Bet you weren’t expecting to see a real penguin as a wedding now, were you!? Or maybe you were after their wedding ceremony at the zoo. Well, there was in fact a few live animals in attendance at Lauren and Brennan’s wedding from tPoz Photography, along with some safari inspired table decor. The paper goods? Designed by the bride herself! And the details don’t stop there. A cupcake bar, animal cracker favors, and oh does the list go on. You’ll just have to see for yourself!

From Lauren: We found lots of old fashioned suitcases to use for displays, and I did most of the graphic design for all the print pieces inspired by vintage postcards and old-fashioned nature reference manuals. Of course, when you say you’re having your wedding at a zoo, people instantly want to load up on animal prints; I kept insisting that the only animal print I wanted was in the bridemaids shoes, but my mom went a little nuts with some of the table decor.

I made the placecard holders by spray painting little animal figures a pearlescent white and cutting a notch in them.

The main priority was FUN! We wanted everyone to have a memorable time, so we got a photobooth, an amazing band, an open bar, and a penguin and alligator to attend the cocktail hour.

Lauren’s advice to other DC-area couples:

Delegate. If you have relatives helping pay for the wedding, they are going to have some input! So figure out whats important to say, your mother-in-law, and let her have some ownership of that aspect of the wedding. You can’t have total control over every major detail, and you do need to make other people feel involved.

The following Washington, DC area wedding vendors contributed to Lauren and Brennan’s wedding:

Venue: The Maryland Zoo
Caterer: Chef’s Expressions
Photographer: tPoz Photography
Floral Designer: Violets Florist by Connie Clark
Music: Invitation the Band
Cupcakes: Sweet 27 Cafe
Limo Service: ZBest Limo
Hair: Wedding Tresses
Dress: Priscilla of Boston
Alterations: Jill Andrews Gowns

Don’t forget to visit our vendor guide for more fabulous Washington, DC area wedding professionals or our real wedding gallery for more beautiful Washington, DC area weddings!

Photo Credits: tPoz Photography

Submitted via Two Bright Lights