Unplugged Wedding Ceremony | Denton Wedding Photographer

Why An Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Is The Way To Go

 Imagine the moment you walk down the aisle at your wedding. You have your dad on your arm, you’re smiling at your groom, and you’re picturing the amazing life you’re about to start together…

…and then.

Uncle Bob jumps out in the aisle and is now blocking your view of your groom to get a photo with his phone.  It can pull you from the moment really quickly. That’s why I believe an unplugged wedding ceremony is the best option for brides.  I have photographed several weddings where someone is blocking my view of what I’m paid to do.  Having guests hanging in the aisle and trying to get their perfect shot for Facebook or Instagram to prove they were there…Is it really worth it to ruin your memory or photos?

Having an unplugged wedding ceremony is simply throwing a ceremony where the focus is on staying present and not on social media. As a photographer, unplugged weddings are my favorite kind to shoot. It’s not that I want all the glory or want to make your family and friends feel left out. It’s actually the opposite—I want to be the one working hard so that your family and friends can simply enjoy the day with you. You paid me or another photographer money to get the best angles, work the lighting to our advantage, and capture timeless images that you’ll have forever. Your family and friends don’t need to stress out about capturing photos—that’s why I’m there!  And your photos will be DEVICE FREE!!

Why are unplugged weddings the best option? Here are a few quick reasons:

• Guests will be more present if they’re not worrying about getting the perfect shot. They’ll focus on staying in the moment instead of adjusting their device!
• You’ll be more present as well. When you look into the crowd, you’ll see the smiling faces of the best people in your life—not a sea of screens.
• You’ll rest assured knowing that only the highest quality images will be seen of your wedding day. No awkward shots or unflattering angles will be on Facebook immediately.
• Your pictures will be even more stunning because they won’t have a ton of phones in the air from everyone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been capturing a bride walking down the aisle and someone with a phone is awkwardly in the background. It sounds small, but it breaks my heart—that once-in-a-lifetime picture can never be redone.

Your wedding is your day, and it’s up to you to call the shots and make the rules. But I truly hope an unplugged wedding ceremony is something you’ll consider.  There are tons of tactful ways to do this—I usually suggest a small sign or note in the program asking guests to stay off of their phones during the ceremony and promising that you’ll share your beautiful wedding images with them in a few weeks. Your wedding guests don’t mean any harm by taking pictures; they just want to be involved in your day. But including a small note as to why you’re having an unplugged wedding is a great reminder to them that they’ll actually be more involved if they put their phones and cameras down.

Here is one of my favorite signs from a wedding I photographed.

The bride simply placed this sign next to the ceremony door so guests could see it as they entered.  All of her guests respected her wishes and I have several images of smiling guests.  Just remember, there is no do-over when everyone sees you for the first time.  Make the ceremony more intimate with having an unplugged wedding.  Your photographer and photos will thank you!!