I can remember how excited I was when Leah told me about her venue choice and how many people I have told since then that I was shooting a wedding at the Salisbury Zoo! Since meeting with Leah and Ryan I was envisioning what the day would look/feel like, but my high expectations were exceeded.
But this story isn't about me, it's all about Leah and Ryan. She explained to me that last year how the two of them went to Zoobilation (why had I never heard of this before?!) and that after leaving there she couldn't stop thinking about how much fun was had. Good food, cold drinks and animals all around. Shortly after they decided that the Salisbury Zoo is where they would want to marry and celebrate the night with all their favorite people. Not to mention this is the FIRST EVER wedding to be held there. Such an honor!
As Leah was getting ready in her room, her Momma was just sitting there, staring at her baby with the biggest smile on her face. And she says, "if you have a little girl one day and you get to see her like this, just you wait." Shew. If there weren't tears pouring then, definitely after pulling out her Mommom's bracelet, who wasn't able to be present at her wedding, to wear as her something borrowed. It was so special. When she walked downstairs to her Daddy, he was so cute. Seeing them hug on to each other was a touching moment.
Ryan has this larger than life smile, and I didn't think it was possible for it to get any bigger, but when he saw his bride, let's just say he changed my mind. And that smile was glued to his face permanently all night. He could not stop staring at her and I loved it.
The whole tent was filled with so much love for these two, as was the dance floor when DJ Goni got the party started. There was so much dancing. And when Spice Girl's was played, I can attest that almost every single groomsmen sang it at the top of their lungs, word for word. And not only were people dancing on their feet, they were also dancing on their heads. hahaha. I've never seen such things, but I'm glad I did.
Thank you Leah and Ryan for allowing me to document one of the best days ever.
vendor love:
venue / the salisbury zoo
dress / dryden dress co.
flowers / the city florist
hair / patty preston of salon image
make-up / courtney galtarossa of salon image
catering / roadie joes
video / sincerely, the kitchens
cake / (family friend) tracey klaverweiden
entertainment / matthew lucas
rentals / parties etc.