A Joy-Filled Jewel Box Wedding and St. Louis Zoo Reception
When Megan and James started planning their wedding day, they knew they wanted it to be centered around one thing: joy! From a beautiful ceremony at the Jewel Box to a fun-filled St. Louis Zoo reception, every part of their day felt intentional, welcoming, and full of personality. With many of their guests traveling in from out of town, they wanted to showcase some of the best places St. Louis has to offer, and honestly, they could not have picked a better combination of venues. The day blended timeless wedding traditions with playful experiences, creating a celebration that felt uniquely them from beginning to end.
A Romantic Ceremony and Private Vows at the Jewel Box
The Jewel Box provided such a stunning backdrop for Megan and James’s ceremony. Surrounded by towering palms, lush greenery, and beautiful natural light pouring through the glass structure, the space felt both elegant and intimate. Megan looked absolutely incredible in her classic gown, carrying a vibrant tropical-inspired bouquet that added the perfect pop of color against the garden surroundings. Their ceremony was heartfelt and traditional, filled with the kind of happy energy that had everyone smiling from the moment it began.
One of my favorite moments of the day happened immediately after the ceremony. Before heading off to celebrate with their guests, Megan and James shared private vows together inside the gardens. It was quiet, emotional, and such a meaningful pause in the middle of an otherwise busy day. These are always some of my favorite moments to witness because they allow couples to truly soak everything in together before the celebration continues. The lush greenery of the Jewel Box created the most romantic setting for such a personal moment.
Why a St. Louis Zoo Reception Was the Perfect Choice
If your goal is to throw a wedding reception that people will be talking about for years, a St. Louis Zoo reception is a pretty great place to start! Megan and James wanted their wedding day to feel fun from start to finish, and the zoo gave them the perfect opportunity to create an experience for their guests rather than just a reception. Guests were treated to face painting, caricature artists, and plenty of unique touches that kept the energy high throughout the evening. Everywhere you looked, people were laughing, exploring, and genuinely having a great time.
One of the most fun parts of the day was getting to take portraits throughout the zoo. We even made a stop with Mia the sea lion, who completely stole the show. She seemed more than happy to pose for the camera and interact with everyone around her, making for some of the most memorable images of the day. Between the playful zoo portraits, the colorful tropical florals, and the excitement of sharing St. Louis with so many out-of-town guests, the entire reception felt like one big celebration of joy. It was traditional in all the best ways while still feeling fresh, personal, and completely unforgettable.
Planning a Wedding Day That Feels Like You? Would Love To Chat!
Sarah Kellie | St. Louis & Destination Wedding Photographer
One of the things I loved most about Megan and James’s wedding was how intentional every decision felt. They weren’t focused on following trends or checking boxes. Instead, they built a day around what would bring them and their guests the most joy. From exchanging private vows at the Jewel Box to celebrating with a one-of-a-kind St. Louis Zoo reception, every part of the day reflected who they are as a couple. If you’re planning your own wedding and want a celebration that feels personal, meaningful, and genuinely fun, let this be your reminder that the best wedding days are the ones that feel most like you. Ready for me to capture it? Head to my contact page so we can chat about all the amazing ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Vendors
Coordinator: @flawlessfestivities
Florist: @petalpushersstl
HMU: @theartisteditstl
Dj: @completeweddingstl
Cake: celebratinglifecakes
Suits: @indochino
