PLANNING BEYOND THE WEDDING

"Would they ever look so happy again the handsome groom and his bride as they stepped into that long black limousine for their mystery ride?"
— Bruce Springsteen, Walk Like A Man

Watching might change an outcome because of the observer effect. That's bad news for scientists but helps with our futures. A wedding is an ideal time to look forward. What happens when you look back years later?

A recent Indian wedding was recorded by one videographer, three photographers and many amateurs. As you'd expect, the rolling video camera tripod had the best position — right at the front of the stage. The photographers moved about and the knack of picking the ideal point for a specific shot. One photographer stood watching when not taking photos. As a consequence, the audience's line of site was often obstructed.

What's more important

1. memorializing an event for future viewing?
2. maximizing the experience for the live audience?

Since a wedding has the most significance for the bride, groom and immediate family, their interests take precedence. That's fine. The sacrifice for the audience is minor. Besides, you see enough weddings in Bollywood movies.

Opposites Distract

A newborn quickly teaches parents the importance of now with their intense, immediate demands. They aren't patient. A child continues these lessons. Still impatient. Other priorities drop in importance because they aren't urgent. We tend to put off what we can. For example, preparing for contingencies such as the four financial risks. They seem unlikely or so far away. Until they're not. Objects may be closer than we think — even if obstructed or in a blind spot.

Opposites may attract but combine a spender with a saver and expect conflicts. Planning is tough even if you and your spouse agree on priorities.

Looking Back

We can replay events but we can't change the past. Professional events have multiple video cameras watching from a distance. This keeps the views unobstructed and provides additional perspectives.

You're better able to build a past you'll want to remember, if you consider the experience of others.  Dr. John Izzo compiled the shared wisdom of those age 60-105 in  The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die (don't let the title put you off).

Looking Forward

When you do what you ought to do, when you ought to do it, the day will come when you will be able to do what you want to do when you want to do it. 
— Zig Ziglar

What aren't you doing that you know would help you? Make a list. You needn't prioritize, act or schedule right away. The process still helps free your mind. As a bonus, you'll save time when you're preparing your New Year's Resolutions.

Links

• Should your wedding be recorded on video? (helium.com)
• The four financial risks
• The six financial fears of Canadians (probably true in other countries too)
• Prescription for Canada's ailing pension system
• Are you saving too much for retirement?
• The superhero who saved Leslie Bibb wasn't Iron Man
• image courtesy of Ted Ollikkala (Singapore)

Podcast Episode 93 (3:59)

direct download | Internet Archive page

PS How often do couples re-watch their wedding videos?