What happens when a major storm decides to hit during your wedding day? These two decided to roll with it and embrace Mother Nature! Emily and Josh’s Southwick’s Zoo wedding was one I will never forget. Not only were there giraffes, deer, and a carousel, we also got tornado warnings and torrential downpours. This couple handled it like absolute troopers. Bonus points for Southwicks being only 2 miles from my house!

Getting Ready Together

I always love when couples get ready together. It’s such a special dynamic to see partners truly spend the whole day together. It may be unconventional, but sets a relaxed, loving vibe to the whole day.

Invest in Florals

Everything is better with beautiful florals everywhere. Petal and Crumb made the most stunning bouquet and floral installations filled with dahlias for this Southwicks Zoo wedding. The bright colors spoke to the whimsical feel of the day.

Wedding Day Giraffes and Deer

First of all, who doesn’t want to feed giraffes on their wedding day? Southwicks Zoo made the start of married life extra special with a giraffe feeding followed by a deer forest ceremony. If you ever wanted to invite deer to watch you get married, this is the place. The deer forest made the wedding ceremony truly feel like it was straight out of a Disney movie.

Cocktail Hour Carousel

The skies decided to open up right after the first kiss! Everyone made a mad dash for the beautiful carousel for cocktail hour. The indoor space allowed for a dry space and AMAZING photos! The carousel animals fit right in with the wedding’s zoo theme.

Perfect Reception Details

Emily and Josh put so much time into every detail of the wedding day and it showed. From candy centerpieces with gold carousel animals to giraffes on the wedding cake, everywhere you looked, details pulled together this Southwicks Zoo wedding.