Maryland Zoo Wedding :: Lauren+Brennan

The day started at Lauren’s parents home, where the energy was excited but calm.  Lauren’s main request was a picture of her leopard print Manolo Blahnik shoes, and one of her and her dog.  As you guys know, I seriously heart doggies, and loved that she wanted this one, for Brennan to put on his desk at work!

From there, we headed to the Mansion House at the Maryland Zoo, where Lauren+Brennan had their “First Look” (eeek – loved it!!)  Because of this, we were able to get some incredible images around the zoo – including some with the flamingos!   Then as the guests were seated, we made our way to the Lakeside Pavilion for their intimate ceremony.  {back story} These two lovebirds had met in an Intro to Shakespeare class at the University of Maryland, where Brennan thought (correctly!) that it would be a good place to meet chicks!   During the ceremony, Brennan’s sister recited Shakespeare sonnet 116.

Now here comes the crazy part.  The best man handed the officiant the box with the rings in it.  The officiant opened the box, and Lauren’s diamond encrusted wedding band popped right out and flew into the lake behind them.  A collective gasp was heard by everyone in attendance, and hands flew to mouths. (Even with my own mouth wide open, I continued to shoot it as it happened!)  After a frozen moment, quick thinking Brennan took off Lauren’s engagement ring, and used it in place of the wedding band.  The two were officially married and we headed off to do family portraits under the giant tree. All of a sudden we heard a bunch of commotion – the best man had been able to fish the ring out of the lake using a cane borrowed from one of the guests!!!  Running over to where Lauren+Brennan were standing, he delivered the wedding band, for Brennan to properly stow upon her finger, amid lots of cheering from the family.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour, hamming it up in the Pixilated Photobooth, and snagged photos with zoo residents – a Penguin and Chinese Alligator!  Lauren and her mom did all the amazing centerpieces, invitations, paper goods, and decorations themselves – truly stunning! Chef’s Expressions provided gourmet stations, with braised short ribs, sea bass, chicken honfleur, and an apple tartin – the accompanying ice cream was hand made right there in front of us (that’s the steaming bowl in the picture!) And because Lauren has celiac disease, gluten-free cupcakes from Sweet 27 were served. (I consider myself a professional cake taster, and these were AMAZING!)  Guests could fill up goodie bags of animal crackers to take home with them, as well!

One of my other favorite moments of the day was Lauren’s dance with her dad.  You can see the pride and joy on both of their faces, as they performed a fun choreographed dance to Paul Simon’s “Father and Daughter”.  Happy tears slid down my smiling face as I snapped away!

And finally – I have to give a huge shoutout to the band, Invitation.  They were seriously AMAZEBALLS, rocking so many different genre’s, and absolutely nailing their first dance song – Wild Horses.

Lauren+Brennan – you two are simply exquisite.  I am so happy that I was able to be part of your Maryland Zoo wedding day, and that you allowed me to capture all the special moments.  I am SO excited for your upcoming honeymoon to Kenya, and can’t wait to see the photos from your luxury safari trip!

Much Love, ♥  tPoz

Ceremony Venue :: Lakeside Pavilion at The Maryland Zoo

Reception Venue :: Mansion House at The Maryland Zoo

Caterer :: Chef’s Expression

Band :: Invitation

Photobooth :: Pixilated Photobooth

Hairstylist :: Wedding Tresses by Mindy Whalen

Dress :: Priscilla of Boston

Bakery :: Sweet 27

Florist :: Violet’s Florist – Connie Clark