real wedding

Homestead Wedding in Smithville, Ohio

Katie and Colton said “I do” at her childhood home — a gorgeous farm that served as the most meaningful and picturesque setting for their day. From getting ready in the bedroom she grew up in to walking down the aisle through the same yard where she once ran barefoot, every detail felt personal and full of heart. But nothing topped the moment they walked back up the aisle — hand in hand, as husband and wife, with their sweet daughter Lila in their arms (followed closely by, Reese, their “fur kid” who served as the ringbearer).

When I met with Katie and her Mom about a month before the wedding, it was clear this wasn’t just a celebration — it was a labor of love. They were pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into making the space perfect, especially her Dad, and I just knew then… this one was going to be special.

With the threat of rain all week, and I’m not talking just a few sprinkles, I’m sure they were stressed and scrambling, but as luck would have it, the rain cleared out just ahead of time, and we had what turned out to be an absolutely perfect day for a very deserving couple.

The moment when the bride finally gets dressed is usually a very emotional one, but the words exchanged between daughter and Mom were so special, even my assistant and I were getting a little teary eyed!

Katie and Colton kept things traditional and didn’t see each other before the wedding, so we coordinated the timeline to make sure she would be hidden back in the house when he arrived. As much as I love a good “first look” ahead of time, this is actually my preference as a photographer….maybe I’ll do a blog post another day explaining why.

Cleveland Metropark Zoo Wedding, Chinese Lantern Festival: Cleveland Ohio Photography

We could not have had a more beautiful day for Jenna and Ben’s Cleveland Metropark Zoo wedding!

When Jenna originally contacted me about their day, I was so excited. I told her a zoo wedding was on my bucket list to photograph! As long as I’ve been doing this, I’ve NEVER had a wedding there before. But on top of that, they are just a really awesome couple and I knew it would be a fun day all around. P.S. I get to shoot at my other bucket list location next summer, Barn Wedding Venue, Receptions, Parties | Irongate Equestrian Center).

Do you know what the best part about a zoo wedding is? Besides the obvious (zoo animals), the bride and groom also have the opportunity to do some pretty memorable things - like feed the giraffes and go ziplining across the lake. If you want more than just your average wedding day, the zoo is a great place to have your wedding. Plus, your guests are free to go explore as well.

And Jenna and Ben also scheduled their wedding during the Chinese Lantern Festival, which I had never seen, is quite the spectacle. Let me tell you, it is 100% worth getting tickets to go and see the displays sometime. I was overly impressed! On this particular day, the event was sold out - there was certainly a sea of people to get through for photo ops, but it was certainly worth it. Plus, we had a really nice golf cart driver that helped us navigate a little bit more efficiently through the people, too. We got to see most of the lanterns via our cart tour in and out of the zoo!

This is certainly going to be a memorable wedding for guests for years to come. I think the unique location was a hit with everyone (plenty took advantage of riding the carousel, too). I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Jenna and Ben’s day and wish them nothing but the best in the future! Enjoy this peek into their day.

And thanks to the Vendors who made this possible:

Venue: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Stillwater Place

Floral: The Flower Petal , Cleveland

Caterer: Aramark, Cleveland

Baker: Faithful Little Cupcake, Wooster

DJ: Bret at One T Entertainment, Cuyahoga Falls

Officiant: Thomas Abbott

Bridal Shop: La Blance Bridal Boutique, Olmstead Falls Designed by Mori Lee

Women’s Formalwear: David’s Bridal

Hair: Aliza at Studio 83

Makeup: J.C.’s Hair Design

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Rings: Peter & Co. Jewelers, Avon Lake