1. Real Weddings

An Animal-Inspired Wedding at the Los Altos History Museum in Los Altos, California

When Jennifer Raskoff (40, a Human Resources specialist) and Jasan Zimmerman (37, a program manager) both wer ein the midst of changing their careers,

When Jennifer Raskoff (40, a Human Resources specialist) and Jasan Zimmerman (37, a program manager) both wer ein the midst of changing their careers, the couple decided it was time to move in with each other and take the next step in their relationship. Three months later, Jennifer and Jasan went out for a Friday dinner and were on their way home when Jasan suggested they go to the park. Jasan proposed that night right after being on the swings, and so the couple started searching for the perfect wedding venue. They came across the Los Altos History Museum in California, which was only 15 minutes away from where they lived and at the same time embodied elements of rustic woods. The ceremony would be held in a different space than the reception but on the same property, with sliding doors that connected the two. Jasan's favorite color was green and Jennifer's was pink, so they decided on a combined color palette of the two with accents of gold metallic. Due to Jennifer's love for animals, the couple decided to incorporate animalistic details into the decor, such as small figures on the dining tables, girraffe cake toppers and animal rubber stamps used to match escort cards with tables.

Jennifer wore silk shoes by Stuart Weitzman that were dyed green to match Jasan's tie.
"The last dress I had in the dressing room was a lace trumpet gown by Oleg Cassini," says Jennifer. "The lace had three-dimensional flowers on it and the flowers had a hint of blush at their centers. It was strapless and had a sweet-heart neckline. I walked out of the dressing room and up to the mirror, and just had "that" feeling this was my dress! Everything about it was perfect."
Soft Rose, Peony and Succulent Arrangement
Bride Holding Soft Colored Bouquet
Pink Rose With Succulent Boutonniere
Fortune-Teller Styled Wedding Programs
Aisle Decorations With White Chairs
Couple Getting Married at Outdoor Ceremony
Ceremonial Reading With Bride and Groom
"Jasan and I think the entire wedding was a complete reflection of both of us," says Jennifer. "From the two readings to our officiant to the vows we wrote to each other. We were surrounded by our friends and family and invited them to share our very special day with us – it was amazing!"
The bride stood with her bridesmaids, who wore dresses in different styles, fabrics and shades of pink.
Groom and Groomsmen in Black Tuxedos
Bride and Groom With Wedding Party
Bride Holding Hands With Flower Girls
Bride and Groom With Natural Backdrop
Couple Kissing Against Moss Wall
Escort Cards Hanging From Wooden Table
"Jasan and I planted and propagated succulents for the centerpieces," says Jennifer. "Jasan’s father is an amazing woodworker and he built the planter boxes for the centerpieces. We used a wood-burning tool to emboss the boxes with our initials and a little heart."
Guests were invited to write a message to Jennifer and Jasan. Then, they picked one the empty bottles to place their message in, which were marked by how many years the couples would wait to read them.
The couple framed memorable quotes and scattered them throughout the cocktail reception space. This one was placed next to an arrangement of blush flowers.
Reception Dining Tables at History Museum
"We found animal rubber stamps and used them to label the tables and escort cards," says Jennifer. "We stamped each animal then scanned and enlarged and printed the picture to make signs for each table. We attached the signs onto pink & white striped paper straws to be placed into the table centerpieces. Then, the matching animal was stamped onto the back of the escort card."
Gold Painted Animal Figurine on Table
Sweetheart Table at Los Altos History Museum
A variety of vanilla and chocolate animal crackers were placed in glassine bags and tied with baker's twine, with an animal figurine tied to the end and a green "thank you" tag.
"I had Jonathan Adler ceramic giraffe figurines that I purchased years ago and I thought they would make cute cake toppers," says Jennifer. "I made a green tie for the “boy” giraffe, and a little veil for the “girl” giraffe. We found large animal figurines and made custom labels to tie to them for each dessert."
Wedding Night First Dance With Lights