Megan and Nick, both financial advisors, met her first day on the job and Megan knew instantly that she’d marry Nick someday. “It only took eight months of sitting next to each other and some begging for Nick to agree to date me,” for destiny to take it’s course! The couple celebrated their nuptials int he Malawi Event Center at Toledo Zoo with especially memorable appearances by safari animals including the giraffe that snacked on 70 pounds of lettuce fed to him by the guests. Classic details complimented the avante garde reception location including stunning white florals by Bartz Viviano Bartz, stationery by Fiddle Stix and a gorgeous Yolan Cris gown. Jenna Nicole Photography was on hand to capture all the details (and giraffes!) in these lovely photographs.
What made the wedding special and unique?
There were a few things that made the wedding special, and ironically, most of them happened by no planning of our own. When we got engaged in April, Nick and I agreed we wanted a fall wedding and did not want to wait until the following year to get married. With this quick timeline, our options were very limited. Luckily, as we searched for reception venues, the Toledo Zoo was building a brand new reception hall in the middle of their African Safari exhibit. Because it did not exist yet, very few people knew about it or looked to reserve it so we easily booked it! The Zoo really made the night memorable with the true stars making their debut during the cocktail hour. Every guest was able to feed the giraffes (70 lbs of lettuce total!) which was a huge hit with everyone. There are more pictures of them than there are of us!
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
The process of finding the dress did not go how I was hoping. I really wanted an A line dress, long sleeves and no beading but when I tried those on, I looked more like a flower girl than a bride. I also had a lot of people with me who all had a different vision of what they imagined I would look like on my wedding day. I was very overwhelmed and no closer to finding “the one”. A few weeks later, I was going to Columbus for a work conference. I knew I was behind on finding a dress, so I called B Loved Bridal (found on my friend’s blog, Bray’s Way) and the owner, Lesley, immediately made an appointment for me. I felt horrible not having my mom or sisters with me but even with the last minute decision, one of my best friends, Mady, joined me. Lesley was AMAZING and locked the doors of the boutique so we could go to town trying on a bunch of gowns. I tried on the Yolan Cris Olivia dress but made customized adjustments so that it could have long sleeves and be in the color I loved. I was nervous because it felt like I was reinventing the wheel, but Lesley was confident that it would work out perfectly and it did! Oh, and I never made it to the work conference…oops.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
Our presider, Father Allen Zobler, made everyone of all faiths feel comfortable. The joy he brought to our ceremony made me never want it to end. The music at the ceremony, done by friends of my family, Nick and Elena De La Torre from the band, Of the Tower, were outstanding. Their talent brings me to tears! Other personal touches were two surprises that Nick and I had for each other at the reception. Nick surprised me with a wine fountain full of Riesling…. I love Riesling! And I surprised him with a smore’s bar.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The ceremony was by far the most memorable part of the day. I put much more time and attention on the ceremony than the reception. I didn’t even attend the cake tastings — thanks Nick and my mom! My dad’s welcome speech was also something I will never forget. Let’s just say he crushed it. Ultimately, having our family and friends gathered in one place celebrating our marriage was our biggest takeaway.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Nick and I met at work. We are both financial advisors and run our practices at the same firm, Savage & Associates. The day I started at Savage, June 1, 2015, I knew we would get married. It only took eight months of sitting next to each other and some begging for Nick to agree to date me. But hey, it all worked out!
Photography: Jenna Nicole Photography // Florist: Bartz Viviano Bartz // Stationery: Fiddle Stix // Reception Venue & Caterer: Toledo Zoo, Malawi Event Center // Ceremony Venue: St. Joan of Arc Church // Wedding Gown Boutique: B.Loved Bridal Boutique // Wedding Gown Designer: Yolan Cris // Makeup: Makeup by Amy Lewis & Co. // Hair: Emily Myers // Wedding Cake: Jane’s Cakes and Confections // Ring Boxes: The Mrs. Box // Ceremony Musicians: Nick and Elena De La Torre // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Rental Company: Meredith Party Rental // Band: Bluewater Kings Band