Photos before the ceremony

Okay so Option 3 is scratched - our booking with the gardens does not allow us re-entry so back to option 1 or 2.

I'm sure you can get some amazing first look photos in the gardens. We travelled together so I had a few before, during, and after then (as I married in the dark) some in daylight the next day.

I would advise

Ceremony

Guest photos at Church

Then the two of you and B-Maids-Ushers - Best Man to the gardens

Then arrive half way through the drinks reception, I say half way because you will leave the Church first and by the time everyone has faffed about - walked to their cars you will almost be at the gardens, start with shots of the two of you whilst the maids and chaps turn up, and then crack on with those as soon as they arrive. Then off the the reception having hardly missed any drinks time.

But make sure that your photographer is experienced in group photos otherwise you will over run at the Church and run out of drinks reception time so that there then will be no time left when you arrive.

Also make sure that your photographer knows the gardens so that no opportunities or time is wasted.

Personally I love the 'first look' and photos before the ceremony. My brother and his American wife did that and it was absolutely gorgeous; more meaningful, in my opinion, than seeing each other for the first time in the ceremony, as they were actually able to express their emotion (ie run towards each other, scream, cry etc). I'm going to do that, and then have wedding party photos after the 'first look' and THEN the ceremony.

However, it's not to everyone's taste. I know a few people may feel slightly cheated by knowing that there was already a 'first look' and photo session before the ceremony. Some will probably think that makes the ceremony a little fake, as the groom traditionally sees the bride for the first time then. Additionally, you may regret missing that moment when your groom first sees you from the end of the aisle for the first time.

However, for me I know it is the right choice and the first look will be more meaningful I think than it would be in the ceremony. Plus I'd probably have ruined my makeup by the photos anyway if I waited! I think it's something that shouldn't be done only for practicalities but because you genuinely prefer that option and think it will make your wedding day more special, not less.

I'm not a traditionalist and at the end of the day you can do what you feel is best for your day but for me I would like to keep that part of the day as it is. Walking down the aisle and seeing your partner fo the 1st time.

In photography terms. One of my favourite parts of the day are the nerves of the bride and groom when the bride is walking down the aisle and the look that they both give each other when they see each other/turn around for the 1st time. It's a priceless and timeless moment.

I'm sure you'll have an amazing day regardless.

Good luck.