Wedding at the Zoo!
Melissa and Ryan are such a sweet, fun couple! Their ceremony at St. Brendan’s was beautiful and meaningful. From there we went to Lakewood park for photos and video. We were worried that the weather forecast would doom the day to rain, but instead we got…90+ degree heat! Wo! Melissa and Ryan and their bridal party braved the heat and the mayflies with joy. We especially loved the moments we captured of them looking through a long distance telescope perusing the skyline of Cleveland in the distance.
From there we were off to Stillwater Place at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This one-year old venue is stunning! It sits on the edge of a lake with an outdoor patio and fireplace. Inside it has large beams and a vaulted ceiling and sported a light-projected image of Ryan and Melissa’s name and their wedding date on the lodge-inspired wall behind their sweetheart table. A friend made one of the most unique wedding cakes we have seen. Not only was it a legitimately amazing-tasting cake, but it was decorated with zoo animal silhouettes and topped with two alligators dressed as a bride and groom. We also loved, loved, loved their live band The Bluewater Kings. They were great to film, great to meet, and great to dance to!
Our favorite part of the day, though, was filming Melissa and Ryan with their bridal party riding the zoo Circle of Wildlife carousel. How fun! After that they entered the reception hall with zoo workers with various live animals to meet and pet. As the night continued on it was a delight to see, just before we headed home, guests in a circle surrounding the couple as they danced.
Blessings on a wonderful life together, Melissa and Ryan!
Melissa & Ryan’s Wedding Film from For Real Wedding Films on Vimeo.
Here are some of the delightful vendors we had the privilege to work with:
Photography: Peak Moments Wedding Photography (including the wonderful thumbnail portrait above)
Venue: Stillwater Place
Wedding Band: Bluewater Kings
Video Music provided by Song Freedom & The Music Bed
Ceremony: St. Brendan Parish