Carol Weisman’s Blog On Fundraising, Philanthropy and Governance

I went to a lovely wedding at a hotel last night. We were packed in like regional jet customers on a short flight. Some late comers were actually standing. The place looked great. The music began and the woman in front of me took out a digital camera, right in my line of vision and started to film. It is not her fault that I am 5′1. That was my Mother’s doing: marrying a guy who was 5′5 and then smoking 3 packs of unfiltered Camels a day during her pregnancy accounted for that, but I couldn’t see a thing.

Of course, there was a official photographer stationed behind the bride and groom, not obstructing anyone’s view. I looked around the room. There were LCD panels glaring all over the place.

I am not a deeply religious person, but I have the wild notion that a wedding is at least on some level a religious occasion rather than a photo op, or why make all of the men wear yahmakas. Surely, it isn’t for the sake of fashion. And if its not a religious event, why pop for a Rabbi and a Cantor. You could just go on line and get a license for a friend to marry you, or a waiter, or a girl from Hooters.

But I digress. This is a plea for the guests to put the cameras down during the service. There are professionals hired by the family of the bride to take care or recording this momentous occasion.  Take time to reflect about what is really important: who got the better deal in the match and do you know anyone eligible for the hot bridesmaid on the left.

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP Cranky Guest