*DISCLAIMER* – This blog post is entirely my own opinion as a wedding photographer.

Today, I’m going to touch on a topic that’s been trending around my brides. I believe it’s important for every couple to know what an “unplugged” wedding is.

“Unplugged” weddings allow your guests to enjoy the wedding by being fully present – no electronic devices – cell phones, cameras, video cameras, tablets, laptops, etc.

Two weeks ago, I got the opportunity to photograph my first unplugged wedding ceremony. My bride created a big sign for all her guests to see. I was so excited that I posted an image of the sign onto Instagram (see photo below). My upcoming brides-to-be saw the post and started to catch on.

During a wedding last Friday, my bride told me that she saw my Instagram photo and decided to implement the unplugged wedding into her own ceremony. Guests were fully present by watching the ceremony, laughing, and crying with the bride and groom; I had the honor of capturing these moments without any objects obstructing their expressions.

Two days ago, another one of my bride’s texted me, “What is an unplugged ceremony?” I explained to her what it was and what the benefits are of doing it. She is loving the idea of having an unplugged ceremony for her wedding this year.

One of my recently engaged couples that I met with yesterday brought up the topic of an “unplugged ceremony.” I explained to them why they should consider it and their response was, “Oh yeah, we are definitely doing an unplugged ceremony. No doubt!”

Whew…! I can wipe the sweat off my forehead. ;] This topic is so hot right now that it has prompted me to write this blog post.

In my own opinion, below are the benefits to incorporating an unplugged ceremony into your own wedding:

1) Rather than taking photos at the ceremony, guests will be able to enjoy the moment utilizing their senses. They are fully alert by listening, watching with their eyes and not through their electronic devices, and feeling with their hearts.

2) Allow your photographer to capture the special moments!  They know exactly what photos they need to capture in order to give you a complete ceremony set. When guests are capturing photos during the ceremony, it can be a distraction to the wedding photographer. Sometimes guests and their electronics can be in the way of other guests and the wedding photographers view. Guests should not stand in the middle of the aisle or stand next to the bride and groom at the alter (yes, this really happens!). They should relax and enjoy the moment throughout the duration of the ceremony.

3) We want to capture your guests reactions, too! When I’m photographing a wedding ceremony, I’m looking for moments from your guests whether they’re laughing, smiling, and/or crying. We won’t be able to capture their moments if they have an electronic device in front of their face or if they’re blocking the person(s) sitting next to them. With their arms and electronic devices down, we are able to capture their moments being fully present at the ceremony!

4) Your guest with electronic devices can alter the wedding photographer’s vision. As artists, we have an idea in our head how we want to compose and execute our photos. When guest are in the way, we need to quickly come up with a different composition to capture the image. This takes away from our creativity!

5) Guests camera/video flash can alter the wedding photographer’s photo. When using flash, we know how much light we need to omit to capture the perfect exposure. When you have another camera’s flash caught into the wedding photographer’s camera, the photo may become hot which makes the photograph look too bright. The wedding ceremony only happens ONCE and every second is another moment that could have been captured.

 

Below are photos that we were able to capture of the guests being fully present and taking in the moment with their hearts.

 

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There are a few ways you can incorporate an unplugged ceremony:

1) Make a large sign stating that this is an unplugged ceremony. Check out this Pinterest link with creative ways to word it!

2) Include it into your ceremony program. People will get the message!

3) Have your officiant announce to your guests to be fully present and to have them put their electronic devices away until after the ceremony.

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If you prefer not to incorporate an unplugged ceremony, that’s okay, too! Just make sure you let all of your guests know not to get in your wedding photographer’s way. They’ll understand. :]

Your guests will have PLENTY of opportunities to take photos at your wedding. Leave the ceremony to be captured by your wedding photographer. We want to capture your beautiful story and this can only be done if everyone works together. Allow your guests to embrace the moments while they witness your commitments to one another on your very special day.