Tiana and Taiwo had every intention of simply eloping until a surprise announcement from the Sunshine Coast’s Australia Zoo. As avid animal lovers, the release of Australia Zoo’s wedding packages changed their way of imagining their wedding, elevating the entire concept to take place in a vast Serengeti Safari on the Sunshine Coast. 

Complete with roaming giraffes and rhinoceros, the magical ceremony was followed by a photo shoot with the giraffes and utilising the stunning aspects of the grounds of Australia Zoo. 

Tiana has shared her Australia Zoo wedding day story with us below. 

Vendors

Ceremony + photo shoot venue | AUSTRALIA ZOO

Photographer | SHELLS BELLS PHOTOGRAPHY

Reception venue + catering | OCEAN VIEW ESTATES

Florist | REDCLIFFE CITY FLORIST

Transport | SUPER STRETCH 300

Makeup | FLAYR

Hair | YVONNE’S HOUSE OF HAIR

Celebrant | CEREMONIES BY DEE

The Location

Originally we were thinking of eloping, but the moment Australia Zoo announced their wedding packages it was a game changer and we knew we had to splurge more on our wedding destination. It’s not everyone cup of tea but it was definitely ours.

We chose Australia Zoo simply because we are animal lovers. Not only do they have the amazing wildlife but there are also beautiful spots all throughout the zoo that are great backdrops with their luscious gardens.

Biggest Priority

Our highest priority when planning the wedding was to remind ourselves that the wedding was for us. We needed to make it our day and not worry so much about trying to please everyone as its almost impossible. In the end as long as we were happy we could live in the moment.

Greatest Challenge

Trying to prepare an alternative incase it rained. Australia Zoo had other options but our heart was set on the African Savannah, outside where the animals would be behind us. Luckily it only showered on the way to the zoo.

Most Emotional Part of the Day

My father walking me down the aisle, seeing my future husband waiting for me with the perfect background of the African Savannah.

Advice for Future Couples Getting Married

Prepare months in advance so you can live in the moment and enjoy every single second when it arrives because it’ll all be over in the blink of an eye.

Our Love Story

We met at the Brisbane’s Treasury Casino where Tai was working at the time as his part time job whilst studying. I happened to meet Tai there when I went to the casino for dinner with a friend.

We were in Jamaica when Tai proposed. Tai just finished climbing the Dunn’s River Falls and lead us on a walk through their tropical gardens on a small lake bridge.

Our Next Big Adventure

We want to pay our new home off as early as possible. We have just achieved paying for two brand new cars.

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Getting married at Australia Zoo

Best money-saving decision: We saved money on our guests as we only had our immediate family there. Other than covid restrictions, we were able to keep costs down this way and we actually didn’t have any bridal party. It was all about us.

Bride’s dress: Exquisite Gowns by Yvonne

Groom’s attire: Reuben F Scarf

DIY: Yes, we D.I.Y our wedding favours which were full of “His & Hers favourites” treats.

Honeymoon: The Star Grand, Gold Coast Casino

Number of guests: 14

Wedding budget: $20,000

Actual cost of wedding: $15,000

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