Unplugged: Being in the moment
“We’ve hired a professional photographer/videographer to capture the most precious moments. We want our guests to be fully present without distraction during this deeply intimate, sacred, and loving celebration as we become one under God. However, take all the pictures and videos you want at the reception :-).” M&E via our wedding website.
An unplugged wedding ceremony is a ceremony in which guests put away cameras, cell phones, or any other recording devices out of respect for the bride and groom in order to be fully present in the moment.
The past few years, if not more unplugged ceremonies have become more popular. Decades ago, camera phones were not a thing, texting, or social media. In a society that is obsessed with sharing every moment, why not keep some things private? Why not be in the moment? In my opinion, it’s hard to feel a moment when you’re looking at it through a tiny screen despite the moment being right in front of you. I think people in general miss the simplicity, intimacy, and sacredness of a wedding ceremony without any extra distractions.
Opinions vary whether to have an unplugged ceremony. However, it is solely up to the couple on the type of atmosphere they want to create. The only role of the guests and those involved in the wedding is to respect and support the decision of the future newlyweds, without debate. Now, to be real I’ve gone to weddings and had my phone out to snap pictures out of pure excitement, which is not wrong. However, if the couple stated “unplugged” I made sure to turn my phone off and put it out of sight to focus on what’s taking place. For me, the more weddings I attended, and the older I got the less pictures I wanted to take or record. From my faith, I took what was happening more seriously. This is not to say others that choose to have their phones out don’t take it seriously or have other intentions. With that, whether it was stated or not I choose to put my phone away to witness the two become one.
Here are a few reasons why we decided on an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony:
- To create a space of intimacy: This allowed the focus to remain on the purpose and for our love to permeate the room. Everything that took place was meant for our close loved ones in the room.
- We wrote our vows: Our vows were personal and the most vulnerable we’ve ever been, tears and all in front of our family and friends. We shared things we never said out loud and couldn’t bare anyone potentially recording or posting something so vulnerable on social media that we weren’t ready to share.
- Photographer and Videographer: We hired a professional photographer and videographer to capture the ceremony. It can be distracting to the vendors with additional noise and views can be blocked. Also, we didn’t want to run the risk of the photographer capturing pictures with a bunch of guests on their phone. I know we’ve all seen those pictures of when the Bride enters everyone has their phone out blocking the view of the couple to see one another and the photographer. Don’t be that person.
- Our goal: Through our ceremony we wanted to uplift, inspire, and encourage our loved ones. We wanted them to feel the spirit in the space and know God brought this union together for a divine purpose. We even said prior to our day “history will be made.” We believe having it unplugged helped accomplish our goal.
- Simply because we wanted an Unplugged Ceremony. Yep, that’s it.
Though we considered the alternative especially when you think of the “what ifs.” I read a ton of horror stories in the Bridal Groups I followed on Facebook with photographers losing footage, moments not captured, and the extensive wait time of receiving your photos and video. With those reasons, it caused us to think if we made the right decision. However, we leaned on our faith and knew why we wanted it this way and have no regrets.
If you’re considering an unplugged wedding ceremony it is worth it. Just remember to let guests know ahead of time. We informed our guests of this on our wedding website, through signage upon entry to the sanctuary, and our day of coordinators made an announcement 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. Whatever you decide, be sure it is what you want to do, and feel is best for your big day.