Somehow, our big night had come to an end. Although, no one seemed to notice. Our guests had to be (almost literally) dragged off the dance floor to get ready for our sparkler exit.
You didn’t think we’d skip a sparkler exit at the Sparkler wedding, did you? How could we?
Once they actually made their way outside, our guests were pretty pumped on the sparklers.
Naturally, I’d completely forgotten about this exit until our coordinator stopped us at the door. We tried to walk out the door with everyone else! I don’t know what was going on with me that night, but I had total “bride brain,” or whatever you want to call it. Anyway, it was another nice surprise. We waited until our coordinator gave us the signal, then stepped out for our last moment as the bride and groom.
It was such a crazy and romantic sight to see. Walking down that cobblestone path, surrounded by smoke and sparks, it really felt like we were in a dream. A very hazy and loud dream. And I think Sparks was a little worried about having 200-some intoxicated guests handling that much fire. Oh well. We made it out alive…
…well, sort of. Sparks might have singed a few hairs on the way out. I’m clearly oblivious to that in this photo, which he reminds me of every time we look at it. 
And then we were off to the after party! We used Aires Charter to take everyone downtown. The cool thing about Aires is, if you ask them, they’ll use old CTA buses to transport your guests! It was such a cool, last-minute idea and our guests loved it. The funniest part? I’m pretty sure a lot of people thought we were just “lucky” enough to catch two buses that were totally empty. They really thought they were taking the CTA to the party, ha! I guess that was the point. The ride downtown was hysterical. Everyone on my bus sang the entire way (can’t even remember what they were singing, but it was in unison, and it sounded pretty good for 1:00 AM), and someone carried me off the bus so I wouldn’t get my dress dirty (too late!).
At the party, I finally had a chance to sit back and watch our guests without feeling the pressure to talk to anyone or make sure everyone was having a good time. And that’s because it was really, really obvious that some people were having a good time. The last real thing I remember before leaving was sitting in a big wooden chair, watching one of the groomsmen dance “for me” on the table. Hilarious as that was (and it really was), it was definitely time for us to go. So, I grabbed my new husband, walked across the street to Subway, ordered a sandwich in my wedding dress (yep), and went back to our hotel.
It was a perfect night.
Coming up: Sparkler says, “See ya later.” 
Get caught up!
All photos by Avery House
I live sparklers!!! I decided right away that I wanted sparklers for our exit!! They are so beautiful!!! 
:):)
I love that last photo! And such a perfect exit for the Sparklers!
These pictures are so perfect, love that you did a sparkler exit 
You guys look like you’re having a blast!
Any tips for how to do a sparkler exit well? Like, maybe how not to singe my hair? Or just what you learned from the sparkler experience… I’ve seen some really great sparkler pictures and some really not so great sparkler pictures. If we go that route, I want to make sure we get good pictures out of it
Awesome pictures!! Love that last one What a cool exit!
Fireworks create a fabulous decor..and the arch guests created…just amazing:)
Best post!! Makes me wish we had funnel cake at our wedding. 
But really, that last one of you is amazeballs!
I love Sparkler anythings at weddings. So awesome. The CTA thing is HILARIOUS and I’m glad you had a chance to sit and be a spectator and soak it all in on your day.
Your wedding sounds like so much fun! Love that you ordered Subway in your wedding dress.
Mrs. Sparkler, I’m a fellow Chicago bride looking to rent an old CTA bus for transportation. Did you use Aries Charter (I couldn’t find Aires Charter)? If so, what kind of bus did you ask for? They said they had a 33 passenger one that is normally used to transport people to the train. Is that what you rented? Thanks!
@Liz: Hi Liz! The one we rented was a 47-55 passenger motor coach (the older style). And yes, it’s Aries… total spelling mistake. Whoops.
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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