April 9, 2022
When Annie reached out to me about shooting her wedding at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, I was so excited! I had visited this aquarium in the past but I had no idea they also hosted weddings.
My husband (who's also my second shooter and assistant) and I headed up to Tulsa and met Annie and her bridesmaids at the Columns Mansion where they were getting their hair and makeup done. We shot a first look with the bridesmaids on the balcony of the rental home and did some bridal photos on the entry way staircase and in front of the house.
After finishing up the bridal photos at the home, we headed over to the aquarium to photograph Jackson (the groom) and his groomsmen before Annie arrived. It was a beautiful sunny day and the weather was perfect for outdoor photos and an outdoor ceremony. The ceremony location was right out back behind the aquarium and in front of the river.
For the reception, tables and a buffet were set up right in the middle of the aquarium so guests could enjoy looking at all the beautiful fish while eating. One of my favorite things was photographing the bride and groom inside the shark tunnel!
Some of the wedding decorations included 1000 origami paper cranes which is called senbazuru. They were on all the dinner tables, the cake, and used as decor throughout the cocktail and reception areas. They are believed to bring the family a thousand years of luck and happiness. The bride folded them all herself. I'm not sure how she found the time but it was so worth it. The brightly colored origami cranes were gorgeous!
Venue: Oklahoma Aquarium
Cake: Ms. Laura's Cakes
Dress: Ruthette's Bridal
Makeup: Sarah Mamtambo Pretty & Posh Artistry @sarahmatambomakeup
Florals: The Bride herself...Annie Henderson