We got married at Edinburgh Zoo in June with a Humanist ceremony. As we were getting married in a Zoo, we wanted jungle/animal related but we didn’t want too tacky! So we chose a lovely emerald green and gold. The wedding planning was a little stressful, especially as we to push it back 8 weeks thanks to Covid. However, that really put into perspective what was important. So planning became much more chilled out if things went wrong; we knew that what really mattered was that we were getting married.

Getting married at the Zoo was perfect, we were allowed to walk around the zoo on the day and loads of people saying congratulations made me feel like a princess. We had always wanted a humanist wedding, about celebrating our relationship and us, and an unusual venue, Edinburgh Zoo was perfect!

The dress I had in my mind was not the dress I picked; I had lost a lot of weight the year before the wedding so I think I was dressing for a body that didn’t exist any more.
I only visited one shop- Gwenne’s Bridal Shop in Edinburgh. Due to covid, I chose 10 dresses I liked from their website and Gwenne picked some for me when she met me. I tried on 6 dresses, but once I tried on the Wanda dress _style 18416 I knew it was the one.
Even though it was everything I said I didn’t want in a dress _lace, sparkle… it made me feel like a princess. It hugged my figure without being too tight, the detailing was beautiful and the flowers and leaves reminded me of the Zoo mansion house and garden. It would fit perfectly. I tried on the white, but ordered the ivory which was perfect, although scary not to see the dress in the right colour until it arrived. It was also the perfect length so I could wear trainers personalised with ‘Mrs F’ and the date on them; perfect for walking round the zoo!
Gwenne and her team were amazing, and I would definitely recommend them, she knew exactly what would suit me and was so kind.

The day was so lovely, but too quick! I don’t remember any problems, I felt like such a princess and I was marrying my best friend. My favourite part was definitely when we were told we needed to go inside as the hippos wouldn’t go back to their enclosure as they wanted to party with us! I don’t think many couples get told that on their wedding day. I wouldn’t change a thing; it was just overwhelming and lovely.

My advice for future brides is to stay calm and enjoy every moment of it, it goes so fast.

Photographer: Justina at Iris Art Photography

Written by Emily Cook