Hi!
First, so sorry for the lengthy and disorganized post. I am freaking out!! NO idea what to choose.
Background: My wedding location is Southern NJ (Philly's suburb). I am getting married at this venue: https://www.valleybrookgolf.com/weddings/ on July 2023. 100 people probably. It is a very nice venue, and great value for money but it doesn't really have much in terms of nice gates or lion's head to take picture in front of. The focal point would probably be the big tree in their gallery, where I hope to get married under if weather permits. So literally probably just the one photo spot. I am not decorating anything else. In case of rain, the tree's decoration is going to be moved onto a round frame inside the banquet hall, and we'll do the ceremony there.
Unite elite does excellent and I mean really excellent work, see here https://www.unitedelitephotography.com/
So I really want them, but since they are so much outside of my budget, I would really want to stay with 5-hour package of video/photo (4100) instead of their 7-hour package (5500). These packages include edited digital download, online gallery hosting, 5-10 min highlight video, drone video, and documentary style (longer video for full speeches, full dances, etc).
Here comes the question: I would like getting-ready and first look photos. We're getting ready at a house that is 5-min away from this place. Can I get away with hiring them for 5 hours?
Timeline: 5:30 ceremony, 6 cocktail hour, 7 dances/speeches/dinner, 11 reception ends.
Also, if you know any photographer that serves that area that can do comparable work for less, I would love to take a look as well, but my search so far turned up no one that can do it as well as them for less.