During the Wedding Ceremony 101

This is a pet peeve of mine. When it comes to formal portraits everyone looks at the camera and smiles.

Everyone looks great!

But during the vows, it can be harder to stay focused. Your mind starts to wander, soon your eyes do too. Next thing you know you're checking out the audience, the decor, the lighting or looking out a window. You may be thinking nobody will notice because they're looking at the bride and groom. You may be right. Well, almost right. There are two people who may catch your distracted gaze and they will capture it forever: They would be the wedding photographer and videographer.

To me it's really a shame when you watch a wedding video and instead of the bridesmaids and groomsmen watching the bride and groom, they're looking everywhere else but at the couple they are standing up for. If you can smile or at the very least watch the bride and groom you will look great in any video shots or photos you happen to be in. It just makes me sad when I see what could have been a really great photo or video moment but the the people in the background are looking the wrong way, making funny faces or just aren't "in" the moment.

The same goes for guests during toasts. If you're sitting behind the bride and groom there's a good chance you'll be in the background of photos and videos. You really don't want to be looking bored or the wrong direction every time the camera is on you. It will be a disappointment to your bride and groom when they see how uninterested you were and may be twice as disappointing that your boredom was captured and will be seen each time they look at their wedding album or video :(

Another great tip videographer Joe Oliverio mentioned to me was to also remind the wedding party to refrain from chewing gum or tobacco.

So a smile, no gum or chewing tobacco and your full attention. They're small things that can make a big difference on and after the couple's big day every time they look at their photos or watch their wedding video!