Should we tour our venue at the same time as our wedding?

Yes, do this. It's the single best 30-minute investment you can make before your wedding day.

What changes between morning and afternoon at most outdoor venues:

• Sun direction. East-facing in morning becomes south/west in afternoon. Aisle that was shaded at 11am could be in direct sun at 4pm.
• Wind. Morning is usually calm, afternoon picks up at most outdoor sites.
• Temperature. October at 11am might be 65F, October at 4pm might be 80F or 50F depending on region.
• Sound carry. Adjacent properties (highway, train track, neighbor's pool party) sound different at the actual ceremony hour.

What to do this weekend: drive there at the exact day-and-time of your wedding (e.g., next Saturday at 4pm). Walk to your ceremony spot. Look where the sun is. Check the wind. Count the cars on any nearby road. Notice anything you didn't see in the morning.

What to bring back to your photographer: the specific direction the light is coming from at ceremony time. She can plan for it (angle, scrim, location of altar) if she knows in advance. She cannot plan for it on the day if she discovers it at 3:55pm.