Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Important Times4:00 Ceremony6:30 Adult Only Reception

Dear Family and Friends,In light of COVID-19, we wanted to let you know our wedding is going forward as planned.&nbsp;In order to ensure the health and well-being of all of our guests,&nbsp;we are requiring that masks be worn regardless of vaccination status.&nbsp;This includes the ceremony and reception except when actively eating or drinking.&nbsp;Thank you for understanding,Lauren and Jeff&nbsp;P.S. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is currently following CDC guidelines.&nbsp;We will keep you informed via email if there are any changes.

Our Wedding

The Story of UsJeff and I met the way all love stories begin...online. We hit it off right away and decided to meet in person. Our first date was at Holden Arboretum on a very cold day. I brought hot chocolate that was disgustingly cold by the time I arrived. Jeff drank it anyway. We had a nice walk around and parted ways (he had to get to his friend Tyler's house to watch a game!).A few dates later, we went to the Cleveland Zoo to see the Winter Wildlights. Jeff instantly allowed my crazy Christmas side to shine through as I was mesmerized by the lights. However, it was the way he acted when we got to the carousel that I will never forget. Not only did he agree to go on the ride, but he never even questioned me when I told him we were going to run to get on the monkey (his favorite). We went around giggling, smiling, and sending videos to my best friend. It was that moment that I knew he was an absolute keeper.Soon after, we met each other's families. We were both welcomed with open arms. It just felt like the missing piece was found. We were able to joke, talk sports, and feel comfortable with the other's family.When COVID-19 made its appearance in our world, we ended up spending a lot more time together. Between the world being shut down and us tearing the garage of his house to just the studs, there were a lot of instances where things could have gone wrong. However, our relationship only got stronger...and we learned how to hang drywall.During our time of quarantine, we were able to have many serious discussions about life and our future. It was clear to both of us that we were extremely happy and found our person. Jeff started looking for a ring!

The EngagementOn July 22nd, 2020 we went to the Asian Lantern Festival at the zoo. I couldn't understand why Jeff was walking so quickly. Did he not realize how amazing this festival was? We went around the whole festival in the daylight. At the end, there was a big diamond ring lantern. I jokingly told Jeff, "Hey, you'll have one of those soon." He replied, "ha, yea." I thought it was weird, but we moved on. We watched a show and started the festival again. I was hoping it would be a bit darker, but Jeff just couldn't wait. We walk through the whole show. When we got to the ring lantern we took a selfie. Next thing I know, Jeff was down on one knee. I absolutely could not believe it. People were clapping all around us and started taking pictures. I was so shocked. Thankfully, some kind people took my phone and snapped a couple photos for Jeff and I to remember the moment. I was beyond thrilled and man, oh man, did that ring sparkle! We could not wait to call our friends and family to tell them the good news!

Our Story

Shannon and I met in college at Capital University.  She has put up with my crazy ever since.  We get along so well that often people mistake us for sisters.  And you can't have a wedding without your sister by your side, right?

Shannon Duncan 

As my older brother, Mark has always been by my side. Why would that stop on my big day? I can't think of a better person to fill the role of "Best" Man.   Not only is he the best big brother I could ask for, but he is now my best man. 

Mark Elinsky

Rene and I have known each other since high school.  We have gone through many adventures, difficult times, and hilarious experiences together.  I know she always has my back, which is why she had to be by my side for my big day!

Rene Heiser

I have known Lee since first grade. He has always been there for big moments in my life, so he had to be a part of this one.  From winning the little league summer baseball championship, to graduating high school, to my wedding day, Lee has always made them fun!

Lee Heintzelman

Where do I even start with this girl? I met Madeline when she was 5 years old (I was 14).  I came to her house to babysit her and her brother, Justin.  Her family quickly became a second family to me.  Madeline has grown up as an extremely important part of my life.  I am beyond excited to have her by my side on this big day!

Madeline Kreller

Jimi and I have been friends since fifth grade.  He has been a part of many events in my life, so why not add wedding to the list?  I can't wait for him to be by my side during this big day.  

Jim Keesey

Jeff's Story- Since neither Lauren nor I are super involved with religion having someone close to us perform the ceremony made the most sense.  Somehow, I decided it should be Tyler.   Sharing my big day with Tyler in this way will create a memory that will last a lifetime. 

Lauren's Story-  I first met Tyler on New Year's Eve.  He was instantly welcoming and kind.  Within minutes, we were laughing together like old friends.  I knew Tyler would be the perfect person to marry us on our big day because he will combine his caring side and his outgoing personality into a great wedding!

Tyler Pearl

Ben is Jeff's nephew and Lauren's soon-to-be nephew!  He does an excellent job of keeping track of all of his gucks (trucks) at home, so we figured he could keep an eye on our rings for us.   We can't wait for him to be a part of our big day.  We know he is going to be the best ring security out there!

