Cameras during your ceremony…. Paparazzi are only good on the red carpet!

It seems like lately everyone is walking around with a camera of some sort…. a disposable, a pocket digital, and if all else fails there’s always the cell phone camera.

This can be a real bummer when you’re walking down the isle, and instead of being greeted by your beloved family and friends, you’re shocked by dozens of flashes. If you’re not a superstar and used to being flashed during nerve-racking moments, this can really throw you off-center.

A recent Bride of mine mentioned that walking down the isle was the most nerve racking moment of her life, and to be met by what seemed to be the paparazzi- dozens of flashes , rather than the faces of her family, made her very uncomfortable.

To avoid this, ask your guests to refrain from photography during your ceremony (especially as you walk down the isle). Ensure them there will be plenty of time for pictures throughout the night, and that you have a photographer who will surely get great shots for them.

At my daughters school, they don’t allow photography during events. Of course, as a photographer I really resisted this at first. But then I noticed how present I was during her school events when I left my camera at home. I wasn’t thinking about “getting the shot” and my daughter wasn’t pressured to “look good”. Rather we have learned to be present and just enjoy the moment. It has been SO rewarding!

I really encourage you to ask your family and friends to be witnesses to your marriage. This means being fully present and focusing on “YOU”, not on “getting the picture”. Just think how wonderful it will be to walk down the isle and look into the eyes of your family… to see the excitement in their eyes as they have come to support YOU, rather than seeing their cameras.

-Melanie Jaramillo for Essence Wedding Photography in Nevada City