Unplugged | Let the love be the focus

  You may have heard the buzzword “unplugged” with brides and photographers
about wedding ceremonies over the last couple of years. What IS an unplugged
wedding? Basically, the couple formally asks their guests to put away their cell phones
and cameras during the ceremony so that everyone
can be “in the moment” with you as you share your
vows and exchange your rings. Professional photos
can be- and have been- ruined by guests standing in
the way or having their camera flashes go off at
inopportune times. Not to mention that you have
probably spent a pretty penny on your professional
photographer, who will surely be getting fabulous
shots throughout the ceremony. 

Sounds great, right? Here are a few to tips to help UnPlug your Wedding

1. Include it in your program.
If you are planning to have a program, include a note
mentioning something like “We invite you to be present with us during our ceremony. Please leave the photo and video taking up to the professionals. Sit back, laugh, cry, and be completely with us as we commit our love.”

2. Post a sign
Posting a sign at the entrance to ceremony can let guest know your preference and also let you have fun getting crafty!

3. Ask the officiant to make an announcement.
The easiest way to ensure that guests know what you prefer is to have your officiant make a small announcement shortly before the ceremony begins. This way your lovely Uncle Bob can’t pretend that he didn’t see the program and make your ceremony extra special with his 1980’s camcorder.

4. Set them free at the reception
If you know that your guests can’t and won’t enjoy the party without getting it all on camera, let them go for it at the reception! This is the time for selfies, Snapchats, and copious Instagram posts. You can even set up a custom #hashtag for your wedding ← genius!

Some brides can’t imagine asking this of their friends and family. They love that everyone wants to help document their day. But, for those who want to keep it all about the moment - having an unplugged wedding can help ensure that your day is as love filled and as photo bomb free as possible. 

- Mary Satterlee, Ruby June Photography 
    This article can be also found in the 2015 issue of the Clarksville Brides magazine.