Ben Elinsky

Enzo, Flori, and Seffy are siblings and the children of my (Lauren's ) cousin Stefanie.  They are a major part of Auntie Lala's life, so I couldn't imagine them not being a part of this big day.  They are beyond creative, so we know they will do a great job of prepping the aisle!

Lorenzo, Florence, and Serafina Englert

Addi is the daughter of Chelsea and Davey Thomas.  They have been long time friends from Marietta, OH.  From the moment Miss Addi was born, she has had a sassy, but cute attitude.  Who better to make sure people are seated, have a program, and turn off their cell phones for the ceremony?! Out with the typical ushers...in with the stinkin adorable crowd manager!

Addilynn Thomas

If you thought we were going to have this wedding without Briley, you were wrong!  Briley will be our dog of honor to see her mommy and future daddy get married.  She is so excited for her humans...but also, the many treats she will get for being a good girl on the big day!

Briley Lawson

Wedding Party

Registry

The link to the website should automatically apply our room block.

Holiday Inn Cleveland-S Independence

Travel

Schedule for Students

10:00 am- 3:45 pm Please feel free to enjoy the zoo, complimentary, at anytime during the day. Just go to the front gates and tell them you are guests for the Lawson/Elinsky wedding! 4:00 Ceremony begins 4:30 (or promptly after the ceremony) - picture with the new Mr. and Mrs. Elinsky and special treat for the kids! Thank you for coming!

Dear Parents, This year’s class has been exceptional, and one of the best classes I’ve had the privilege to teach.&nbsp; I truly adore these 20 kiddos who have made up my homeroom. It has been a really special group of students.&nbsp; I am thankful for their patience, kindness, and hard work during a very difficult year. &nbsp; It is not easy to adjust to school during a pandemic at ten and eleven years old. They have done so with an attitude that brought light to an otherwise dark scenario. Of course, not all classroom conversations revolve around schoolwork, and your kids have provided additional light this year when enthusiastically talking about and helping me plan for my upcoming wedding.&nbsp; They have had to listen, whether they wanted to or not, to countless plans, stories, and put their own opinions into what we should do.&nbsp; They have helped pick out many different aspects of the wedding (flowers, colors, etc.).&nbsp; I even plan on having them help with one of the major decorations for the ceremony 😉 . I cannot imagine this day without them there.&nbsp; I would like to formally invite the students to the ceremony portion of our wedding.&nbsp; It will be held at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on October 10th, 2021.&nbsp; The great thing about having a wedding at the zoo is that you can get into the zoo anytime that day, complimentary, as part of our wedding guest list!&nbsp; So feel free to come early and enjoy the zoo with your family.&nbsp; I would also like to take a picture with all of my students who attend the wedding after the ceremony.&nbsp; The officiant will announce more details after the actual ceremony, but just wanted you to be aware of what I had in mind.&nbsp; And although we are having a reception later in the evening for family and friends only, Jeff and I would like to invite all students in attendance at the ceremony to enjoy a small treat immediately afterwards as our way of thanking them for being there.&nbsp; I completely understand if your family has other plans for that day, but wanted to extend this invitation to express my appreciation for you and your son/daughter. Please feel free to email me with any questions.&nbsp; Thank you for sharing your students with me during this year.&nbsp; I can’t wait to share my special day with them.

For My Students

Enjoy the zoo any time during the day of our wedding on us! Just go to the front gate and tell them you are there as a guests for the Elinsky wedding later that evening. They will let you in free of charge!

East 4th St.

Tour the center, enjoy science, or take in a movie at the HUGE Omnimax Theater.

Great Lakes Science Center

One of our date places! Enjoy the museum and animals, too.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Beautiful restaurant on the lake.

Merwin's Wharf

Cleveland was built on Rock and Roll!

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Irish cuisine with a beautiful view!

The Harp

Melt Bar and Grilled

This is a special place to Jeff and I because we would meet here for dinners/lunches as our halfway point on busy days!

Winking Lizard Tavern

Things to Do

Photos

Jeff and I would like to do a dollar dance with a twist. We would like to make a donation to Canine Companions with the money we raise for our dollar dance.For those of you unfamiliar, a dollar dance is when you pay a dollar to dance with the bride or groom. The money raised typically goes to their honeymoon fund. Canine Companions is an organization that raises service dogs FREE OF CHARGE for their recipients. I have proudly been a member for over ten years. This organization is special to us not only because of their amazing work, but because Briley is a change of career dog from there.We think this is a great way to give back to a charity we love! So, if you would like to contribute, bring a dollar and your dancing shoes!

Lauren & Jeff