Don't take pictures!

I know you've probably been told before, but this one bears repeating. Keep it in your pockets and purses ladies and gentlemen.

I'm sure you have all seen the pictures of a wedding ceremony where the most important people are blocked by all the cell phones being held up. I'm sure the people sitting get their perfect picture, but the photograph that really counts is completely ruined. I understand the desire to capture the moment the groom sees the bride, or when the father gives away his precious daughter, or the first kiss as husband and wide. However, the very couple that you're trying to celebrate and congratulate on instagram is the same couple that wants to cherish all those memories for the rest of their lives together. By pulling out your phone, you are preventing the photographer from getting that perfect angle and beautiful lighting. Even worse, the videographer pans across the audience to see their crying faces and instead records half the guests with eyes glued to screens and hands reaching out to avoid someone else's head in their view. Let the photographer do their job, and if you really want to post that photo on instagram, ask the photographer or the couple to send over their shots. (I bet it's better than what you could've taken with a cell phone anyway!) Once the ceremony is over, go ahead and get your picture of the couple during their first dance or with your wedding date at the reception, that way you can document the wonderful night without tarnishing it with technology. I promise any couple will thank you immensely for your respect on their special day, and this way, you get to live in the moment and post the digital version later!

I tried to keep this one short, sweet, and to the point...I hope I made your day

XO Gabriella