The first time I met with Miranda and Kim to discuss their wedding plans, they were having issues with the venue they wanted to book. Unfortunately, as it turned out, their dream venue wasn’t interested in hosting a wedding for same sex partners. The brides were not about to let that get them down and they quickly switched gears to find a new location. Enter, Hodge Podge Lodge. Located in Montgomery, Texas, it was a little more of a hike for the couple and their families, but well worth the travel time. The venue also fit perfect with their vintage country theme.

With an early April wedding date we had our fingers crossed for no rain…or at least not a torrential downpour. The morning was shaping up to be beautiful. Some overcast skies kept the sun at bay. Even in early April, the Texas sun can be a bear.

Hodge Podge Lodge has a roomy bridal suite where the entire wedding party was prepping. Miranda and Kim wanted to get ready together and save first looks for parents and wedding party. Once everyone’s hair and makeup was complete, the bridesmaids and flower girl got dressed and exited the bridal suite so the brides could don their dresses and have a moment alone together before we started first looks and formal photos. I have to say, couples getting ready together is a beautiful thing and I hope this trend takes off. Many couples that have Elopements and intimate weddings are already going this route.

Once they were ready we did first looks with each bride’s parents, followed by an unveiling with the bridesmaids. Miranda’s daughter Kaelynn was the flower girl and her face in the wedding party first look photo says it all!

While the final details were being set up for the ceremony, the bridesmaids went to greet guests while I stole the brides away for a few couples portraits before they had to go into hiding for the ceremony. Once the brides were tucked safely back in the bridal suite, I jumped on my phone to check the rain status on Accuweather. This app and its Minutecast feature is an absolute necessity on wedding days! It looked like we might get some sprinkles but they would be light and short.

The ceremony was outside beneath two large trees. To add a touch of visual interest the brides brought in an arbor adorned with vines and baby’s breath. Two crystal chandeliers hung from above adding a touch of elegance to their vintage country details. Like in a traditional wedding, the bridesmaids walked the processional, followed by the flower girl. Since both brides wanted to process with a parent, they opted to do it one at a time, with Kim and her father entering first, followed by Miranda and her mother.

The brides were really adamant that they wanted an unplugged wedding. They didn’t want photos of the guests with iPhones (or worse, IPads) or cameras in front of their faces and they didn’t want to risk someone jumping in front of me in the aisle. Not just that, most of their guests had never been to a gay wedding before and they wanted everyone to absorb the ceremony. They also had a special part of the ceremony planned for Kaelyn and they wanted everyone present to take in the creation of the new family.

Much of the ceremony was traditional, with a few readings, and the exchange of vows and rings. The brides had purchased a necklace for Kaelynn which they presented to her to represent their commitment to her. It was such a beautiful way to include her and share their love for her on this milestone day.

Right after the necklace presentation, I started to feel some rain drops despite the sun being out. There was a light shower passing right over us. It seemed we’d be okay, though a few jackets did go over heads in the audience. Then a few shorts minutes later, right before the first kiss, the sprinkle stopped and a rainbow appeared off in the distance! It was so magical!

As the brides recessed back down the aisle, the rainbow faded away and we jumped right into the reception which was held outside on the patio. The brides were announced as Mrs. and Mrs. as they walked out onto the patio with their guest cheering. The evening was perfect. Guests sipped beer, wine and signature drinks, which included a caramel white russian, and filled up on comfort food like BBQ chicken and mac n cheese.

Strange as it may sound, I think my favorite part of the day was photographing the brides in the vintage stand alone bathtub in the bridal suite’s bathroom. This is a HUGE tradition for Hodge Podge Lodge brides and we were all giggles and the girls piled into the tub!

EVENT VENDORS

Venue / Hodge Podge Lodge
Wedding Planner / Sophie Hartle – Hodge Podge Lodge
Event Coordinator / Sweet Tea and Linen
Caterer / Danello’s Catering
Bouquets / Eco Flower Weddings
Wedding Cake / Creative Confections by Roxane
DJ / Sound Connections
Bridal Gowns / David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Gowns / Alfred Angelo
Engagement and Wedding Rings / Robbins Brothers