Well Hello, Hello! Thank you guys for stopping by to check out my first installment for my new series: How-To Tuesdays!

This week, I wanted to share with you How To: Have An UNPLUGGED CEREMONY. Which is also known as magic to your photographers ears! hehe Are you unsure of what an unplugged ceremony actually is? Let me explain it a little more in depth…

An unplugged ceremony means that guests are not allowed to use any type of camera, cell phone or ipad during your ceremony for photo or video taking purposes. I’m pretty sure I just heard a few gasps out there as you read that last sentence. I know, it seems like the unthinkable to some & I TOTALLY get it! This is a technology-driven world we live in currently & I bet you’re thinking that not having your phone out to document such an important moment in life (that will only happen this one time) is down-right no fun. But contrary to popular-ish belief…you may enjoy it more without your phone…

Before I mention how to have an unplugged ceremony, I wanted to share a few reasons that have led me to being a firm believer in having an unplugged ceremony & why they are so important. So, without further adieu, let’s get started…

1.   I know that our couples love their guests more than anything – that’s why they’ve invited you to this sacred, life-changing celebration. You have played a big part in their lives & relationship & they want you to witness this magical moment & enjoy it alongside them as it happens. When they look out into the crowd & see all of their loved ones cheering them on – they want to see your face, your smile & your reassurance letting them know that you whole-heartedly support their marriage & stand behind them. I can promise you that what they don’t want to see is a crowd full of cell phones or ipads in the air when they look out. They want to see you!

2. THIS ONLY HAPPENS ONCE. You may think – “this only happens once, I need to document it!” What’s better is if you think””this only happens once, I need to soak up the moment instead of watching it happen through a cell phone screen!”

3. THIS IS OUR JOB: When a bride walks down the aisle to her groom, it’s one of the most anticipated moments of their lives.  Unfortunately, I can’t even tell you how many times I have had to dart to another spot at the last second as the bride is walking down the aisle because guests have stepped in front of my camera to get shots of their own from their cell phones. This is SERIOUSLY a problem. As photographers, our couples have intentionally hired us & trust us to capture all of these moments for them. They do this so they will have beautiful, timeless wedding photos to look back on & also, so their guests can soak up the moment with them & not have to worry about getting pictures of their own. As photographers, we only have a FEW SPLIT SECONDS to photograph the bride walking down the aisle – it’s one of the most important moments of the day (in my opinion) that we won’t get the chance to capture again. There’s no redoing this moment. So, PLEASE, for the love of God…do not be that person who steps in front of the photographers cameras in order to get your own grainy/blurry picture on your ipad.

4. Grooms need to see their bride walk down the aisle! Like I mentioned above, this is one of those moments that a bride & groom have been looking forward to their whole lives. We’ve had guests step out in the aisle & block the grooms view without realizing it just so they can get their photos of the bride walking down the aisle. Like….WHAT!? I just can’t y’all. I have literally had to run down the aisle before to tell a guest to get out of the way because they were blocking the GROOMS view. I never want to have to be the stern guy – but my couples come first & I will always have their best interest at heart & tell someone to please move if I have time to get to them!

Now that I’ve shared with you some of the reasons why you should have an unplugged ceremony, hopefully you will have a better understanding as to why they are so important. Now, I will share how to execute the perfect unplugged ceremony in just a few steps!

STEP 1:  Place a board or sign at the entrance of your ceremony (most likely in front of the chairs as the guests walk in) with directions stating that you are having an unplugged ceremony & no phones, Ipads or cameras will be allowed. You can do this in a very tasteful + classy way that your guests will love. Here is an example:

          (photo by April Maura Photography)

STEP 2: You can also place a note on your programs at your ceremony. This way, if people didn’t see the sign, they will most likely see it as they are flipping through the program.

(photo from: Weddings Are Awesome)

STEP 3: Have your officiant make an announcement (twice). A lot of your guests will be mingling with each other & busy in conversation as they wait for you to make your grand entrance. You can have your officiant make the announcement as guests are making their way to their seats. I have seen many officiants make a second announcement moments before the groom comes out – this is when everyone is in their seats & quiet – so everyone will hear the announcement. A great thing that your officiant can say would be something along the lines of “The couple has requested to have an Unplugged Ceremony today, meaning that cameras, cell phones & ipads are not allowed. They have hired photographers to take all of the photos, that way you can sit back, relax & enjoy the celebration with the couple.”

…and voila! It’s much easier than you probably would think to have an unplugged ceremony. A few sticky situations can be completely avoided by doing so & your guests will be completely engaged! When you look out into the crowd, you will get to see the faces of those that support & love you dearly. If you’re interested in having an UC…weigh out the pros & cons together to decide if it’s the right fit for you!