alecia & katie | same sex wedding ceremony and reception | twelve oaks mansion wedding photographer

This amazing wedding day was one I looked forward to since the couple first booked with me, and it did not disappoint. If you haven’t already seen it, start off by checking out Alecia & Katie’s engagement session here – this gives a little more background on the two of them and the instant friendship that formed when I met them. 

Same sex weddings often mean mixed wedding parties (I guess that’s becoming increasingly popular for all weddings, actually!), but I was so excited when I was processing these photos and saw this image of Alecia’s best friend (and Man of Honor) as he first saw her in her gown – moments like these are the sweetest! This photo of Katie putting her earring on is one of my favorites of the whole day – the light is so gorgeous!

The brides decided to have a First Look, which always makes my heart happy. A couple’s first moments together on their wedding day are such special ones, especially when shared intimately. 

The hotel’s lobby was decked out for Christmas and includes a really cool water feature – plus it was warm in there. 😉 Naturally we had to get a few portraits!The wedding party braved the cold for some photos, and we focused most of portrait time on our beautiful brides.

 Can I just say how much I love winter weddings? A lot. A LOT. 

We left the hotel and headed to the venue, the always beautiful Twelve Oaks Mansion (yes, this is coincidentally where our previous wedding was, haha!). We did some portraits outside and then got ready for the ceremony! 

Okay guys. This is where I go a little bonkers (in a good way) because I’m Christmas-obsessed and ALL. THESE. DETAILS. Everything was so beautiful and so Christmasey, I was in love. 

After a sweet ceremony, these two were officially married! Then, of course we had to sneak in some sunset photos before the reception began! 

Again with these details – I can’t handle all of the Christmas pretty! It was like being at the North Pole – give me all the Christmas themed weddings forever and ever! The cake was one of my favorite parts of the whole day. I didn’t even eat any (but I heard it was delicious), but is this not the most adorable baked good you’ve seen in your whole life? I’ll answer that for you – yes. Yes it is.

I love this unique “guest book” idea – a finger print and a signature from each guest decorated this adorable tree! What a lovely keepsake!(I’ll go ahead and say it. My heart broke a little when they cut the perfect cake. But you know, tradition)  😉 

Toasts were given by friends and family members, and an amazing time was had by all! 

Thank you two for trusting me to capture your incredible day – this was one of my favorite weddings of the year, because it can’t get any better than Christmas and people in love.

. . .

Prep Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Cranberry

Ceremony & Reception/Catering: Twelve Oaks Mansion

Florals: Valerie Brooks

Cake: Flour & Sugar Cakery

Cake Toppers: Perlilla Pets

Hair: Nina Russo

Makeup: Courtney Holdrieth

Alecia’s Gown  – Eugenia Couture

Katie’s Gown – Stephen Yearick

Bridal Shop – Anne Gregory