![]() "Now we can do steak dinners and scallops." We were more of a heat and eat, hamburgers and hot dog business," Fingerhut said. "We'd never focused on the wedding and events business as much. ![]() The Sodexo deal and the elegant new space helped the zoo quadruple its wedding business from only 10 per year to about 40 last year, Fingerhut said. "Nowhere else in Columbus can you get married and there's a giraffe right outside," said Pete Fingerhut, vice president of marketing and sales for the zoo. When projections went over budget and the zoo had to take a hard look at possibly eliminating the party room at the exhibit, officials joined with Sodexo, the caterer contracted to serve the venue, to help fund the project, allowing it to proceed. Like the conservatory, the Columbus Zoo made adding event space a priority when adding its Heart of Africa exhibit three years ago. ![]() "That level of barn at a horticultural institution two miles from Downtown is just unmatched." "It looks like a beautiful high-end lodge," Harkey said. But it also plays into the great popularity of barn weddings today. It was also enjoyed by families in December when it played host to a visit from Santa and his reindeer. The event spaces also often serve dual purposes, being used for classes, exhibitions or holiday events that are open to the general public.īuilt for hosting classes open to the public, the barn has a demonstration kitchen used for the conservatory's popular cooking classes and occasional dinners. The money allows attractions to be more financially healthy, while holding special events introduces new potential patrons to a venue. ![]() Revenue from room rentals and catering has become an important funding stream for institutions that are have substantial overhead costs and rely on a sometimes unpredictable mix of private donations, admission charges and public funding. These types of cultural and visitor attractions are stepping up efforts to attract more weddings, corporate meetings and other special events. Love you both!Ĭongratulations to Matt and Katlyn on your marriage! Wishing you all the love and happiness! Have a fantastic honeymoon in Hawaii.At the Columbus Weddings Show at the Greater Columbus Convention Center last month, you could find booths from expected participants like formal-wear retailers, caterers and banquet halls.Īlongside them were representatives from venues usually associated with a family outing, places like Columbus' award-winning COSI science museum and the nationally-known Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. A perfect day for an amazing couple!Ĭongratulations to Matt and Katlyn on your marriage! Wishing you all the love and happiness! Have a fantastic honeymoon in Hawaii. It was so much fun celebrating their marriage and watching them dance in the sunset. Matt and Katlyn were so adventurous walking through the tall field. We knew when it came time for sunset photos that would be our spot. Golden hour was unreal! The sunset across a field of ragweed and it was so pretty. One of my favorite details of their day was the groomsmen wore animal socks! It was so cute and appropriate for a zoo wedding! Matt was so excited to not just see his favorite animal but also he got to hold the penguin! It was a dream come true! After an intimate ceremony in front of close family and friends (and Giraffes) we then got to pose with some of the Zoo’s animals! A baby cheetah, porcupine, and Matt’s favorite, a penguin! It was SO cool! As they were saying their vows, giraffes and zebras were standing just feet away witnessing their day. These two were married on the patio overlooking the Heart of Africa. She wore a lace gown with lace illusion sleeves. ![]() To make things even better, we had some animal visitors for the entire wedding day. From the stunning global decor with hints of zoo animals to the fall maroon and navy color palette, everything was picture perfect. The theme of their wedding was travel and it is was absolutely perfect for this couple. These two lovebirds were married at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium‘s African Event Center. They compliment each other so well and are so in love! Matt and Katlyn are the sweetest couple and truly meant to be. From their engagement session, beach photos in Hilton Head, SC, to discuss their wedding plans, I was SO excited to capture their wedding day. I have had so much fun getting to know Katlyn and Matt over this past year. The Columbus Zoo African Event Center Powell, Ohio ![]()
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