Let’s Talk About Cameras, Phones, and Your Micro Wedding Magic | The Truth About Unplugged Weddings

Why Unplugged Weddings Are The Actual Best (And Why Your Guests Don’t Need to Be Paparazzi)

Look, I get it. Aunt Susan loves taking photos. Your friend who just got a new mirrorless camera thinks she’s doing you a favor. And Uncle Bob is determined to film your entire ceremony on his iPad...from the middle of the aisle.

But here’s the truth: if you want the dreamy, emotional, storytelling photos you hired me to create—I need space (literally and creatively) to do that without bobbing and weaving through a sea of smartphones and Canon Rebels.

Why I’m #TeamUnpluggedwedding Every Time

1. Phones ruin amazing shots. Picture this: you’re walking down the aisle, your partner is tearing up (🥹), the light is perfect, the moment is cinematic as hell—and then BOOM. A guest jumps into the aisle with their phone to "get the shot." My photo now includes a blurry arm and an iPhone. 🙃

2. Presence over pixels.You invited these people to witness your marriage, not to live-stream it. When phones are down, hearts are open. Your guests are more emotionally present, more connected, and way more likely to cry during your vows (which makes for the BEST reaction shots, just sayin').

3. Nobody needs a 20-minute shaky video.Let’s be honest—no one’s gonna rewatch an entire ceremony filmed from the fourth row on a Samsung. And your cousin’s commentary? Not the vibe.

4. I can’t photoshop out cell phones. I mean, I could, but your guests would look like they all lost a limb. Not a good look. I promise you’ll thank me later.

Here’s What To Do Instead (Because I’m Not a Monster)

Don’t worry, I’m not trying to ban joy and memories. Here are some ways to have your unplugged ceremony cake and eat it too:

✨ Assign one trusted guest to film it—on their phone, not a full-on camcorder—and share it later to a Facebook group or text thread. Boom. Done.

✨ Have your officiant say this magic line before things begin: "We're so excited to celebrate this moment with you. Please take the next 60 seconds to snap a photo, and then kindly put your devices away so you can be fully present with us." People actually listen to this. It works. Trust me.

But What About “Guests with Real Cameras”?

Okay, deep breath. Let’s talk about guests who roll up with their own camera gear. 🫣

I don’t allow outside cameras (besides mine and my second shooter’s) for a few really good reasons:

📷 It confuses the couple (that’s you!)—When there are multiple cameras pointed at you, you might not know who to look at. I’ve had to Photoshop wandering eyeballs more times than I care to admit. Not ideal.

📷 It misrepresents my work.—You might accidentally tag me in a photo someone else took. That guest deserves credit, and I don’t want people thinking that blurry flash photo is my vibe. (It’s not.)

📷 It causes weird tension.—When someone pulls out a camera, suddenly they feel like they have authority. They might step into my shot, or direct people (which is...my job). And then I’m left having to ask them to put it away and be the buzzkill on your wedding day. 🙃 I don’t like doing that. It’s awkward for everyone. Let’s just avoid it altogether.

So yes, it’s in my contract. No outside cameras. Not because I’m mean—but because I want to deliver the very best photos of your day without interference, confusion, or chaos.

TL;DR: Let Me Do What You Hired Me To Do

You’re spending thousands of dollars on professional photography because you want your memories captured beautifully, authentically, and artfully. I’m here for that.

So trust me when I say:✨ An unplugged ceremony isn’t a restriction—it’s a gift.✨ Asking guests to put the cameras away = less stress, more feels.✨ I got you. I’ll capture everything you need, and then some.

And if you’re ever unsure what’s okay and what’s not—ask me. I’m your photo BFF for the day, and I’ll make sure it all goes smoothly.

Now let’s get you married—with no phones in the aisle, no surprise guest paparazzi, and ALL the love. 💍📷✨

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