have rather had extra time.

I HIGHLY suggest meeting before the ceremony. We did and it was the smartest decision we made!!!!!! Honestly!! Though it isn't "tradition". . .this doesn't really matter. LOTS of things are done now-a-days that aren't "tradition" (non-white dresses, etc.). It works out a lot better when you meet before. PLUS, you get a moment to YOURSELVES!!!! You can't do that ALL day unless you set up the meeting of just the two of you and the photog. before the ceremony. It is an extremely bittersweet moment!

Here are some of my pictures that were taken towards dark.
Of course they all look pretty good, but there is no telling how much WORK it was for the photographer to get them that way (I know from experience!).

mikeandjess100 · #5 03-16-2007, 03:09 PM

Our photographer actually said he was trying to get in some sunset pictures for us. Our ceremony is also at 3pm but our reception starts at 7pm. We are doing pictures in the park with everyone and downtown with the wedding party. Then we are hitting the beach in enough time to get some daylight and hopefully the sunset. I don't think you have to worry too much, if you have a good photographer then it should be easy for them to take sunset pictures.
Cheers! Good luck!

Shinelane · #6 03-23-2007, 01:55 PM

Here is a chart listing the sunset times for Los Angeles.
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/cgi-bin/aa_rstablew.pl
You should be able to get great photos in the half hour prior to sunset. Failing that your photographer will have to work with a tripod and flashes. If he or she doesn't have that type of equipment of the expertise to use it I would suggest you find a professional photographer.