Wedding exits typically finish a photographer’s shot list for your big day. Afterall, your wedding gallery should document your story from start to finish! We’ve seen the sparklers, rice toss, and balloons of wedding days past, but if a dramatic exit photo is on your shot list, it’s time to think outside the box. Ready to get creative? Let’s talk wedding exits, and how yours can be a picture-perfect getaway.

Elegant Wedding Exits

If your wedding theme is more on the romantic side, an old school exit might not fit your aesthetic, or the look and feel of your other wedding photos. Lean away from bird seed and bubbles, and lean into some of these trends instead:

• Lavender, or eucalyptus leaf toss. It’s romantic, it smells amazing, and it’s visually stunning. 
• Ribbon wands. Have guests wave wands with ribbons in your wedding color palette for a festive display that’s cohesive with the other elements of the day.
• Lantern release. A gorgeous choice. Just make sure to check your venue’s policy and local regulations first! Can’t release them? Have your guests hold elegant paper lanterns instead.
• Tunnel your way out. Create archways with string lights, flowers or greenery to walk through.
  

Whimsical Wedding Exits

Feeling more of a fun vibe for your wedding day? Let your personality shine! Wedding exits are a perfect chance to showcase your creativity, and leave a lasting impression with all of your guests. If romantic departures aren’t your thing, here are my favorite ideas for a uniquely joy-filled send off: 

• Glow sticks. They photograph well, add a pop of color, and are less hazardous than traditional sparklers. 
• Toss paper airplanes. This one is especially great if you’re jetting right off to your honeymoon! 
• Smoke bombs. Bring the drama with classic white, or opt for some colorful options. Trust me, you’re going to LOVE the photos from this one! 
• Add choreography. Flash mob the guests, or dance your way through yourself! 
  

Seasonal Wedding Exits

Is your theme based on the calendar itself? Then an appropriately-themed wedding exit might be the perfect way to finish the night! If you’re looking for something classic with a seasonal twist, these wedding exits are right up your alley: 

• Winter weddings: Think jingle bell ring, candles & carols, or mistletoe arches, then leave in a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh.
• Spring weddings: Go for a colorful (and eco-friendly) flower pedal toss, individual tulip wave, or pastel flag or pennant wave.
• Summer weddings: Adorn yourselves, and your guests with sunglasses. Even if it’s night, it will make for some great photos. Enlist smartphone flashlights for a leaving-the-party feel, carry parasols, toss beach balls, or depart the venue in a vintage car or bike. 
• Fall weddings: Toss autumnal foliage, dried leaves, or raise cute mugs of warm cider.
  

No matter what your exit holds, the images captured will last a lifetime—just like your love! Ready to unpack your vision? I’d love to hear it! 

Student portraits are always worth the investment. While your school’s yearbook photos can document your growth over each grade, you’re subject to a photographer, style, and a standardized look that you didn’t choose. Since you’re paying for the photos either way, why not get the images you actually want? Still on the fence? Let’s compare student portraits vs. yearbook photos—and why Sarah Arnold Photography has a portrait package perfect for celebrating your student.

The Purpose

The purpose of yearbook photos is to provide a consistent, official image for each grade. The bright side is that it’s built into your school calendar, with no additional research or scheduling needed. The downside is that they’re designed not to capture your student, but the student body as a whole. 

The purpose of student portraits is to capture each student’s unique personality, style, interests, and growth beyond the walls of the school. Student portraits can be fully customizable sessions, from the location to the number of outfits worn, props used, and people included. They tell a broader story of your life through each year, and allow friends, family and extended families to see more of who you’re becoming. 

Style vs. Style

I’ll give yearbook photos this, at least you always know what to expect: A formal, head-and-shoulders style shot with a school-issued backdrop. Or nowadays, additional backdrops added through photoshop in an up-charged image package. No proofs to see, no choosing the best image, and no additional images to keep. And while they can be a nostalgic favorite, when it comes to capturing each year, I highly recommend booking a local photographer for more personal student portraits. 

Portrait sessions with Sarah Arnold Photography are one-hour sessions that include lifestyle, candid, and posed photos. You choose a location and reserve a time and date based on your needs. I provide 110-150 high-resolution, digital images with artistic editing to download and print however you wish. No photoshopped backdrops. Just timeless, joy-filled images that make your heart swell.

Student Portraits: Closing Arguments

They say yearbook photos are the images we love to hate. We’ve been taking them for generations. We know what to expect, and we don’t have to schedule any additional time. But we still have to pay (an arm and a leg) for one image. And at the end of the day, even though we paid for it, do we really want to share that image, give it to loved ones in a frame, or even save it as a keepsake beyond that year? Is the image that’s going into the holiday card?

The bottom line is that senior portrait sessions are the most widely known, but student portraits can be taken—and should be taken, if you ask me—at any age or grade. They showcase your changing style, personal growth, and milestones in a personal way, giving you images you’re proud to share and display for years to come. The experience is enjoyable. It’s also flexible, from the photographer you choose to the locations, wardrobe, accessories, and themes that reflect your passions.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk, Colorado students! I’d love to bring your vision to life.