News

Explorers wed at SeaWorld's Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin

The couple was wed inside of the penguins’ chilly environment at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld Orlando, to commemorate the fact the two met on the continent of Antarctica. In fact, snow boots were needed to walk down the icy “aisle” where vows were exchanged.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A true “white wedding” was held Friday at SeaWorld® Orlando as two Antarctic explorers shared their vows at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin®, the park’s cool rendition of the icy continent. Heart-warming and bone-chilling extremes could be felt as the couple, who met in 2012 while working in Antarctica for the New Zealand government, was married in the 32-degree, snowy penguin habitat.

Just inches from the bride and groom were 250 members of the bridal party – a colony of king, Adélie, gentoo and rockhopper penguins – all dressed in their black and white “tuxedos” fit for the occasion.

“Antarctica is such a beautiful and intense environment. When you experience that with someone, the bond you create is rare. Having our wedding here at SeaWorld in this realm that so perfectly captures the essence of the continent brought me right back to the day Jeff and I met,” said the bride, Susanne Grieve.

» IMAGE GALLERY: Explorers' frozen SeaWorld wedding

The couple “wintered” together in 2012, braving average temperatures of minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Fresh produce and mail were two of the many conveniences the couple went without during their time in Antarctica.

Grieve, who now teaches conservation, preservation and archaeology courses at East Carolina University, hopes to one day return to the frigid continent where she had previously worked with the Antarctic Heritage Trust to protect late 1800s explorers' legacy, including the bases and the artifacts they left behind. The groom, Jeff Rawson, still works for the New Zealand government and just recently returned from Antarctica. Rawson’s work focuses on supporting scientific research on climate studies and ice core sampling.

“Having our wedding at SeaWorld’s Antarctica really represented the place we built our relationship. It was so fascinating to see the elements the designers replicated from this continent only a handful of people would ever typically be able to experience,” Grieve said.

Experience the majestic grandeur of the South Pole for yourself by viewing SeaWorld's 24/7, on-habitat camera streaming footage of the penguins in their chilly habitat. There are only two places in the world you can get this experience – Antarctica and SeaWorld Orlando's Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin! Watch the cam for yourself at AnimalVision.com/penguins.

WFTV

Most Read