Romantic Wedding at Santa Barbara Zoo with Vintage Rolls Royce

bride and groom kiss during their portrait session at their Santa Barbara Zoo Wedding

Jessica + Aaron Get Married at the Santa Barbara Zoo

This gorgeous couple wasn’t planning on a Covid-19 wedding…

Their original wedding date was April 26th. Quickly after the Shelter-in-Place went into effect they knew they had to postponed. With hopeful hearts they chose June 26th. By mid-June they knew it was time to change the date again but with a twist: they would move the celebration to June 2021 BUT would elope at the zoo within the week! After all, they had a marriage license and an officiant so they were all set!

Bride Getting Ready

Plans changed and Jessica and Aaron needed to pivot into a Covid-19 wedding but Jessica was having a ball getting ready! She drank champagne as her makeup artist did her makeup. She called her girlfriends and had quick chats with all of them. I photographed all the cute details they incorporated into their day: gorgeous velvet green Jimmy Choo shoes, vows books, and the groom made the bouquet and boutonnieres! They even bought the most gorgeous cake that their artist friend painted a la Jackson Pollack style!

Groom Getting Ready

Let’s not forget about the handsome groom! Aaron was so happy that his parents could attend and be there are he got ready.

The First Look

Even though they got ready at their home they wanted a special moment with the First Look. You can tell from Aaron’s face that it was worth the wait! And though the day was not the big wedding they had originally planned doesn’t mean they couldn’t show up in style in a gorgeous vintage Rolls Royce.

Ceremony at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Masks and social distancing protocols in effect! Jessica’s mother drove all the way down from Washington state overnight to attend their elopement. Knowing her mother could attend, they quickly asked Aaron’s parents to attend. They were so excited to be able to celebrate with all their parents there! And if you want to learn more about having a wedding at the Santa Barbara Zoo check out my guide!