After all of the toasts, the food, the first dance, the cake cutting, the formal photos and the traditions…it was time to party.
The Sparkler guests are pretty much professionals when it comes to partying, and they wasted no time getting down to business. Everyone hit the floor as soon as they heard our incredible band play their first note. Before long, the entire room was packed wall-to-wall, shoes were flying off of bridesmaids, and one of our ushers was on stage giving the lead singer a run for his money.
Gray Wolf sighting above! 
We let our reception rage on a little longer than most, so Sparks and I planned to have some comfort food ready and waiting to refuel our guests. And it was MUCH appreciated. Waiters wove in and out of the sweaty crowd offering up cheesecake lollipops, graham cracker marshmallows, baskets of fried chicken, and mini pulled pork sandwiches.
Everyone told me later that they loved the midnight snacks…and I’ll have to take their word for it! I guess I was too busy busting a move to even realize the food was going around. I think someone shoved a marshmallow in my mouth at one point. I remember it being delicious. Good enough for me.
It seemed like the extra food worked:
Gettin,’ “a little bit softer now,” during “Shout”
I wish I could relive that party every weekend. It was honestly the best night of my life. There were so many moments when I would look around, take it all in, and realize I would never have all of these people in the same room again. It’s a big feeling.
A lot of our pictures from this part of the night are so busy, that I still find something new going on in each of them. The photographers were really able to capture the carefree vibe and party atmosphere of the night, and I especially love this shot of me with my siblings. I’m pretty sure we were singing/screaming “Livin’ on a Prayer.” I love that we are just totally oblivious to the fact that our picture is being taken:
Did you let loose at your reception? What do you remember most vividly?
Coming up: The Sparkler Sparkler Exit (Get It?)
Get caught up!
All photos by Avery House
looks like a great party! I like when you talked about how you’ll never have this group of people in the same room again, “It was a big feeling.” I’m sure it was!
i keep saying it but i want to do your wedding every year.
Your reception looks like the best time ever. Seriously.
oh yes I did! I danced so much,
my favorite wedding photos are the ones where my new husband and I were totally hamming it up!
What an awesome party! The dancing pics are some of my favorite from our wedding.
I love your pictures and everything about your wedding, honestly.
Mrs. Sparkler, Chicago Age and Occupation: 27, Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Publisher Engagement Date: July 21, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company About Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
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