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I first heard about this story last week on Anderson Cooper 360. Then when I was opening a web browser yesterday to check my email, I saw the title of this story again on Yahoo! News. Since I wasn’t sure what I was going to write about for Media Chatter Monday this week, I decided this would be the perfect topic. So have you heard about the groom who was Tweeting at the altar?
Apparently social networking has become such a big phenomenon that people can’t stay away from applications such as Twitter and Facebook for even an hour. Not even for the hour that is to be sacred, special, and definitely texting-free!
The groom, Dana Hanna took out his cell phone in the middle of his wedding ceremony to tweet updates. To whom? Not sure, as I would think everyone he cared about was actually AT the wedding. But nonetheless, he felt the need to text a play-by-play of what was happening. In addition, he updated his Facebook status to “married” once he and his wife exchanged vows and rings.
Here’s what he texted:
“Standing at the altar with @TracyPage where a second ago she became my wife! Gotta go, time to kiss my bride.”
One might think that any woman who spent months planning her wedding only to have her newly betrothed pull out his cell phone and text during the ceremony would be livid! After all, some people find it offensive when you just check your cell phone during a special event or meal, nevermind use it. But this wife found it anything but offensive as evidenced by her husband handing her a cell phone to update her own Facebook/Twitter status!
The guests also seemed to think their actions were funny since they laughed when the priest said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. It’s official on Facebook, it’s official in my book. You may now kiss the bride.”
Personally, I think this is kind of funny, but this wasn’t my wedding. If it had been my wedding, I’m not sure how’d I actually feel. However, it’s not surprising that people are tweeting during weddings and births since the Internet is so easily accessible. I find it hard to stay away from my computer for a long period of time, too. But hopefully the abundance of social media outlets and the fact that it takes only a second to reach out to everyone you know doesn’t start to infiltrate every aspect of life. Would you want your spouse tweeting details right in the middle of an intimate moment together?
I’m sure everyone is going to have an opinion about this story. Some will feel it was incredibly disrespectful to interject such silliness into a very solemn event. Others will laugh hysterically, perhaps because they themselves might have been apt to text during their own wedding ceremony. But whatever your opinion is, all that matters is that this couple BOTH found these actions amusing. If they hadn’t, that marriage would have started off on a pretty bad note!
The November 21st wedding ceremony can be seen on YouTube here.
What are your thoughts on this story? What are your thoughts on Twitter and Facebook?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
That is totally bizarre, BUT I'm not surprised at all. It was only a matter of time before someone would take their status updates that far. It wouldn't have been okay with me if it were me up there with him. But if she's cool with it, then good for them. haha
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Too much for me. I can somewhat see updating in the L&D room, but not at your wedding. I think some things can wait. It wasn't by wedding, though and they were both into it, so more power to 'em!
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After watching the video I think they planned it. I got married so long ago that FB and twitter weren't even around. Hell we didn't even have digital photos so I don't know how I'd feel. But considering my hubby doesn't FB or tweet I don't think I would have had anything to worry about.
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I think it was planned too. I even think the priest was in on it.
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Well, because they both were on the same page about it, I think it was funny
But definitely not at my wedding!
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I'm the Facebook/Twitter addict in the family, but still, I don't think I would be tweeting updates on my wedding ceremony & if Hubby would have been doing so…I would have jerked the phone from his hands and thrown it across the church. I really think that would have angered me. It just means he had other things on his mind besides her. Not cool.
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The is pure craziness! I mean more power to them if it made them happy and laugh together.. but I cant say I would have been laughing
To much work goes into that day and it means to much.. just my opinion tho. I am sure I would have got over it but initially would have been a little upset
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In this day and age, this kind of joke doesn't surprise me! However, I would never do this at my wedding!
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It's their wedding, I suppose they can do whatever they want and maybe they planned it in advance, but I say no texting during "special" events.
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Tamara, I just noticed that your blog isn't linked to your picture/profile on google friend connect. You should link it so that people can click on it and go right to you.
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Madness I tell you! I agree that this is a bit funny, but certainly not my cup of tea. I about lose my mind when Andy checks a text/email on his Blackberry while we are all eating dinner.
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Nuts! I am surprised that it actually took this long for this to happen, lol. Usually, someone will line up a sponsor and be the first. Lots of media attention! Maybe Ill tweet my baby's upcoming birth also! Good Post…
Shane
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I think it is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing anyone can do. But hey, there is a reason these two connected, right? Maybe Opposites don't always attract, maybe they are a perfect match?
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I'm fairly certain this was a pre-planned gag that the pastor, groom and bride were all in on.. i mean, he had her phone… the phone woulda been in her bride bag, not her grooms pocket.
That seems to be the new trend these days.. what can we do to get internet famous on our wedding day. How can we turn this into an snl bit.
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