There are some wedding venues that feel like they were made for the couple, and Melina and Keith’s wedding at the Calgary Zoo was exactly that! From a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the Dorothy Harvie Gardens, to an incredible reception in the Safari Lodge, their day was filled with sunshine, adventure, heartfelt moments, and so much fun!
You may also remember Melina and Keith—and the ADORABLE Denver—from their engagement session! And yes, Denver made an “appearance” on the wedding day too. Keep reading to see how!
A First Look in the Enmax Conservatory
Melina and Keith began their wedding day with a first look inside the Enmax Conservatory. Surrounded by plants galore and beautiful natural light, it was the perfect setting for a quiet moment together before the excitement of the day really began.
After their first look, we had plenty of time to wander around the zoo for portraits. One of my favourite things about having a Calgary Zoo wedding venue is that your wedding photos can be so much more than traditional portraits! We explored the zoo, took photos with their bridal party, and made plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful afternoon. Aand, of course, the animals (and dinosaurs!) along the way.
Their bridal party was also absolutely incredible. They were completely down for anything, which made exploring the zoo together even more fun! We saw giraffes, wild peacocks, and plenty of other animals throughout the day, making their portrait time feel more like an adventure than a traditional wedding photo session.
An Outdoor Ceremony in the Dorothy Harvie Gardens
If there is one thing I will always love, it is an outdoor wedding ceremony. And an outdoor ceremony at the Calgary Zoo is next level!
Melina and Keith exchanged vows in the Dorothy Harvie Gardens, surrounded by beautiful greenery and gardens. After an overcast morning, the skies cleared just in time to give us the most beautiful sunny afternoon.
It was such a gorgeous setting for their ceremony and fit their day perfectly. There was something extra special about watching these two say their vows surrounded by their favourite people, with the beauty of the zoo all around them. A champagne toast following their vows was the perfect way to ring in the celebration.
A Safari Lodge Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, portraits, and family photos, everyone headed back to Safari Lodge to continue the celebration.
The Safari Lodge was the perfect place to bring everyone together. The space kept the zoo experience at the heart of their day while still feeling elegant and intimate. Their blue and white colour palette was classic and beautiful, while the personal details made the reception feel completely theirs.
And, of course, we can’t forget Denver! One of my favourite little details was their precious pup featured right on their wedding cake. After getting to photograph him during their engagement session, it only felt right that Denver had a starring role on the wedding day too. Obviously, he needed to be included somehow!
A Wedding Filled With So Much Love
One thing that stood out throughout Melina and Keith’s wedding day was just how loved these two are! Family and friend speeches were incredibly heartfelt, and there were definitely more than a few tears throughout the room. It was so obvious how adored they are, and how excited everyone was to celebrate their marriage.
And then came the dancing!
The dance floor was hopping! Everyone was ready to celebrate, and the energy continued well into the evening. After such a heartfelt day, it was the perfect way to end the night.
Congratulations, Melina & Keith!
Melina and Keith, thank you for allowing me to be part of your incredible wedding day. Your wedding was beautiful, joyful, adventurous, and completely you. I am honoured to be a part of it!
Congratulations, you two! ♡
Why the Calgary Zoo Is Such a Unique Wedding Venue
If you’re searching for a Calgary Zoo wedding venue, the Calgary Zoo offers so many opportunities to create a wedding day that feels completely different from a traditional venue.
Where else can you have your first look surrounded by lush greenery, wander through the zoo for portraits, get married in a beautiful garden, see giraffes and peacocks throughout the day, and then celebrate your reception at Safari Lodge?
It’s more than just a wedding venue, it’s an experience.
And for couples who want their wedding day to feel adventurous, laid-back, and entirely their own, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting. Ready to make your day your own? Contact me to learn more!
Vendors who helped make this day amazing!
Brittany Anne Photography — Photography — @brittanyannephotos
Calgary Zoo — Ceremony & Reception Venue — @thecalgaryzoo
Belleza by Juli — Hair & Makeup — @bellezabyjuli
Revolution Entertainment Inc. — DJ — @revolutionentertainmentcompany
Chartier Specialty Sweets — Cake — @chartieryyc
Melina & Keith — Bride & Groom — @melinapajor
Tamara — Officiant — @tamarajuju
