OdySea Aquarium Wedding
I have to admit this OdySea Aquarium wedding was the most unique wedding I have ever photographed. Having a huge aquarium as the backdrop for a wedding ceremony is not something I have ever photographed. Talk about making your wedding your own, that is exactly what Ashley and Jeremy did.
OdySea Aquarium Wedding
When I first met Ashley she explained how she and Jeremy were really into sharks. I was like wow, that’s pretty cool. She then proceeded to tell me that they were getting married at the OdySea Aquarium. I didn’t even know you could do such a thing.
One challenging aspect with holding a wedding at the aquarium is the restriction on flash photography. This is in place to protect the sea life at the aquarium. Of course as a photographer hearing no “flash photography” is a concern. After meeting with the staff at OdySea I was allowed to bring in a continuous light to use to light my couple during formals and the reception. I’m not sure I could have photographed their wedding without it due to the dark nature of the aquarium.
When their wedding day arrived it was all smiles as everyone was getting ready for the celebration. Ashley and Jeremy’s getting ready room featured one wall that was a part of one of the aquariums. We hung Ashley’s dress on the glass wall (using a removable suction cup) for a one of kind wedding dress shot. How awesome is that! Once Ashley was in her dress, our groom was ready on the 2nd floor for the first look. I always encourage first looks for a variety of reasons with the most important one being it is sacred alone time. During a wedding the bride and groom are constantly surrounded at all times by friends and family. The first look gives them a chance to have a few minutes of their day just to themselves. Treasured moments just like what Aaron and Cynthia had for their Tuscany themed wedding.
With the first look taken care of it was time for the ceremony. Ashley and Jeremy held their ceremony in the OdySea Voyager theater. With the enormous aquarium wall behind them they each said their vows to start a new life as husband and wife. Such a unique experience that they will treasure for their rest of their lives. Shortly after the ceremony the OdySea staff brought out one of their penguins. This encounter was not for the birds. 🙂
The evening continued with dinner under one of the aquariums. What an experience for the guests to eat and watch sea life swim over their heads. As dinner finished up the reception kicked off with our couple’s first dance followed by cake cutting. Ashley and Jeremy were pretty nice to each other when it came to sharing cake with each other. No smashed cake faces.
Below you will find a few of my favorite images from their OdySea Aquarium wedding. One I won’t soon forget.
