Courtney and Steven celebrated their nuptials surrounded by panoramic savanna views at the breathtaking San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Their ceremony and reception took place at Kijamii Overlook, where guests gathered to witness a day that blended personal traditions and playful details.

The couple chose the venue not only for its unforgettable setting but also to support the conservation mission of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The couple first met while attending college in Pittsburgh (Steven at Carnegie Mellon University and Courtney at University of Pittsburgh) after being introduced through a mutual friend. After several years of long-distance dating, they united in San Diego when Courtney moved west to join Steven.

At the ceremony, Courtney and Steven exchanged vows beneath a rectangular floral arch filled with wildflowers in vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens. Steven walked down the aisle to an orchestral version of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, while Courtney entered to an orchestral arrangement of “Akuma No Ko” from Attack on Titan.

Courtney wore the Bloom gown by Dany Tabet, featuring colorful floral embroidery that echoed the wildflower palette of the day. She paired it with a Daydream veil from The White Flower and Betsey Johnson heels. Steven wore a tan suit from Friar Tux with a geometric tie inspired by safari patterns.

The couple kept decor intentionally simple, allowing the dramatic landscape to shine. Animal-inspired table cards and natural textures carried the safari theme throughout the reception. Florals from the ceremony arch were later moved to the couple’s sweetheart table, and guest tables were styled with petite vases of colorful blooms. Round tables featured crisp white linens with rustic wood slices beneath the flowers and floating candles in cylindrical vases, while rectangular tables showcased natural wood with cream runners, florals, and candlelight.

During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed African curry spiced samosas, coconut shrimp, chicken empanadas with chimichurri, and caprese skewers, alongside signature cocktails named the Maui-rita and Einstein’s Paw=jito, which honored the couple’s beloved dogs. Guests met animal ambassadors including porcupines, a sloth, an echidna, sugar gliders, a coati, and a tamandua. Dinner followed with a buffet of braised beef short ribs, cast iron seared mahi mahi, and mushroom gnocchi with rice pilaf and cheesy au gratin potatoes.

After a choreographed first dance and plenty of celebrating to K-pop favorites, guests ended the evening with churros, chocolate lava cake, and vanilla ice cream. The newlyweds later honeymooned with a three-week exploration of Japan.

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