I was on vacation in India when I got Marcie & John’s inquiry for their elopement at the Nashville Zoo. We were a week out from the big day and I just knew I had to break my rule about no work on vacation to reply. I was 11 1/2 hours ahead when we scheduled our time to video chat. Morning for me, and night for them. They told me about their vision. How they wanted something quick and simple that showed off the lights of Zoolumination.

I loved everything about this Nashville Zoo elopement and I was immediately in. Marcie & John’s elopement was probably the fastest turn around I’ve ever had from booking to big day. It was less than a week! It was the first time in a long time I’d had an elopement entirely with my flash. The best part about being at the Nashville Zoo during this time was all the lights. Everything was just so covered in light and whimsy.

Marcie really embraced the idea of whimsy and adventure with her celestial themed dress and leather jacket. She and John headed to the Zoo a few days before to find all the perfect spots since I was out of the country until right before their elopement and wasn’t able to scout myself.

We started with the bride and groom portraits. Then Marcie, John, Daniella (my assistant) and I made our way to the ceremony location. After a simple but beautiful ceremony with all of their loved ones the group of us went to the carousel at the zoo and the wedding party took a ride together! The employees even made it so that handicapped guests could enjoy that experience with Marcie & John.

As we were heading out to La Hacienda for dinner Marcie spotted a bubble gun. Now, if you know me, you know how much I love bubbles. They photograph so well, so of course, I had Marcie and John take some images with their new bubble gun. They turned out to be some of my favorite of the night.

Take a peek at some of these beautiful Nashville Zoo Elopement inspiration photos!

Dahlia Orchid Photography is an elopement and wedding photographer based out of Nashville, TN. Book your Nashville elopement today!