Last November, I had the privilege of photographing an old friend’s wedding at Como Zoo and Conservancy. When I say that these two are the sweetest, most genuine couple I have ever met, I mean it. I knew that was how Jackelyn was when we were on the swim team together decades ago. What I didn’t know was that she found that in her partner, Cody. In every interaction I have had with both of them, I have been so blown away by their love for one another.
Jackelyn and I met in Middle School. We were in choir and on the swim team together and we spent a lot of time together in the summer. Jackelyn and her family moved to the Twin Cities when we were in high school and I quickly lost track of her. A few years ago, Jackelyn and I reconnected on social media. Jackelyn is the biggest advocate for her students and I was so inspired by what she had to say on social media. For those of you who don’t know, I am also a teacher and love seeing how many of my old friends also became teachers. Before I knew it, I learned that she was engaged. These two met in college while they were at UW-River Falls. Oddly enough, my school has been temporarily located on the UWRF campus since the spring of last year. Many of the stories that Jackelyn shares of her early years with Cody are so many of the same places that my husband and I visit today. It seemed like crossing paths again was bound to happen.
In typical Minnesota fashion, the weather was incredibly unpredictable for their late fall wedding. I was prepared for the cold. Bundled up in a sweater, my heavy fall coat, and equipped with hats and gloves for the evening, I was ready for anything… except for the tropical temperatures inside the wedding venue. It didn’t dawn on me for a second that it would be warm inside of Como Zoo and Conservancy - despite the fact that I’ve been there before. Shockingly enough, the outside temperatures during the day were balmy. I arrived for the wedding early and enjoyed the last moments of warm sun that we were fortunate to have in the Midwest this year.
Jackelyn and Cody could not have picked a more perfect venue for their intimate wedding. Como Zoo and Conservancy is one of my favorite indoor locations for a wedding. Not only that, the spaces around the building are gorgeous!
The wedding space is updated every season with flowers that fit for the time of year and those are spectacular installments for your wedding day. Add in the amazing floral arrangements that were created for Jackelyn and Cody by Ediflorial and the plant lover in me was elated.
The vows these two shared surrounded by their loved ones were so personal. In keeping with their theme of an intimate wedding, Jackelyn and Cody were vulnerable in their vows making for one of the most romantic weddings I have ever witnessed.
After a perfect ceremony, everyone headed to Jackelyn’s parents’ house for the reception. In true pandemic wedding fashion, this was a change of plans that ended up being so perfect for this couple. As the sun went down, the night air became chilly and it helped set the tone for the atmosphere of the reception that Jackelyn and Cody so thoughtfully created. From the charcuterie boards on every table, the magazine-worthy centerpieces, the cozy fire with blankets, the chili dinner, to the fall scented candles that filled their tent, this couple created a vibe that felt like the coffee house we all love.
Jackelyn spoke so highly of all of her wedding vendors that I wanted to include a list of her vendor team here. Check them out - they truly helped Jackelyn and Cody have the perfect wedding day.
Florals: Ediflorial
Desserts: Sugardust and Sprinkles
Dress: Luxe Bridal
Jewelry: Amanda Michelle
Candles: Slow Burn Candles
Ring: EC Design