Hi all thanks for the information so far. I am sitting down with the bride next week to discuss the finer details regarding the wedding, I am pretty sure it will be on the beach around sunset, so I will be taking that into consideration. They do not want me to take any photos at the reception as they want me to join in for celebratory drinks with them. I normally would not do a wedding and only have done a few for family members before. I am informed by the bride who is a close friend that it is going to be pretty low key, but we will see when the time arrives.
WOW!! exposure compensation comes to mind. you will need to
constantly adjust exposure. I would run aperture priority. watch your shutter speed in the VF. but you will need to constantly adjust exposure compensation. side lighting will be fine but backlit and front lit and youll have to constantly adjust on the fly.
SAND AND SALT corrosion to the gear! I would not do it. beach weddings? no thank you. I did it before with my F5's way back then. had sand
everywhere after the wedding. the wind will blow it everywhere. it only takes 1 grain. think about if you want to take the chance. if not the grain then the salt corrosion which will rust stuff very quickly.
what one needs at minimum.
-2 bodies -check
-2 flashes HSS is a must for backlit shots. how many do you have?
-holy trinity-youre missing the middle lens. a 28-70 AFS or 24-70 AFS is a must. you can get away with the 50 and using the 16-35/80-400 on the ends to close that range. but for convenience and less stress its a must. no 70-200 2.8 but 80-400 will be ok, but slow AF. dont use it often. get a belt and lens pouches on you so you change as you need.
-tons of batteries/memory cards
till what time will this take place? weddings here go into the late night. 1-3am. and if youre outside all your shots will have a black background. consider light stands with flashes/slaves to fire off and give some fill on the dance floor.
wow a huge weight on your shoulder. hope youre comfortable under stress.
dont always take peoples word on what they say. im not saying it wont be low key. but they might ask you to stay and shoot "just a little while longer" just be ready for anything. there was an afternoon wedding where it was just brunch and the ceremony. the mother invited a DJ (without the BG knowing) and there was dancing and wound up staying another 2 hours. just be aware. things change on the go. be flexible.