Newlyweds Get Memorable Wedding Photo Shoot At National Zoo

By Nur Afiradina Arshad

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27  (Bernama) -- Newlyweds Muhammad Ikmal Hakim Norman, 25, and his wife Juni S. Susantie Herman, 43, did not expect their photo shoot at the National Zoo prompted the zoo management to introduce a wedding photography package at the zoo.

Juni said when they decided to have the photo shoot at the zoo, it was just “to be different” from others.

“What a blessing it was for us when the zoo management came forward to make our photoshoot a lively event and celebrated by other visitors at the zoo last Dec 24,” she added.

Juni, who is an entrepreneur, said she and her husband wanted to have a photo shoot at the zoo because of the beautiful scenery there.

 "After a few shots were taken, one of the zoo workers called us and told us that we had violated the zoo regulations.

“National Zoo deputy president  Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana, who was also there, then asked us a few questions and told us to come the next day to do our photo shoot as it was already late,” she said when contacted.

Juni said when they went to the zoo the next day, their entourage was given free entrance and permission to take pictures with any of the animals in the zoo.

“We were greeted on arrival like VIPs, taken in a buggy and with the beat of the ‘kompang’, we were taken to the location of the seal performance, The crowd there gave us a loud applause and cheer.

 “We were congratulated by people from various nationalities and foreign tourists at the Zoo Negara. Many foreigners requested to take photos with us because of the traditional wedding dress we wore that day,” she said.

She said she and her husband were also allowed to feed the seals there and the photo shoot ended with their entourage invited to tea hosted by the zoo management.

"Most unforgettable for me and my husband was that we were allowed to take pictures with reptiles, like the snake, which is rarely allowed to the public. This was a unique experience for us,” she said and thanked Zoo Negara for the hospitality.

Meanwhile, Rosly said following the photo shoot by newlyweds Juni and Muhammad Ikmal Hakim, he discussed with the zoo management to introduce a special wedding package for newlyweds to have their photo shoot at the zoo.

The bride and groom will get free entrance, while a 20 per cent discount will be given to other members of the group, he added.

He said the National Zoo do have wedding packages for newlyweds to have their photo shoot at the zoo, but it is only open to its employees.

“Because of the encouraging response and ability to attract more people to the zoo, we have decided to open it to the public, with the terms and conditions to be announced soon,” he added.

-- BERNAMA