Nicholas & Natalie’s October Wedding at the Toledo Zoo
There are some stories that take time to tell. This one — Nicholas and Natalie’s — has been sitting with me for a while. Every time I look back through their gallery, I feel that same rush of emotion I felt on their wedding day. Writing about weddings like this is always daunting because how do you possibly describe a thousand tiny moments, each layered with meaning? But this fall wedding at the Toledo Zoo deserves to be shared — a day full of art, color, and deep connection.
Nicholas and Natalie are the kind of people who live life in full color. Art isn’t just something they admire; it’s a part of who they are. Natalie completed her PhD in medical drawing, and Nicholas writes with the heart of a modern-day poet (his vows had everyone in tears). So when they invited me to photograph their October wedding at the Toledo Zoo, they asked if we could plan something special — something that honored their love for art history.
Together, we created a series of portraits inspired by some of their favorite paintings. Their wedding party — many of them theatre friends — embraced the idea with full enthusiasm. We reimagined classic works like The Anatomy Lesson by Rembrandt, The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David, The School of Athens by Raphael, The Storm by Pierre-Auguste Cot, and Pygmalion and Galatea by Jean-Léon Gérôme. Between these planned portraits and the candid moments that unfolded naturally, the day became a living canvas of love, friendship, and artistry.
The Toledo Zoo offered the perfect setting — beautiful architecture, open spaces, and natural textures that blended seamlessly with the creative energy of the day. We carved out time between events to capture those art-inspired frames without ever taking away from the celebration itself. It was an ideal balance of creativity and connection.
And while those artistic portraits are some of my favorite images I’ve ever created, what I’ll remember most is the love between these two — and the way their friends and family wrapped them in joy all day long. It was a wedding that felt completely, unmistakably them.
Venue: Toledo Zoo – Formal Gardens
Wedding Planner: Bee for the Day
Bridal Designer / Gowns: WONÁ Concept
Bridal Boutique: Avenue 22 Bridal
Officiant: Wedding for the Ages
Hair & Makeup: Lindsay Lee Hair
Florist: Beautiful Blooms by Jen
Formalwear / Menswear: Induere FC
Cake Vendor: Eston’s Bakery
Ceremony Musician: Millenius Strings
Bridesmaid / Wedding Attire: Azazie
Hotel / Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Toledo
Wedding Planner: Bee for the Day
Venue: Toledo Zoo
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
Hair and Makeup: Worthy Salon
Officiant: Wedding for the Ages – James Zeller
Ceremony Strings: Millenius Strings
DJ: Ultimate Nights – Brian Cahill
Florist: Beautiful Blooms By Jen
Cake: Eston’s Bakery
Wedding Party Transportation: Team Johnson Limo
