I think we have a wedding day itinerary! I’m not one that sees myself getting married ‘at sunset’, but the sunset will definitely play a part. So before we could even start putting a schedule together we had to find out when sunset is. Here’s a great website that will tell you the sunset time of any day: www.timeanddate.com. We will have sunset at around 6:15, so now we start working backwards.

I would like for my guests to be able to enjoy the sunset during the cocktail hour while we get our private sunset photos. So, that puts cocktail hour at 5:30-6:30. The ceremony is expected to be about 20 minutes so I was thinking wedding at 5:00, but the hotel wedding planner insists that no one will be at the cocktail hour that quickly. (People want to say their congratulations, get some photos, etc.) Also, the photographers would prefer the ceremony be a little earlier so the sun is a little higher as they take ceremony photos. Makes sense to not have the sun right in their eyes and back-lighting us. So, that brings us to a 4:30 ceremony. Only downside is that its really hot at that time but we’re keeping things casual (no suits and ties!) and will have guests met with ice cold coconuts upon the finish of the ceremony. Another bride said they actually cut the cake their on the beach after the ceremony and we kind of like that idea.

So here is the day:

• 11:00am: Hair and make-up
• 2:00: “Getting Ready” (dressed) photos
• 2:30: Photos of my fiance and I alone
• 3:30: Photos of us with wedding party
• 4:30: Ceremony on beach (steel drum music)
  
• 5:00: Cake Cutting, Congratulations and photos with guests
• 5:30: Family photos
• 5:30: Guests move on to cocktail hour also on beach (steel drum music continues)
• 6:00: We sneak away for our sunset photos
• 6:30: Dinner
• 7:30: PARTY! (DJ for dinner and dancing)

While there is part of me that doesn’t want him to see me til I walk down the aisle, after talking to the photographer I think its a good idea to get the bulk of our photos together done before the ceremony. She says we will still plan out that ‘first sight’ and she will capture that moment we see each other for the first time. She also says having those photos out of the way helps us to relax and have fun and takes off some of the pressure walking down the aisle. And best of all we’re ready to party earlier!