Much of the ceremony was traditional, with a few readings, and the exchange of vows and rings. 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.
Not just that, most of their guests had never been to a gay wedding before and they wanted everyone to absorb the ceremony. 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. The brides were really adamant that they wanted an unplugged wedding. 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. Like in a traditional wedding, the bridesmaids walked the processional, followed by the flower girl. Two crystal chandeliers hung from above adding a touch of elegance to their vintage country details. To add a touch of visual interest the brides brought in an arbor adorned with vines and baby’s breath. The ceremony was outside beneath two large trees. 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. Once the brides were tucked safely back in the bridal suite, I jumped on my phone to check the rain status on Accuweather.
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.
Miranda’s daughter Kaelynn was the flower girl and her face in the wedding party first look photo says it all! Once they were ready we did first looks with each bride’s parents, followed by an unveiling with the bridesmaids. Many couples that have Elopements and intimate weddings are already going this route. I have to say, couples getting ready together is a beautiful thing and I hope this trend takes off. 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. Miranda and Kim wanted to get ready together and save first looks for parents and wedding party. Hodge Podge Lodge has a roomy bridal suite where the entire wedding party was prepping. Even in early April, the Texas sun can be a bear. The morning was shaping up to be beautiful. With an early April wedding date we had our fingers crossed for no rain…or at least not a torrential downpour. The venue also fit perfect with their vintage country theme. 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 brides were not about to let that get them down and they quickly switched gears to find a new location. Unfortunately, as it turned out, their dream venue wasn’t interested in hosting a wedding for same sex partners. 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.