Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies…let’s talk about it.
Sooo..we all know that smartphones and tablets aren’t going anywhere. You can practically do EVERYTHING with them. But what happens when you’re at a sacred wedding ceremony, and your photographer is trying to capture all of the “feels” and candid moments, but there’s a blaring light coming from someones cell phone or we grab their arm or entire body in an image holding up a cell phone?
Some couples are perfectly fine with this happening. Being the passionate photographers we are, we truly admire beautiful images of you and your family or spouse to be without someone’s phone in the background. We just wanted to be sure we shared with you what it is and how you can incorporate it into your upcoming wedding if it is your preference and makes a difference for you.
I recall one wedding we did, the bride was amazingly beautiful in her gown walking down the aisle. Unbeknownst to us, a figure to the left of me was holding his phone out. Mind you, we cannot just push guests of the couple out of the way and tell them to move…the framing of my image of this bride was so beautiful, but I had an entire male figure holding a camera in the image. (Sad face).
When we talk about unplugged weddings, this is essentially saying you prefer that no one take images or mention the ceremony via phone while it is happening. Some people prefer to “go live” on facebook or youtube, and I don’t discourage even going live on Zoom (especially if the device is recording in a remote area for people who could not attend). But to have EVERYONE with their phone out can be a little invasive to a couple’s special ceremony.
How can I promote an unplugged wedding to my guests?
There’s a few options for this.
Send out a special notice with your invitation explaining your reason for an unplugged ceremony.
You could also say “we want you to relax on our special day and let the photographer do all the work”. You can blame us, we won’t mind…lol.
You can mention that you will be sharing images with your family as well so they don’t feel robbed of getting memories of your day.
Some couples have even had their DJ or host give a quick reminder to guests immediately before the precessional of the ceremony.
Create a chalkboard or canvas at the entry of the ceremony as a reminder.
Your lifestyle photographers,
Quinton & Candice Williams