Sam and Brittany are two of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever meet. They are not only incredibly sweet but also talented in their own unique ways, making them a perfect match. Their love for each other was evident in every moment of their wedding day, and it was an honor to capture their beautiful connection.

One of the most heartfelt moments of the day was their romantic first look, where they shared a moment before walking down the aisle.

It was a beautiful way to soak in the excitement and love before saying “I do.”

Wedding first look in front of Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Couple in wedding attire stands in garden path with greenery.
I Heart Life Photography captured couple shares a joyful first look moment in front of Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
I Heart Life Photography  captured couple shares a joyful first look moment in front of Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Cleveland wedding photographer captured couple shares a joyful first look moment in front of Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Cleveland wedding photographer captured couple shares a joyful first look moment in front of Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
A romantic moment between newlyweds in formal wedding attire standing against a stone wall with green foliage.

Brittany loves pretzels, so right after the first look, one of the groomsmen surprised her with one. Without skipping a beat, she took a bite and enjoyed her wedding day snack—because why not? It was such a fun, laid-back moment that perfectly captured the vibe of the day—all about love, laughter, and just going with the flow!

Weddings at Cleveland Zoo. Bride eating pretzel in front of Stillwater Place.
Weddings at Cleveland Zoo. Bride eating pretzel in front of Stillwater Place. I Heart Life Photography, Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Weddings at Cleveland Zoo. Bride eating pretzel in front of Stillwater Place. I Heart Life Photography, Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Stillwater Place

Sam and Brittany’s wedding was nothing short of spectacular! Held at the stunning Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, their outdoor ceremony was set against a backdrop of lush greenery and breathtaking scenery. They were blessed with perfect weather, making their special day even more magical.

Outdoor wedding ceremony in Cleveland, OH. Stillwater Place, Cleveland Zoo Wedding Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Outdoor wedding ceremony in Cleveland, OH by  by Cleveland Wedding Photographer, I Heart Life Photography. Stillwater Place, Cleveland Zoo
A bridesmaid in a seafoam green jumpsuit holds a soft floral bouquet at outdoor wedding ceremony at Stillwater Place at Cleveland Zoo.
Bride entered the ceremony. Outdoor wedding venue at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Zoo. Wedding photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Bride and her father walks down the aisle at outdoor ceremony wedding venue Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Outdoor wedding ceremony scene with bride in white dress facing officiant at Stillwater Place. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer.
Outdoor summer wedding ceremony venue at Stillwater Place at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer.
Outdoor summer wedding ceremony venue at Stillwater Place at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer.
Outdoor summer wedding ceremony venue at Stillwater Place at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer.
Outdoor summer wedding ceremony venue at Stillwater Place at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer.

Surprise Ring Bearer


One of the most unique and unforgettable moments of the ceremony was how the couple incorporated their guests into the ring exchange. Instead of a traditional ring bearer, they hid the wedding rings under one guest’s chair! In the middle of the ceremony, they asked everyone to check under their seats, and the lucky guest who found the rings got the honor of bringing them forward. The excitement and surprise on everyone’s faces made this such a special and interactive moment, creating a truly memorable experience for all!

Surprise ring bearer at outdoor ceremony at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wedding. Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Surprise ring bearer at outdoor ceremony at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wedding. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Surprise ring bearer at outdoor ceremony at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wedding. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Surprise ring bearer at outdoor ceremony at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wedding. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Surprise ring bearer at outdoor ceremony at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wedding. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Surprise ring bearer at outdoor ceremony at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wedding. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Surprise ring bearer at outdoor ceremony at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wedding. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer
Surprise ring bearer at outdoor ceremony at Stillwater Place, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wedding. Photos by Cleveland Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photos on the Carousel at the Cleveland Zoo

After the ceremony, we captured some beautiful and fun wedding photos on the iconic carousel at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This charming spot adds a touch of whimsy and nostalgia, making a wedding at Stillwater Place truly unique.

Wedding party celebrates joyfully while walking down a path to Carousel at Cleveland Zoo. Outdoor summer wedding venue.
Wedding party dressed in grey suits and mint green dresses celebrates joyfully at an outdoor venue.
Joyful moment captured on a vintage carousel ride at an amusement park with colorful decorative elements.
A romantic couple sharing a kiss on a vintage carousel with lion and deer decorative animals in the background.
Wedding party in gray and blue attire poses on vintage carousel bench during outdoor celebration.
Vintage carousel featuring colorful horses and animals on ornate poles inside an amusement park pavilion.
A wedding party poses joyfully in front of a vintage carousel with string lights overhead and decorative railings.
A wedding party in light beige and mint green attire poses together on outdoor stone steps near green trees.
Wedding party in light blue bridesmaid dresses and beige suits pose playfully outdoors at venue with stone pillars and greenery.

Wedding Reception at Cleveland Zoo - Stillwater Place

The dance floor was packed all night as guests brought incredible energy and excitement! This crowd didn’t just dance—they put on a show with backflips, back handsprings, and high-energy moves that kept the celebration going strong. It was an unforgettable wedding reception filled with non-stop fun and amazing moments!

Wedding party members dancing energetically in matching light blue dresses on a dance floor with blue ambient lighting.
Dancing couple celebrates on wooden dance floor during wedding reception while DJ performs at booth in background.
A couple stands together at their wedding ceremony in front of a rustic stone fireplace with illuminated name sign.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating together on a wooden dance floor with energetic poses and festive attire.
Wedding celebration at reception venue with people gathered around brightly lit champagne tower display.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on the dance floor at an energetic reception party in black and white photography.
A dancer in a white dress performs a split while holding an inflatable light stick during a wedding reception on a hardwood floor.
Three friends pose together on the dance floor at a wedding reception with colorful lighting in the background.
Wedding reception guests dancing on a wooden dance floor under colored lights in an indoor venue with live band entertainment.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a polished wooden dance floor with green ambient lighting in an indoor venue.
Break dancer performs a head spin move on wooden dance floor at a party surrounded by onlookers.
A dancer performs an impressive aerial flip on a wooden dance floor while party guests watch from the sidelines.
People dancing and socializing on a polished wooden dance floor in a bright indoor venue with arched windows.
Dancers perform breakdancing moves on a polished wooden dance floor under neon heart lighting at an indoor event.
People dancing and having fun at an indoor reception venue with hardwood floors and decorative brick walls.
Couple in white outfits and sunglasses dancing together at an event with a neon heart sign glowing in the background.

Planning Your Dream Wedding?

I’d love to help you capture every beautiful moment! If you’re looking for a Cleveland wedding photographer who specializes in vibrant, candid, and editorial-style wedding photography, let’s connect. Contact me today to book your wedding photography experience!