When most couples think about their dream wedding venue, they imagine ballrooms or gardens, but Blake and Brittany had something completely different in mind. The San Antonio Zoo became the backdrop for their wildly creative celebration, where reception guests dined with views of flamingos from The Great Lawn and butterfly-costumed dancers on stilts welcomed everyone into the party outside the Butterfly Pavilion!
Their wedding planner Becky Navarro of Pearl Events Austin was inspired by this one-of-a-kind venue to incorporate zoo-inspired details that had us absolutely swooning from the save the date to the late night snacks. Pink Champagne Designs created a stunning invitation suite featuring hand-painted zoo animals like giraffes, tigers, and flamingos on the envelope liner, plus the cutest butterfly die cut RSVP card we’ve ever seen!
But here’s the moment that truly captured our hearts: Blake and Brittany’s first look wasn’t your typical moment at the venue or hotel. “My favorite moment was feeding the giraffes with Blake, right after our first look. We were able to spend precious time alone before the night started and it was absolutely amazing. I will forever cherish that moment!” Brittany shared. And can we talk about those photos with the giraffes by Caroline Lima? They look worthy of National Geographic!
We’ll forever be obsessed with this vibrant color palette! The bridesmaids looked absolutely radiant in mix-and-match orange and hot pink tones, while the florals brought in bright purples and yellows. Then, the linens & furniture mixed in turquoise and magenta. This perfect balance of bright colors could only be achieved by an expert wedding designer. Speaking of her, Brittany had nothing but praise: “Becky Navarro at Pearl Events was everything and more. The day would not have happened without her. A friend and planner rolled into one – we LOVE her.“
The couple honored their Jewish faith with meaningful traditions throughout their celebration. For their ceremony, men wore black zoo animal printed kippahs (how perfect is that?), and they exchanged vows under a stunning floral Chuppah by Statue of Design. The couple also held a Ketubah signing ceremony with immediate family and close friends prior to the wedding ceremony.
The outdoor reception felt as magical as its setting perched with rainforest-inspired florals and unique centerpieces featuring natural wood branches. Austin Event Lighting added specialty lighting that kept the guests dancing to the tunes of Matchmaker Band into the late night.
For the menu created by the SA Zoo’s in-house catering team, the couple served classic zoo fare that had everyone smiling, including red and white striped popcorn boxes during cocktail hour and hot dogs as a late night snack. But the wedding cakes were true centerpieces of the reception. The Painted Cake hand-painted scenes of zoo animals on the main cake, while a hyper-realistic cake of the couple’s dog Tovey wearing a University of Texas collar brought in the most adorable personal touch.
Scroll through the stunning photo gallery below and don’t miss the wedding video by Crescent Films. This celebration is pure joy from start to finish and won’t be topped for a long time!
Fashion Details: Bride’s Wedding Gown –
Other Local Vendors:
San Antonio Zoo, Pearl Events Austin, Caroline Lima Photography, Crescent Films, The Painted Cake, Perch Event Décor, Premiere Events, Matchmaker Band, Moontower Entertainment, Terra Vista Strings, Uptown Valet & Transportation, Makeup Maven And Company, Pink Champagne Designs, Julian Gold Bridal, Josephs Men's Store, The St. Anthony Hotel, Canopy San Antonio, Hanley Wood Fine Gifts, Moon Mippy Stationery
