Intimate Summer Garden Wedding at Como Zoo | Katelyn + Thomas

Katelyn and Thomas had the most beautiful sunny day for their intimate summer garden wedding at Como Zoo’s outdoor Enchanted Garden. This wedding was extra special because I also had the joy of photographing Katelyn’s sister’s wedding, so being invited back by their family felt like such an honor! Planning from out of state, Katelyn and Thomas envisioned a laid-back celebration that was centered on their love and surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Bride putting on makeup in the mirror before first look.
Bride and groom's first look in front of green trees as they hold hands and the groom is smiling widely as he looks at his bride.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand with bride holding onto her dress and groom in a blue suit.
Bride and groom facing each other and pressing noses together.
Bride and groom walking together on the pathway along the pond at the enchanted garden at Como Zoo.
Bride and groom leaning together surrounded by greenery of the flowers in the garden.
Groom standing behind bride with his arms around her as they stand in front of the Enchanted Gardens at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Zoo.
Bride and groom outdoor portraits at Como Zoo with the groom standing behind the bride and their heads pressed together.
Bride and groom sitting on steps with bride leaning back into the groom while he kisses her cheek.
Bride and groom on balcony of the Majorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Zoo.
Black and white photo of the couple walking hand in hand with their backs to the camera.

One of the most meaningful moments of Katelyn and Thomas’s ceremony was a traditional bread breaking, a Polish custom symbolizing prosperity and unity.  

Bride and groom holding hands during garden ceremony with blue skies and big, fluffy clouds at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
Wildflower bridal bouquet with sunflowers.
Bride and groom bread breaking tradition during wedding ceremony at Como Zoo.
Intimate wedding ceremony in the enchanted gardens of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
Close-up of groom placing ring on bride's finger during garden ceremony at Como Zoo.
Groom lifting his and bride's arms into the air after ceremony in enchanted garden at Como Zoo.
Black and white photo of the back of the bride standing in a garden surrounded by leaves at Como Zoo.
Bride and groom standing in front of fountain surrounded by greenery at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Zoo.
Bride sitting on edge of fountain with a boy leaning forward with an excited look as he peers into the fountain.

Following the vows, the reception took place in the Ordway Garden and Bonsai Pavilion, a stunning glass-enclosed space where guests dined among the display of bonsai trees. The couple also included a special nod to their time living in Uganda, incorporating elements of the culture into their centerpieces. 

Glass-enclosed reception at Como Zoo with guest tables and vibrant centerpieces.
Colorful dessert table of cakes and fruit with bouquets of wildflowers.
Wildflower centerpiece surrounded by handmade animals from Uganda at Como Zoo wedding.
Bride and groom sitting at sweetheart table during reception leaning together for a kiss.

As the night came to a close, Katelyn and Thomas slipped outside for breathtaking portraits in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, a perfect ending to their celebration.

Black and white photo of bride and groom sitting back to back on a bench at Como Zoo.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand in front of the Majorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Zoo.
Groom dipping bride into a kiss with the bride's dress flowing down in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory building.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand at Como Zoo outdoor garden towards the carousel.

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