Sparkler Exit Magic

Finley Creek Vineyard Wedding

This is the grand finale of this couple's wedding night: running through a tunnel of golden sparks, hand in hand, laughing like the world just became theirs alone. Captured at Finley Creek Vineyard in Zionsville, Indiana, this sparkler exit is cinematic. Her glittery gown catches the light like stardust, his vest and rolled sleeves giving that perfect rustic-elegance vibe, and every guest beaming as they light up the night.

As your wedding photographer, I treat exits like the mic-drop moment of the entire day. After 8–10 hours of coverage, this is the last memory you’ll make together as newlyweds and the one that ends up as a giant canvas above your fireplace. Here’s how we make it flawless every single time:

How to Nail the Perfect Sparkler Exit

1. Timing is Everything . Schedule your exit 30–45 minutes before the venue’s hard curfew. At Finley Creek, that usually means 10:15–10:30 p.m., late enough for full darkness (sparks pop best against black sky), early enough that Grandma still has energy to cheer.
2. Choose the Right Spot Finley Creek’s front courtyard, with the tasting-room windows glowing behind, is unbeatable. The concrete path gives a clean runway, and the doorway frames you like a movie poster.
3. 36-Inch Sparklers Only. Skip the short ones. The long 36-inch sparklers burn for nearly three minutes, plenty of time for two full exits (one for photos, one for you to actually feel it without rushing).
4. Backup Plan: Indiana weather? We always have a Plan B (Finley Creek’s covered porch works amazingly for bubble or glow-stick exits if rain shows up).

Ready to end your night covered in sparks and happy tears? Let’s make it legendary.

For Photographers:

Captured with the Nikon Z9 and a 24-70 at 36mm lens with on-camera flash.

ISO 200, f/2.8, 1/20

Edited to look like film.

Location: 795 US-421, Zionsville, IN 46077.