Mia + Brian | Maryland Zoo Wedding | Baltimore Wedding Photographer

What do penguins and two people in love have in common? Maybe a few things but today it’s Mia and Brian’s Maryland Zoo Mansion House wedding! Two years ago, I had the privilege of photographing Mia’s sister’s wedding (Michaela + DJ’s Rolling Roads Country Club Wedding) and I was absolutely thrilled when Mia and Brian chose me to photograph their wedding day too! Leading up to their day, we were anxiously checking the weather as we had storms in the forecast. The original plan for the ceremony (if the weather cooperated) was for it to be held down by the pond. The Maryland Zoo Mansion House has a built in backup plan for the ceremony to be held inside in the reception space which has beautiful natural light as large windows surround the building. I always recommend to engaged couples to make sure they love both the ceremony space and their backup/alternative space in case weather causes their main plan to change as rain is something we can’t predict!

Mia and Brian ultimately didn’t have rain on their day which allowed us to do the first look and portraits outside while the ceremony remained inside. During the first look, Brian complained of allergies but we all know that the tears were all filled with joy when he and Mia saw each other. Mia is absolutely stunning and has a smile that lights up the room! She didn’t hold back when the emotions of the day hit but also allowed herself to enjoy the day too. Brian planned a little surprise for Mia by having a banner made with their wedding details for the couple to run through as they entered the reception. Mia and Brian enjoy running and racing together so this was such a sweet gesture!

After the ceremony, the zoo staff brought a special guest, Eddie the penguin to interact and take a few photos with Mia and Brian! She was a rockstar and enjoyed being petted by the couple although she did try to take a bite out of Mia’s bracelet too (the staff said that shiny objects remind penguins of fish)! We also had the opportunity to take advantage of the private zoo tour where the venue coordinator drove the couple and photographer via golf cart throughout the zoo including a few areas that are no longer open to the public. Mia and Brian had some fun getting into one of the cages and pretending to lock each other in before taking some romantic photos by a beautiful stone wall that was part of the original zoo.

I absolutely loved being Mia and Brian’s wedding photographer for their Maryland Zoo wedding in Baltimore! Having the opportunity to see Mia’s family again since Michaela’s wedding a few years ago and just soaking in the energy,emotion, and love for Mia and Brian was incredible! Congratulations Mia and Brian!