Page 26 - Mega Bridal Issue

Say I Do at the Zoo

By Judith A. Habert
Contribution and photos courtesy of Dani Dodge Medlin and San Diego Zoo, Global

He just popped the question and all you can think about is planning over twelve years working in the event
the perfect wedding. Unlike your friends and relatives, the thought industry in hotels, associations and
of a traditional setting for that traditional wedding is just a bit too amusement parks. These previous
tame for you. Some may contemplate what may be least traditional, positions made her well qualified in
perhaps jumping out of a plane hand in hand while saying your the event industry and she jumped at
vows, or skiing down a mountain top or maybe even an African the opportunity to work in her current
safari. Too bizarre you may say? Perhaps, and it is often difficult to position where her responsibilities
get the family to agree to such an exciting activity. Luckily, you can include marketing, team management,
experience the adventure, beauty and excitement in a much safer sales, and event execution for over 500 annual events planned in
and practical environment. San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo over 300,000 square ft of event space.
Safari Park may be the perfect location to bring the adventure to
your doorstep. We had a fun filled day starting at the San Diego Zoo and ending
While researching wedding options in our town it turned out to be with a Caravan Safari, at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which
gave us the opportunity to
meet some potential four
legged wedding guests
including beautiful giraffes,
flamingos, zebras, cheetahs,
elephants and Rhinos.
Unlike what many imagine
when the thought of a zoo
wedding is discussed, it is
truly one of the most elegant
choices you can have when
planning your nuptials. The
26 San Diego Zoo and San
Diego Zoo Safari Park are
the perfect places for unique,
romantic weddings that are
just a touch “wild.” Engaged
couples can say “I do” over-
looking a vast savanna while
rhinos, giraffes, and gazelles
roam in the distance or they
can have their first photo
as newlyweds taken on
the edge of a lush, tropical
lagoon filled with rare birds
and exotic plants. Couples
can even choose to have an
elephant herd as their back-
drop. They even have the
my younger daughter, Jaime, who provided me with an option I option to invite a furry or feathery friend from among many animal
had not known about. Luckily due to a hospitality class she was ambassadors, such as a cheetah, for some one-of-a-kind wedding
attending at Mesa College she had the luck of meeting Angie Kemp, photos!
CPCE who is the Director of Event Sales for San Diego Zoo Global, Zoo and Safari Park staff helps brides and grooms create a dream
who provided an informational presentation to her class. wedding that comes with a lifetime of beautiful memories. An expe-
rienced event coordinator assists every step of the way from venue
I had not known the possibility of having a wedding at the San selection to décor possibilities and menu options. The talented
Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park until she attended this executive chefs at the Zoo and Safari Park have created a wide
class. Of course, wanting to know more, I got in touch directly with range of menu choices with fresh, tasty selections that offer wed-
Angie who was willing to share this unique wedding venue with our ding guests the best of the season.
readers. Angie introduced me to Dani Dodge Medlin, Senior Public
Relations Representative for San Diego Zoo Global and plans were There are a number of venues at the parks to choose from; gourmet
made for us to receive the total Zoo wedding experience, minus the food, breathtaking backdrops and amazing photographs which will
I Do’s, Groom, and guest list. truly set your wedding apart. All guests are provided free entry into
the Zoo or Safari Park on the day of the event so they can come
A few days later Jaime, Angie, Dani and I set out for a day of fun early and stay late to enjoy the facilities. Also as a special gift to the
and adventure, introducing us to the many possibilities of the Zoo. bride and groom they are given a free one year membership to the
Angie, with an extensive background in event planning, has spent Zoo and Safari Park.