Most couples and photographs don’t think of this or prepare for it. If you have a special reception space, which most couples do, why would you not want to remember yourself enjoying it? I recommend setting aside time at the end of a golden hour portrait session with the newlyweds to take photos in their reception space. Only ten minutes tops is needed to capture the vibe and setting before you let your guests in. If you are photographing portraits during cocktail hour, have your guests in a designated space for this time that is separate from the reception area. Then, when you are done photographing at your tables and with all the general splendor, have the dj or wedding planner announce a flip/flop. Guests will enter and be seated in the reception area all at once, and you, your spouse, and bridal party members can have the cocktail hour area to yourself for five minutes to get drinks and take a few photos in this space. If you alert the bartenders beforehand, they can plan on making you all your drinks of choice, or super photogenic ones for this quick photo op.
