Personal photo works and opinions by James DeCamp

Please - No Paparazzi!. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

So there you are at the altar, gazing into the eyes of your beloved, saying your vows. You turn to sneak a glance at your wedding guests, all your favorite beloved friends and family and are greeted by a sea of down-turned faces staring at their LCD screens.

When your photos come back from your wedding photographer, all your guest shots include your favorite people staring at their favorite devices. People are smiling, but they’re all staring at little screens.

Welcome to the era of the over-documented wedding, where, even if you’ve hired a professional to take your photos, every guest has a camera in their iPhone and is tweeting and facebooking the entire event. They’re there with you, but are they really present?

 

An Unplugged Wedding

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Be nice, turn off your device!

In this digital age, it is so difficult to shy away from a screen for a few moments, but I think it’s critical to be truly present. Smell the air, look around, feel the texture of the world around us. A wedding ceremony is exactly the kind of fleeting, important moment when it’s especially valuable to really be present, rather than relating to the world through a small screen.

When you discourage devices at your wedding, you encourage your guests to look up and drink in the world. Let’s call it “in-the-moment matrimony.”

While many churches have no camera policies, I’m hearing more and more from nontraditional secular couples that they’re considering an unplugged wedding — at the very least, asking guests to turn off their devices during the ceremony.

Now, let’s acknowledge that a fully plugged-in, hyper-documented wedding makes perfect sense for some couples. Micro-budget brides sometimes skip professional photography, opting to rely on guest photographs — so of course guest cameras make perfect sense in that context. If you’re hyper digital literate and announced your engagement via Facebook, had an iPad-wielding officiant, read your vows off an iPhone, and live-streamed your ceremony, then there’s no reason you should unplug your wedding.

If, however, you and your partner are looking for a few less beeps and a bit more face-to-face connection with your guests, an unplugged wedding could be a good fit for you.

So how to tell your guests to stuff the phones :-)?

“Please let our professional photographers be the only PAPARAZZI during our ceremony . . .
Our amazing team of professional photographers will capture every aspect of our ceremony.  We invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment with us.  We respectfully ask that you leave your cell phones and cameras locked away.  We will happily share all of our images with you afterward!!”

or

“We want you to be able to really enjoy our wedding day, and feel truly present and in the moment with us.  We’ve hired an amazing wedding photographer who will capture every aspect of the way the wedding looks – and we invite each of you to sit back, relax, and just enjoy how the wedding feels.  We respectfully ask that everyone leave all cameras and cell phones off and pocketed during the wedding ceremony and the ‘ceremonial part’ of the reception, including the first dance, parent dances and cake cutting.  We ask this of you so that we can see your face, and you can see ours both now and forever in in the photos that out photographers will capture.  Of course we will be happy to share our wedding photos with you afterward!”

or just simply:

“The bride and groom have asked that you share in their wedding fully and not through the lens of a camera or cell phone.”

Appoint a member of your wedding party to help encourage other guests to put down their devices at the wedding. It doesn’t have to be high-drama: all they have to do is sidle up to their fellow guest and say quietly, “The bride and groom have asked me to respectfully suggest guests to put down their electronics and just enjoy the day. Can I ask you to put your camera/phone away?” Whatever you do, don’t rely on your photographer to be the heavy; it’s not their job to make your guests behave. Plus, when the request to put away the camera or phone comes from a fellow guest, it’s less likely to be seen as a grumpy encounter.

Wording ideas for officiants

The easiest way to remind your guests to power down their devices is to have your officiant make a brief announcement before the ceremony. A few ideas, ranging from the sacred to the silly:

Spiritual:
The couple respectfully requests that all guests honor the sanctity of this moment by turning off cell phones and cameras.

Emotional:
I invite you to be truly present at this special time. Please, turn off your cell phones and put down your cameras. The photographer will capture how this moment looks — I encourage you all to capture how it feels with your hearts, without the distraction of technology.

Ridiculous:
Ladies and gentlemen, prior to wedding take-off, all seat backs and tray tables must be in their upright and locked positions, all bags properly stowed, and all portable electronic devices turned off and stowed. This includes cell phones and cameras.

Goofy:
As Shakespeare once said, please turn off your cell phones.

