Bride Lili described her and her husband John’s wedding as Wes Anderson meets Safari. Crazy combination, we know, but you guys are going to eat it up… trust us!! It truly was a color explosion; John in a bright red suit, a lime green bar, an orange retro phone booth, endless unique details, and THREE dresses! You’re in for a ride!!
The couple opted for a brunch wedding, and instead of dancing, they bought everyone a zoo ticket and went to the zoo did after the ceremony!! With seventies influences and an eclectic color palette, this wedding is truly one of a kind. With the help of RCC events, florals by Scentsational Florals, and photography by Alicia Wiley, this couple was able to live out the wedding of their dreams at the Maryland Zoo… Go on and check it out!!
John + Lili’s Big Day
This bride wore the coolest Gucci shoes for her big day and if this is ANY insight as to how cool the rest of their wedding is going to go… you should know you’re in for a treat!
The coolest invitation suite we’ve ever seen! Curious when’s the right time to send your wedding invitation? GWS created a guide just for you!
This bride surprised her husband with a “first look dress”… but actually walked down the aisle in a different dress to surprise him all over again! Now, how’s that for a first look!!
John wore a custom all-red suit, bolo tie, bracelets, broaches, and hair danglies. He did a Viking-inspired hairstyle and he got cool matching red & black spiked shoes to match his outfit!
Bride Lili wore three dresses throughout the day… you heard that right, THREE! We asked if she could share a little bit about each gown:
“I wore 3 dresses because I’m a psychopath. I did a “first look” dress so John thought he’d already seen everything there is to see, then I surprised him with my main wedding dress as I came down the aisle. Finally, I changed into a short dress and doc martens for the zoo. I was thinking of doing a 25-foot veil but ultimately opted for an understated 15 feet. 😉 “
The bride also shares that she wore these fun gold finger shields and her crown gave her the worst headache of her life but admits: It was totally worth it 10/10 wouldn’t change a thing!
A Walk Down the Aisle
Processional: A very jacked up choral/electronica/classical/badass version of Claire de Lune
Recessional: Overdrive by Blitz
First Dance: Blue Skies by Brent Spiner
How sweet are these two as they exchange their vows!
Lili: walking down the aisle I was like, "who is that crying??" .... it was me. I'm really not a cryer at all, so I surprised myself. I felt completely overwhelmed with love not only from John, but with everyone in the room and everything in my life that brought me here.
John; my favorite portion of the day was watching Lili come down the aisle her new dress and crown blew me away!
They did it! These two are finally husband and wife!
Waddling to the Reception
The cutest penguin joined in on the reception fun to show guests what they had to look forward to at the zoo!
These bridesmaids truly rocked the mismatched color memo!!!
From the veil to the crown, to the beautifully dramatic gown, this bride has it all!
Pretty sure the bride is actually a princess in secret. I mean it would only make sense!! Look at that glow!
Finally! The Carpenters!
“We’ve been to a LOT of weddings and they’re all special and memorable in their own unique ways, we felt like we didn’t want to be tethered to any wedding convention and just do something that we as a couple would have a blast doing.
We love animals, so we chose to do our wedding at a conservation-focused and accredited zoo! We really just wanted to get all the people we love in one room, decorate the shit out of everything, see some awesome animals and walk around the zoo.”
So obsessed with the pops of orange found in the decor and the floral arrangements!
Now THIS is a bar we want to visit!!
The Reception Decor
Possibly the most creative and colorful reception design we’ve seen! With shades of green dressing the tables, warm golden glassware, and wacky candles to adorn each tabletop… this decor sure is memorable!
Want more fun, colorful, tablescape design ideas? We’ve got you!!
Okay, how fun is this wedding cake?! Perfect for their zoo-themed special day!!
I know it sounds trite, but do what YOU want to do. And be careful to surround yourself with people who love you and support you.
Dress number 3 is giving the ultimate retro vibes and we are SO into it!!
Bridal jackets are all the rage… but what’s even cooler is getting a matching one with your significant other!!
John and Lili shared that their wedding vendors EXECUTED their dreams to reality! Appreciate your team, folks!!!
“It’s incredible how much our fellow wedding-industry workers GIVE of themselves, their emotional energy, their time, their creative vision, how much of THEIR lives they spend celebrating other people. Truly, they are really GIVING more than what we pay them for. Love your hired team on your wedding day and after, they deserve all the hype.”
Thank you to L + J for sharing their magical day with us! GWS wishes you many happy and healthy years to come!
photography: Alicia Wiley Photography // venue name: Maryland Zoo, Baltimore, Maryland, USA // planning: RCC Events // florals: Scentsational Florals // bride's shoes: Gucci // hair stylist: Baltimore Bridal Hair // makeup artist: Beat by Gabs // catering: Eleven Course Catering // specialty rentals: Something Vintage // music: Phil Phest Events
Such a cool couple !!