Photo booth night under the stars. A Heartwarming Event Hosted by Sunrise Cedars, Inc.
August 20, 2025
Sunrise Cedars, Inc.—located in Gwynn Oak, Maryland—provides compassionate home care and support services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Their mission goes far beyond care; they create a family atmosphere where every individual feels valued, respected, and loved.
That family feeling shines through at every event we’ve done with Sunrise Cedars. We’ve partnered with them several times now, and it’s always touching to see how their guests remember us and light up with excitement when they spot our photo booth. For us, it feels like walking into a reunion—warm, joyful, and unforgettable.
Recently, Sunrise Cedars hosted their enchanting “Night Under the Stars with Penguins” dinner at the Maryland Zoo. The evening was a true celebration of community, inclusion, and fun, made all the more magical by the penguin exhibit. photo booth night under the stars.
photo booth night under the stars. Why the Maryland Zoo and Penguins?
Choosing the Maryland Zoo’s penguin exhibit as the backdrop was brilliant. Penguins are universally loved—playful, charming, and symbolic of joy. They fit perfectly with Sunrise Cedars’ mission to bring happiness and belonging to every person they serve.
A Digital Photo Booth Experience Like No Other
Instead of a traditional backdrop, we brought our digital photo booth with immersive digital backgrounds. Guests looked like they were standing right there with the penguins, turning every snapshot into a story.
The experience included:
Instant 4×6” prints for each guest to treasure.
Texting capability for quick digital sharing.
Pair that with our collection of penguin headbands, hats, and handheld props, and you had a recipe for pure fun. Guests loved seeing themselves transformed into part of the exhibit, holding keepsake prints they could show off right away.
Music, Dancing, and Shared Joy
Of course, the night wasn’t just about photos. The DJ kept the energy alive with a fantastic playlist, and the dance floor quickly became a highlight of the evening. Guests had an absolute blast singing, moving, and celebrating together under the stars.
That sense of freedom and joy—dancing side by side with friends, staff, and family—made the event even more meaningful.
Carousel Rides and Virtual Reality Adventures
Adding to the excitement, the group got to enjoy the Maryland Zoo’s carousel and a state-of-the-art virtual reality attraction.
Through VR, guests could immerse themselves in thrilling worlds—swimming alongside dolphins and sharks, walking with dinosaurs, or embarking on a safari adventure. Tim and I even gave it a whirl ourselves—it was unbelievably cool! Sharing that laughter and awe with everyone else only added to the family feel of the night.
