Weddings

10 Things Your Photographer Wants You to Know (Part Three): Sparklers Aren't the Only Way to Exit

Don't get me wrong, I love sparklers just as much as the next girl. Sparklers look beautiful in pictures and are a great way to exit your wedding! However, you may be wanting to do a different type of exit or your venue may not let you use sparklers. If that's the case, there's SO many creative and fun ways to exit your reception! Also, sparklers can be dangerous (think open bar and fire...not always a good mix). 

I do recommend that if you're exciting after the sun goes down, that if you're not using sparklers or some kind of lighted object (like glow sticks or lanterns), you try to exit somewhere that has some additional lighting. It can be very difficult to capture confetti or streamers when you're exiting at night and there's no additional lighting surrounding you.

Here's a few creative exits I've had the joy of photographing: 

1. Bubbles

2. Streamers (note the glow stick ball in the corner...my favorite part of this picture, haha!!)

3. Glow Sticks

4. Confetti

5. Bells

6. Lavender (bonus: it smells delightful! Just be prepared for it to get all over your dress!)

7. No Exit
Ok I know this one is anti-climatic after listing all of those other options. But you don't HAVE to do a grand exit or have it photographed. I've had several couples on a budget wanting to cut down on the cost of their photography, and one of the best ways to do that is to end your coverage time during your reception. I tell people in this boat that they can either do a "mock" exit (that's what the couple in the above photo did. This is actually a picture of them exiting their ceremony) or you can not have your exit photographed at all. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE exit pictures. One of my favorite pictures from my own wedding day is a picture of my husband and I kissing as we're leaving our wedding. But if you are trying to cut costs or you just don't love the idea of having a big exit, forget the tradition and choose not to do one! 

What are some creative wedding exit ideas you've seen?

The Fair Barn | Kim & Kevin's Wedding | A Pinehurst, NC Wedding Photographer

I've really enjoyed getting to know Kevin and Kim through their engagement pictures, bridal portraits, and wedding. Kevin and Kim's day was so joyful and full of friends, family, and fun! As you can see in their pictures, we had a great time and the whole day was pretty much one big celebration! I absolutely loved their venue in Pinehurst. Give me a simple white barn with a blue door and I'm a happy photographer!!

The Vendors Who Made this Day Possible:
Venue: The Fair Barn
Planner: Red Bird Events
Photography: DiPrima Photography
Bar Service: POUR
Beauty: Hair and Makeup by Mattie Jordan
Catering: Ole Time Barbecue
Dessert: The Bakehouse
DJ: Ultra Mix Events
Florist: Teacup Floral
Officiant: Daybreak Ceremonies
Rentals: Party Reflections
Videographer: Melisa Murphy
Waitstaff: Happiest Hostess

Boulevard Baptist Church | Teresa & Matt's Wedding | An Anderson, SC Wedding Photographer

Matt and Teresa's wedding day was Christ-centered and full of emotion and joy! It was truly a beautiful day! Teresa wore her mom's veil and a gorgeous rose gold ring. Matt's reaction just as Teresa began to walked down the aisle was one of the sweetest I've ever witnessed. It was hard for me to fight back the tears! Throughout the whole day, it was very clear how much Matt and Teresa love Christ and love one another. 

Matt and Teresa, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day! I hope you enjoy these pictures as you're on your honeymoon. :)

The Vendors Who Made This Day Possible:

Venue: Boulevard Baptist Church
Photography: DiPrima Photography
Bridal gown: Dimitra Designs
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse
Florist: Renee Burroughs Design
DJ: Heath Fulmer
Second Shooter: LC Photography
Catering & Cake: Family & friends

Weir-Jordan House | Ginny & George's Wedding | A Greensboro, NC Wedding Photographer

Ginny and George's wedding day was GORGEOUS! As far as weddings go, I would say it was my favorite style! It was outdoors, at a historic venue, and had classy, soft, and romantic details. Ginny and George's day was also filled with fun, celebration, and so many friends and family members who clearly love them! I also loved the meaningful elements and traditions in their ceremony. Before their ceremony, they signed a Ketubah, which is a Jewish legal document that binds Ginny and George together in marriage. During their ceremony, they passed their wedding rings around and had people "warm" the rings, they said their vows under a chuppah, and at the end of the ceremony they broke glass. Ginny and George also had a very special reception! Ginny's family is very musical and so both of her parents sang and it was an amazing celebration! The reception may or may not have ended with Ginny and George being thrown into the air...I let the pictures tell the rest of the story...

Ginny and George, thank you SO much for giving me the privilege of capturing your wedding day! 

The Vendors Who Made This Day Possible:
Planning and Florals: Sweet Sarabell
Venue: Weir-Jordan House
Photography: DiPrima Photography
Signage: One Fine Morning Lettering
Catering and Cake: Savory St. Catering
Band: Mebanesville
Second Shooter: Sammi Evans Photography