Angela and Mark’s Wild Wedding at Brookfield Zoo 10.09.11

Angela, Mark, and I are all friends from college.  We sang in choir together all four years, and then continued to do so as founding members of the Wicker Park Choral Singers (Mark is the artistic director and conductor) in the years that followed.  That’s why I was so honored to have been asked to contribute to their wedding day as the coordinator!  During the days leading up to their big day, Chicago was having record number of sun-shiney days, offering the most perfect weather for their October wedding at the Brookfield Zoo.

The day started early as Angela and her bridesmaids met at Angela’s aunt’s home for hair and makeup. There was so much energy and joy in the room as hair stylist, Livia Caporale, and makeup artist, Andie Cumber, worked their magic.

 

Angela slipped into her stunning wedding gown, added some beautiful accessories and then she and the girls–dressed in their pretty autumn-toned dresses–were ready to go!

At Brookfield Zoo, the wedding party relaxed for a few minutes while Mark and Angela shared their first look at Indian Lake.  Photographer, Lukas Drogowski, of Avant Garde Wedding Photography captured this intimate moment so beautifully!

Lukas also caught some great moments with the wedding party during the photo shoot throughout the zoo.  The gorgeous bouquets were created by Shamrock Gardens. Angela’s even featured a peacock feathers throughout to go along with her animal theme!

(do you recognize the bridesmaid in the righthand photo? :))

Taking advantage of an empty merry go round, the wedding party jumped on for one fun ride! A nice reminder that, although we make big choices (like getting married!), it’s always wise to approach them with some fun and joy in your heart, and that is what we see in these pictures!  Pure joy!

Mark and Angela had many wonderful personal touches included in their ceremony. Their good friend officiated, and members of the Wicker Park Choral Singers performed.  Mark and Angela also included their family, wedding party and guests in a sand ceremony that was really touching–and a peacock event paid a visit!  Couldn’t have been more perfect.

With a couple of “I dos” and a kiss these two were married!

After the ceremony the wedding party and guests loaded onto the Motor Safari shuttle to ride through the zoo to Habitat Africa for the cocktail hour. There, Angela and Mark’s guest were able to enjoy a drink and mingle with some giraffes!  Guest of all ages enjoyed the activity. I mean, how cool is that!

After the cocktail hour, guests were shuttled to the Discovery Center to find their escort cards (each table was named after a different animal!) and a fun “guestbook” activity featuring a Polaroid camera, animal masks, and a cork board.  Such a charming way to welcome the guests and get the party started for the evening!

Toast and Jam’s, Rachel Hinsdale, was set to rock the party!  With a groove she announced the wedding party and the newly married couple!

Everyone was treated to a delicious meal at Brookfield Zoo. Throughout the dinner Angela and Marks family gave loving and heartfelt toasts to the guests of honor, and the dance floor was packed for the whole night!  There was so much love and excitement in the room, and Lukas caught so many of those special moments, it was hard to pick just a few to share with you here!

Congrats to Mark and Angela as they continue on their journey together. May it include many more adventures!