LGBTQ WEDDING DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX

29 July, 2017 LGBTQ WEDDING DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX

Hey friends! Meet Randi and Kendall….one of the sweetest couples you’ll meet. I’ve known Randi for ages. A decade I think. We’ve been through many a things together from bowties to fun memories of chicken express back when we were mere babes. When her and Kendall started dating one of the first things that stuck out about her was her infectious laughter. If you know Kendall…you’re probably nodding because you get it. It is absolutely impossible not to feel her joy. She just lights up a room. I was so glad to see my friend so happy. We’ve all been on trips together, played music into the wee hours, cut so many rugs I can’t keep track and had life talks that are deeper than the ocean. These two are the real deal and one of a kind friends. I love them so. Q&A time…

How long have you been together? 

We have been together 4 years and 4 months

Where do you two live? Tell us a little bit about what you both spend a majority of your time doing.

We live in Dallas. We love all things food and beverage!! Our favorite thing to do is to read all of the latest blog posts, articles, reviews etc on the newest spots in town and then spend the next weeks/months hopping around to all of them! When we aren’t stuffing our faces we spend lots of time with our 3 fur-baby doggos, we love to go dancing at Round-Up, and bake in the sun by the pool!

What is the first thing you remember about the other when you first met? 

I’ll go first since I was the stalker in this story (Randi). I met Kendall for the first time at summer camp when I was 12. We were 2 grades apart, so we didn’t hang in the same circles, but OMG she was soooo cool to me. I wanted to be her friend in the worst way. We became acquaintances but never really hung out. So…naturally when I was in my 20s reminiscing about my summers in Austin at camp I decided to Facebook stalk the coolest girl I could remember. I creeped her page super hard, and sent her a couple messages asking if she ever wanted to get a drink sometime. She didn’t respond for a year. No lie. I finally met Kendall as an adult when I was 28. The incessant FB messages paid off. We met at Capitol Pub. I know what she wore. White v-neck, jeans, and a forest green field jacket. I was hooked on her laugh and her smile instantly. I still am.

How did the proposal go down?

(Kendall) I proposed. I had this major plan to take all of our siblings to Chicago to see Beyoncé (our favorite), and I was going to propose there. Well… I ended up accidentally purchasing about $2,000 worth of tickets ( that’s another story) and it just ended up not working out. So I rallied everyone to come to Dallas instead. Friends and family flew from Virginia, LA, Oklahoma and all over Texas to help me with the surprise. I took Randi on a staycation weekend to a nice Hotel in Dallas. We had good food great wine and even hit up the spa. Randi had no idea, but people we staying at our house while we were gone and planning this big surprise all behind her back. On Saturday (the day of my proposal) , Randi insisted on working.  I was freaking out!! Luckily, her client meetings were canceled and it didn’t interfere with my plan. Friends and family were waiting at HG Sply Co (A restaurant Randi used to manage, and one of our favorite spots) while we went to the Arboretum. I sent two scouts before us to find the perfect place for the ring and a bottle of champagne to be waiting for us when we walked up. As we approached I got so overcome with emotion I couldn’t  even say anything!!! When we got to the set- up I still couldn’t say anything … luckily I had written everything down in a card and got out the words “will you marry me?”. She obviously said YES! After that we headed to HG where about 50 people were waiting for us! Randi was so suprised!! We spent the rest of the day laughing and partying with our favorites.

Was there a memory from your wedding that sticks out more than others? 

My (Randi) favorite memories from the wedding are all over the place. We did two separate “First Looks”. I wanted to do a first look with our dads. We are both so close to our fathers and it was super special to me. I also loved getting to spend the whole day getting ready with my siblings! We are all best friends so that was the biggest stress reliever for me.
The funniest memory by far was after the wedding. We were hammered. We went back to the SOCO Hotel. We get up to our room so we can ….do married ppl stuff, and at that point we were so drunk and tired that we nixed the sexy time and ate mashed potatoes in bed with our eyes closed instead. #romance

(Kendall) I was a ball of nerves all day. I just couldn’t get calm… But, Once we got to the venue and it was time to see Randi for the “first look” all my anxiety went away. Just seeing her and how beautiful she was I was only full of joy.

Our band was amazing and everyone danced all night. My best memories on that night are dancing our hearts out with friends and family.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other couples planning their wedding?

Our advice is to get cracking on the big stuff quick! We had most of our planning done super early and it alleviated so much stress at that “crunch time” last month or so. The other thing to remember is that once you get to the rehearsal dinner, the venue, the destination or wherever you’re going just relinquish all control. Things won’t be exactly how they looked in your head, and the most important thing is that you’re with your partner for life smiling and having fun surrounded by your favorite people.

If you could change one thing about your wedding what would it be?

It felt pretty perfect. There wasn’t too much to fix or change!

Why did you choose the wedding venue/location you did?

The hill country has some special meaning to us. We met at a summer camp in Austin as kids. They listed themselves as LGBT friendly. The staff was super sweet. It just felt right through and through.

Did you run into any issues with vendors who were not gay friendly?

Not once! We made sure to clarify with each vendor in our initial conversations that we would be a 2 bride situation. It felt like a non-issue for all of them, which was so nice!

Top 3 things that make a marriage last?

1) communication! Be open, honest, and never defensive
2) Have fun! Our favorite times are when we just lay in bed giggle with each other.
3) Pick your battles. When you live with someone you start to rub each other the wrong way for no reason sometimes. Don’t let the small stuff take its toll. Hit reset on your relationship regularly and remember why you fell in love.

What do you think makes it hard about planning a wedding without the support of your family?

I don’t know what I would have done. Our mothers and fathers were by our sides the whole way. It hasn’t always been easy, but they love us and want us to be happy.

Why’d you choose Steph to document your wedding day?

Steph- if you delete this I’ll kill ya 😉

Steph Grant is not only one hell of a photographer, but she is one of our very best friends. I can’t imagine trusting anyone else with capturing the most important day of my life. She knows us as more than clients. She felt organic there. Steph takes the time to make you forget that she has a camera. You feel like you’ve been having mimosas with your buddy, you look up, and she has captured you in your most raw and fantastic moments. So much talent. Such a genuine person. She is the best of the best.

** Aw shucks…I didn’t delete it guys;) Now click play, sit back and soak in all of the love…