Christina Ridley & Barney Katzerman
Otterly in Love
Married
Nov 3, 2018
Memphis ,
Tennessee
Photo Credit
Rob + Deanna Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Themed
Season
Fall
The Proposal
For quite some time, Barney and I wanted to go back to The Memphis Zoo to recreate our first date we had seven years prior. On November 29, 2017, Barney and I went to the ice-skating rink so I “could take photos” of my mother’s lighting installation. When we met with my mother, she pretended to have technical issues and had us go ahead and skate instead. After a few laps on the ice, the lights dimmed and suddenly Barney was down on one knee in skates on the ice (later on he said it is harder than you’d think!). Little did I know, Barney had coordinated the whole thing with my mom and the Zoo. I was so surprised!
In Preparation
We selected The Memphis Zoo for our venue because it has a very strong presence in our relationship. We envisioned a whimsical and elegant wedding that would still highlight the Zoo’s aesthetic. For example, our table numbers signs were hand painted with a different watercolor animal for each table. I knew that I wanted an abundant greenery theme with hints of thistle, white roses, and elegant glass orbs with candles inside each one to create a light and playful mood.
The Big Day
We couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous day! Leading up to our wedding, the forecast had predicted a very cold and rainy day, but when the day came, the weather was the perfect fall day with plentiful sunshine, even our photographers joked with us how we must have done a rain dance to get such great weather.
Our ceremony took place at the beautiful Asian Garden in the Memphis Zoo in front of our closest friends and family. This was the perfect intimate setting, with candles, a beautiful floral arch, and a surrounding fountain that served as an amazing backdrop.
Once we arrived at the reception, guests were greeted outside by Neville the penguin who was of course, “dressed for the occasion”! Our guests enjoyed the beginning of the evening with a cocktail hour held around a beautifully lit walking trail, and then it was time to head inside for dinner, toasts, and the cake cutting. Afterwards, we headed upstairs to dance the night away with everyone we love most. A highlight for us both was our first dance. When time came for the first dance, we had a choreographed dance which featured a slow song by Frank Sinatra that lead into a fast up beat remix of the same song by “Disclosure”.
We ended the night with an intimate private dance soaking in the last few minutes of our wedding day followed by a sparkler exit.
The Retreat
Immediately following the wedding, Barney and I went on a 2 week trip to Italy and Switzerland. In Italy we visited the beautiful Amalfi Coast, Florence and tasted various wines throughout Tuscany. After Italy, we ventured onwards to Switzerland where we fell in love with the Swiss Alps, took a chocolatier class and visited many museums. It was the perfect getaway to start our adventures as husband and wife!
Contributing Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER
Rob + Deanna Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER
Lynn Productions
DAY OF COORDINATOR
Infinity Events
FLORALS
Natural Creations
CEREMONY VENUE
Asian Garden at The Memphis Zoo
RECEPTION VENUE
Teton Trek at The Memphis Zoo
CALLIGRAPHY
Bellascript Designs
LIGHTING
Moonshine Lighting Inc.
CAKE
Frost Bakery
GOWN
Ballew Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
David’s Bridal
GROOM AND GROOMSMEN
Men’s Warehouse
HAIR STYLIST
Caitlyn Williams
MAKEUP ARTIST
Jeni Sanders
DJ
Deep Blu
RENTALS
Mahaffey Event & Tent Rentals
BALLROOM DANCING
DanceSmith Ballroom Dance Studio
