When I started photographing weddings in 2009 the cell phone wasn’t nearly as central to our lives as it is today.
Facebook, Instagram, maps, emails, snapchat, camera…it’s an electronic multitool and we can’t live without it. My hand is raised high. I’m just as guilty as the next person.
With one exception…on a wedding day. And I’m asking that you and your guests be present without your phone for at least a few hours on a wedding day, too.
More and more my photos of bridal parties getting ready are of groomsmen and bridesmaids in the iPhone prayer. You know, that hunched over position, head buried in the latest update.
Instead of being open to your surroundings and me taking images of your smiling faces, bright eyed, joking, being present and enjoying the moments you’re making together…I take more images of selfies in action and people updating Instagram.
I know it may be unrealistic to completely unplug early on in the wedding day. I get it, we’re all connected. But it’s worth it to try and limit the use of your phone time and be present in the morning activities.
Equally important is unplugging your guests during the ceremony. Have everyone set your phones to silent, put the cameras and phones aside and soak in two people committing to each other. It’s an important and lifelong commitment you’re making and you’ve invited important people to witness that commitment.
I, on the other hand, have been hired to document that commitment and we’re much more effective at photographing you and your guests when they’re engaged in your ceremony.
So, I’m putting it out there into the universe for everyone to be present during a wedding. Enjoy moments as they happen. Laugh with everyone, cry with everyone…in real time. I promise you’re phone will be there after the ceremony, anxiously awaiting your return.
In case you need some inspiration on how to get your guests to unplug, here’s a tasteful sign at the entrance of Brittney and Kyle’s ceremony at Vista Valley. It’s a beautiful message requesting everyone to unplug and be fully present during their ceremony.
I encourage you all to do the same.
We’ll see you on the wedding day!