Elephants, Engagements & Ever After

Every once in a while, we find someone whose presence alone brings such joy and familiarity into our lives that we simply can’t imagine a future without them. This was how it felt for Mary and Jonathan from the moment they had their first date. After talking for a bit on a popular dating app, the two knew they wanted to meet. And as they both shared a love for animals, namely elephants, they decided that the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield was the perfect place for their first rendezvous. What started with a stroll around the zoo, quickly turned into a thirteen-hour first date. Mary credits the lengthiness of their first encounter to the fact that they loved being around each other so much. Shopping, dinner and a lengthy chat later and the two couldn’t deny their instant connection.

Much like for their first date, Jonathan whisked Mary away to the St. Louis Zoo for a special date between appointments while they were in the city. He knew her fondness for the elephants was strong, and he couldn’t imagine a more fitting place than one similar to their first date to pop the question. Just outside the elephant enclosure, Jonathan got down on one knee and asked Mary to be his wife. Mary couldn’t wait to say yes. And with that, the two couldn’t wait to set out on their path of wedding planning, which would prove to be a short one as they set their special date for a mere six months in the future.

The happy couple decided to hold their nuptials at the Greenhouse Two Rivers. Mary credits this decision to the venue’s effortless, natural beauty and the curb appeal without need for decorations. She loved that the blank canvas itself was gorgeous alone, but that the option to provide a personal touch to their big day was there and available should they choose to. When it came to planning their big day, Mary said she turned to the usual suspects to help her in her vision for her ceremony and reception – Pinterest, Etsy and Amazon were big helps in finding inspiration and vendors alike.

The bride recounts a special moment that made her day all the more special. She wanted to have something present that represented all of her grandparents who couldn’t be present at her wedding day. So on the front row of their ceremony, each grandparent had a photo to reserve their seats and special tributes to represent their interests and passions. One of her grandmother’s biggest passions was cardinals. And much to her surprise and joy, as her love of animals is prevalent, as Mary walked into her wedding the morning of, she saw two different cardinals residing in trees just outside the venue. She knew that her grandparents were there with her.

Playing to the natural beauty that encompassed their relationship from the start and the venue itself, the couple decided to do a sand ceremony during their vows to help commemorate their big day. Most couples opt for two separate sand colors, each color representing the bride and groom. However, Mary and Jonathan knew they wanted a different spin on this, so they chose to utilize three colors – one for Mary, one for Jonathan and one for God. The couple places a vast importance on the presence of God in their marriage, and they wanted to showcase their devotion to each other and the Lord on their wedding day. Mary says it was one of the most special moments of their ceremony.

In addition to their love of animals, the two also share a special love of coffee and trying new places together. That passion for all things espresso lead to them choosing coffee beans for their wedding favor. They couldn’t think of anything more perfect. From the perfect venue to the love of a lifetime, their entire day was perfection from start to finish. Mary notes one of her favorite moments as their last dance, that they shared in private between just the two of them and their photographer. It was intimate and special, a moment they’ll never forget. It’s something that Mary encourages future brides and grooms to do. She recommends focusing on what is important to you and your spouse. Do it as you envision, as you want, not according to the rule book. There’s no right way to get married. If you want to elope, do it. If you want to marry beside the elephants at a zoo, do it. However you dream it, that’s how it should be. That’s exactly how Mary and Jonathan ushered in their marriage, from elephants to engagements to happily ever after.

*For Publication in Metropolitan Weddings Magazine