Or

Have the officiant ask the bride to turn around and face the audience after her parents walk her to the alter. At this time they say, “Everyone, get the photo you really want now, because we ask that your cameras remain off for the remainder of the ceremony.”

and another:

“Good afternoon! It is my pleasure to welcome you to the wedding of Bride and Groom. Please take a moment to silence any cell phones or other noisy electronics. If you would also take a moment to put your cameras away, Bride and Groom have requested that no photos be taken during the ceremony today — thank you so much for your understanding. The ceremony will begin shortly.”

2017 Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award

Winner - Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award 2017

We are so honored to have been chosen as a winner of the 2017 Couples Choice Award from Wedding Wire!

This is such an amazing way to start 2017!

We cannot wait to continue to grow and capture some amazing memories this year for all of our brides!

2017 Best of the Knot Award Winner!

PRESS RELEASE

Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography

NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2017

Eleventh Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Columbus, Ohio / January 24 2017— Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography is pleased to announce that they have has been selected as a 2017 ­­winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the leading wedding brand and marketplace. This is the sixth year Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

In 2017, only 2% of the 300,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade. In its eleventh annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2017, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider in order to inspire, plan and book their own unique wedding.

“At Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography we see each and every one of the wonderful weddings that we get to be a part of as great honor.  These brides have put their trust in us and we try our utmost to create lasting and beautiful images for them to cherish for a lifetime.” said James DeCamp, Owner and Creative of the company.

The Knot has inspired approximately 20 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs. With a rich history of providing quality content and inspiration to couples, The Knot is making it easier for couples to connect with and book just the right wedding professional to create their perfect wedding day. Eight out of 10 couples come to The Knot where they can be connected to any of 300,000 local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot marries great technology with trusted content–and a little love–to make planning for the most important day of a person’s life easier and more enjoyable.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/vendors/best-of-weddings.

# # #

The wedding and reception of Lauren Stets and Andrew LaFollette Saturday August 20, 2011 with the wedding ceremony held at the Central College Presbyterian Church and reception at the Winding Hollow Country Club. (© James D. DeCamp | http://OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

Want to take your wedding from the best day ever to the BEST. DAY. EVER? Consider having a fireworks display after your ceremony or reception!

 

Wedding Fireworks

(© James D. DeCamp | http://OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Wedding fireworks have become increasingly popular over the last few years, with couples choosing to do everything from a simple sparkler send-off to a full-on 4th of July-style spectacular. If you’re considering a fireworks display, there are a few things to consider before taking the plunge.

1. Research state and local laws.
Most states allow the use of small wedding sparklers, but there are strict laws governing when and where large fireworks can be displayed. Be sure to check out the state rules and city bylaws that will affect your use of sparklers, fireworks, or baloon lanterns. Your wedding planner or venue coordinator can usually help figure out whether or not a fireworks display is even in the realm of possibility.

2. Consider cost.
Having a wedding-day fireworks display is certainly unforgettable, but it can be a very big-ticket item. If you’re considering a large fireworks display be prepared to spend up to $5,000 or more on a 5-10 minute show. We recommend hiring a professional to display and clean up the fireworks if you’re planning a 4th of July-style display.

3. Consider your location.
If you’re getting married in a cabin in the woods, a fireworks display is not going to be the safest idea. Large displays are best only in large open areas, such as golf courses, grassy clearings, or best yet, over lakes.

4. Get permits and insurance.
Even if your state allows certain fireworks, you may still have to apply for a permit to display them. Fireworks companies often have the most up-to-date information on permitting, so do some calling around and find out how to apply. Note: you may also have to apply for insurance before obtaining a permit.

5. Don’t rule out other options.
Wedding sparklers are a wonderful alternative to a big fireworks display, but there are a couple of other options to consider. If you’re marrying on or near Independence Day, take advantage of a local fireworks display and include it in your reception timeline. If you’re not marrying on a holiday, consider lighting beautiful lanterns that will drift up into the sky (but be sure to tether them — loose lanterns are terrible for Mother Earth!) or fill your reception space with candles.

100 Years of Wedding Gowns

Heres a fun little video, put together by MODE, that quickly shows how wedding gowns have transformed over the past 100 years.

As we all know, the styles have varied dramatically, even between the 10 year gaps shown here.

What will be the style for 2025??

 

Winner - WeddingWire Rated Gold Level

Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography Advances to WeddingWire Rated™ Gold Level by Increasing Quantity of Newlywed Reviews

COLUMBUS, OHIO
November 25, 2015

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography has received the WeddingWire Rated™ Gold badge for excellence in wedding photography!

