04/05/2016
# # # PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE COMMENTING # # #
This post has clearly started a necessary dialogue and having read many of the comments I feel I have to add the following.
I created this post about a year ago to highlight a trend that many of my clients have expressed dismay with; the taking of pictures by guests during the ceremony. To be more specific, to be disengaged from this special moment in their lives.
If you are a couple planning a wedding you may wish to give thought to this. If you don't mind guests taking pictures then you need not say anything. If however you want them to refrain from taking pics during your ceremony then you'll have to express that in some manner; in the invitation, conspicuous signage, or perhaps an announcement.
While I do have an opinion on this matter it's not relevant to the discussion. I have zero emotional stake in my client's weddings and therefore my opinion is irrelevant. It is not I who will be upset if guests are disengaged taking pictures but more likely the couple and particularly if they've already expressed their desire for an "unplugged wedding" ceremony.
If you are about to post a comment, please ensure it's respectful and at least somewhat relevant.
Lastly, for those of you who comment and refer to me as "she", I'm actually a "he". I thought my name Mark was self evident:)
I've been asked recently to suggest wording to be included in wedding invitations to ask guests to put away their devices. How's this ...
"Dearest guest, thank-you for participating in the celebration of our love on this most special day in our lives. As you witness the exchange of our vows and rings it is our hope that you will be fully present during this intimate expression of our love. In honor of our ceremony and love, It is our sincerest request that you put away your electronic devices and celebrate with us through your presence."
Cheers to all,
Mark
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This is a great example of why you should put your cell phone or tablet away during a wedding. These people ruin the bride's pictures. This is an annoying trend that is only getting worse.
At this point over 9 million people have been reached by this post. Having read many of the comments I'd like to add the following.
First off when I said "ruins the bride's pictures" I'm speaking on behalf of my clients who consistently express this sentiment. While I do have an opinion I'm merely relaying what they are telling me.
Secondly, to those of you who suggest that the photographer (me) should get into the middle of the aisle to get the shot I offer this. It is in fact what I did in this case. However, in doing so I had to block both the videographer's view and more importantly the groom's view. My clients consistently tell me to be discrete in churches as do the priests who preside over the ceremony. I WILL get the key shots but greatly prefer doing so discretely.
Thirdly, many of these guests who take their cell phone shots or tablet shots or DSLR shots instantly post to social media. More than a few brides have confided in me their displeasure with this practice.
---- THIRD UPDATE ----
Here's a few more thoughts of my own after reviewing the comments.
The groom should not be denied this wonderful moment. To see the woman he fell in love with and proposed to walking up the aisle looking incredible. This is one of the big moments on the wedding day. She too is anxious to see his face light up even tear up when he sees her for the first time. Perhaps I've got it wrong, perhaps the people with their cameras, cellphones, tablets, video cameras and general onlookers are entitled to get out in the aisle and steal this moment for the sake of their crap ass pic they take for the sole purpose of being the first to post on social media. Or, perhaps not.
People have commented that this really isn't new; the taking of pics during the ceremony. While there is some truth to this, the fact is that everyone has a camera now, everyone who has a cell phone has a camera. Therefore I submit that though it's not new it's far more prevalent. I would also submit that the psychology behind it is vastly different. Guess what half the people taking cell phones pics do with them... they immediately start reviewing them and posting to social media. Usually with a tag line like .. "OMG, the bride looks AMAZING! The view through my phone is incredible, it's almost like I'm actually there!".
