Category Archives: Wedding Tips

Wedding Exit and Send-Off Ideas for Photography

No matter how many weddings I photograph, there is always one thing that never changes. At some point the wedding day comes to an end. Many couples find the wedding send-off and exit a great way to say farewell to their friends and family.

wedding send off bubbles

A wedding send-off with bubbles is a great idea for several reasons. The non-toxic solution does not stain or damage clothing and there is no mess to clean up afterward.

wedding bubbles send off
girl blowing bubble wedding

Guests of all ages can participate. Children especially love bubbles and the reflections and lighting effects caused in the glistening spheres will make for some wonderful photos.

bubble send off wedding reception

wedding send off sparklers

A wedding exit with sparklers is perfect if you’re looking for a dramatic and impressive ending to your wedding. Wedding sparklers come in a variety of different colors and lengths. For the best results I suggest to buy sets that burn slowly and are at least 20″ in length.

wedding sparkler sendoff exit
wedding sparklers exit reception

Be sure that the bride and groom are ready before lighting as it will take some time from the first person to the last to light their sparklers. Also avoid cheap bamboo sparklers which drop ash when lit and can ruin clothing. Wire sparklers are usually best. If you are also concerned about a lot of smoke be careful not to buy “Morning Glory” sparklers.

throwing rice birdseed wedding

Most modern couples don’t use rice anymore but instead use birdseed. This is because birds will swoop down and mistakenly eat the rice thinking that it’s food. It is a common rumor that the rice will expand in their “stomachs” and that they will be harmed or even explode!

throwing birdseed wedding sendoff

As you can see in these humorous wedding exit photos, I might more inclined that the groom might be injured in the process.

wedding exit bird seed

Throwing rice at the end of a wedding ceremony or reception used to be an important part of weddings. It was a traditional ritual which symbolized fertility of the couple and the probability of having many children.

wedding exit steamers confetti
wedding send off ribbons streamers

Streamers are also a great way to send off a bride and groom at the end of a wedding. Consider colors that match the colors used in your wedding or utilize your favorite sports team colors for fun.

convertible car wedding bride groom

Transportation in the form of a getaway car can also open the door to some fun and spontaneous wedding photographs. I suggest choosing a vehicle that fits in with the style of your wedding.

married couple waving goodbye car

Whether it’s an elegant Rolls Royce, a stylish stretch limo or sporty convertible you’ll have a blast as friends and family see you off.

no comments

Wedding Videography and Film in North Carolina

Sometimes I’m asked who I would recommend for wedding videography in North Carolina. They also ask whether or not they should hire a professional videographer in addition to adding a second photographer.

I feel that there usually needs to be a reason to do so. One important element that photography can’t provide is an audio track to your day. If you are yearning to hear the quiver in your voice as you say your vows or have something special planned that can only be fully captured through motion then I would say go for it.

For example, at my wedding I sang a song and played some VERY simple guitar that I wrote to my wife. We hired a videographer to capture that so that we could hear it later. This option was fairly simple but as with many vendors they usually offer both basic coverage as well as a cinematic wedding film. These wedding videos come complete with skillful editing that tells the perfect story of the ceremony and reception.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the videographers who I’ve personally worked with or hope to work with in the future. As with any wedding vendor the style, products and pricing will vary so I encourage you to contact each one individually if you are interested in their work.

Life Stage Videography
www.lifestagevideography.com
Matt & Melissa Davis
910.632.9559

KA Studios Cinematography
www.kastudiosonline.com
Keith
704.787.6969

Luxe Wedding Films
www.luxefilms.com/
Tim Arvin and Jenna Arvin

Island Sound
www.islandsound.net
Peter Krumenacker
919.872.3535

Cline Video
www.clinevideo.com
Mike Cline
919.522.3775

Barton Creek Weddings
www.bartoncreekweddings.com
Chris + Toni Wheaton
919.827.4452

Crown Alley
www.crownalleyfilms.com
Alan Daly
704.807.3456

Carolina Wedding Videos
www.carolinaweddingvideos.com
Ray Keeton
919.553.8988

K2 Productions
www.k2proevents.com
April & Kevin Eller
336.664.8036

Ron K Smith Productions
www.ronksmith.com
Ron K Smith
919.618.9917

Taylor Made Video
www.taylormadevideo.com
Bob Taylor
888.489.4777

Tamras Camera
www.tamrascamera.com
Tamra
919.414.1079

Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony: First Look Meeting

WHERE DOES THE TRADITION COME FROM?
There is a tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other on their wedding day, but it stems from the ancient tradition of the bride not showing her face to the groom at all before the wedding! Many couples adhere to the not-seeing-each-other custom because they feel it adds excitement and anticipation to the ceremony itself — you know, the moment he sees you coming up the aisle.


meeting before wedding ceremony
bride in tears wedding crying

ANOTHER OPTION
Other couples feel they’ll be more relaxed if they see each other before the ceremony — more and more even take formal pictures pre-ceremony, when everyone’s freshly done up — and claim that 15 minutes alone with their beloved calms them for the main event. It’s completely up to you two.

WHY WOULD I?
- If you’re taking a limo to the reception you’re actually able to have a true “send off”.
- Having more time to spend together with your wedding party between the ceremony and reception.
- Not keeping your guests waiting so long for your arrival. That can lower consumption of food and bar!
- In case of bad weather you have opened yourself up to having two possible choices for outdoor pictures!
- Depending on the timing of your day, you may be allowing yourself enough time to go to a second location.
- Not feeling rushed after you’ve just been married.

no comments