The esteemed WeddingWire Rated™ program recognizes wedding professionals who have received positive newlywed reviews of their business on WeddingWire. The program recognizes businesses across more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and requires a minimum of three wedding reviews and an average score of 3.5 stars or higher. After receiving twenty five additional reviews, Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography has received the Rated™ Gold badge.

Within the WeddingWire Rated™ program, there are seven different levels that wedding professionals can reach based on the number of wedding reviews they receive (3, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500). The WeddingWire Rated™ Gold badge is achieved when a business has received fifty or more quality reviews.

As a member of WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews, Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography’s achievement of Rated™ is an impressive milestone and an indication of the positive experiences expressed by their past clients. As a recipient of the Gold badge, Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography is highlighted on WeddingWire, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography’s advancement to the Rated™ Gold Level, especially given the growing importance of online reviews,” said Sonny Ganguly, CMO, WeddingWire. “WeddingWire recognizes their success and sustained commitment to gathering positive reviews from their clients. We are honored to congratulate them for achieving this powerful milestone for their business.”

“Advancing from the WeddingWire Rated™ Silver Level to the Gold Level for wedding photography in Columbus, Ohio is a huge accomplishment for Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography. It is our number one goal to provide positive experiences for our clients and we would like to thank them for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Each review allows potential clients to see our commitment to continually provide exceptional service. We look forward to increasing our Rated™ status to the elite Black Level in the future by obtaining additional reviews.”

For more information about Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront at:
https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/our-dream-photos-by-james-decamp-photography-columbus/a7c571e1316fc76f.html.

To learn more about the WeddingWire Rated™ program, please visit http://wed.li/ratedinfo

 

2016 WeddingWireRated50+

2016 WeddingWireRated50+

 

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire®, the nation’s leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com, Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.

Knot Hall Of Fame Winner

After being voted The Best of the Knot in Central Ohio for 5 years in a row, we are proud to announce that Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame for Columbus, Ohio!

Winner - The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame

 

Thank you all so much!  It is a great honor to have been a part of all of my brides wonderful days and we are humbled by the award.

Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography is pleased to announce that they have has been selected as a ­­member of The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the leading wedding brand and marketplace.  This is the sixth year Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

In 2016, less than 1% of the 275,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade.

The Knot Best of Weddings and Knot Hall Of Fame provides a by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed a sample of almost one million real reviews across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more—that a bride or groom would want in order to inspire, plan and pull off their own unique wedding.

 

2015 Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award

Winner - Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award 2015

We are thrilled to be one of the top wedding wedding photographers in Columbus on WeddingWire for the fifth year in a row!

We would like to thank our brides and grooms for taking the time to review us on WeddingWire. We truly value all of our clients and appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn the 2015 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award.

2014 Best of Knot

For the fourth year in a row Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography has been rated by Central Ohio brides as The Best of the Knot in Columbus!

 

Winners - The Best of the Knot 2014

 

We are soooooo beyond excited and thankful to the Our Dream Photos family of brides that helped us win this award!!!

YAY!!!

We love our Bridal Family!!

Thank you so much!!

 From the knot: “Congratulations!! You did it!! You have officially been selected as one of The Knot’s Best of Weddings for 2014! It’s the ultimate stamp of approval from couples, plus it comes with serious bragging rights—and more bookings. Only 2% of vendors were selected for this awesome accolade this year!”

Farmer Chases Fifth Wedding Party Out Of Barn

Farmer Chases Fifth Wedding Party Out Of Barn This Month

Farmer Chases Fifth Wedding Party Out Of Barn

BEREA, KY—Calling the problem “damn near out of control,” local farmer Cliff Contreau confirmed that the 125-person wedding reception he chased out of his barn Saturday evening was the fifth such wedding party he’s had to scare off his property this month. “They come in here almost every weekend stringing up incandescent light bulbs and taking photos next to my hay bales. This is private property, for Pete’s sake!” said Contreau, 63, who added that he now instinctively reaches for his rifle any time he hears a string quartet launch into the opening notes of Pachelbel’s Canon. “At first, all I had to do was bang on the walls with my shovel and a whole mess of them in identical blue gowns and tuxedos would come running out, but I tried that last week and they just kept on chattering like I wasn’t even there. I’m almost all out of ideas at this point.” Contreau later said that he plans to try ringing the barn with barbed wire, which he hoped would snag and slow the movement of anyone in billowy chiffon.

Source: Farmer Chases Fifth Wedding Party Out Of Barn This Month – The Onion – America’s Finest News Source