June 14, 2015

Jodi and Kenzi met through friends in Birmingham in 2009. Their first date was to La Paz Mexican Restaurant in Crestline Village. It didn’t take them long to realize they were super-compatible!

Marriage in Alabama seemed a long way off, so Jodi and Kenzi got married in New York City in 2009. They planned to have a small ceremony for friends and family after. Seven months later, an Alabama federal judge overturned the ban and the couple’s marriage was legally recognized in their home state! The two were free to plan the wedding of their dreams.

Avondale Villa, an outdoor wedding venue, set the stage for the big event. Kenzi and Jodi loved the beautiful venue with a rock patio and a ton of charm. They loved that it was in their urban neighborhood most of all.

Jodi did much of the planning and quickly realized that there was much more to a wedding than she thought. Kenzi’s dad passed away from pancreatic cancer the December prior to the wedding, so it was important to incorporate his spirit into the ceremony. He had a memory table, and wildflower seeds were distributed in remembrance.

Family was of central importance. The outer band of Jodi’s ring belonged to Kenzi’s grandmother. Jodi was able to meet her only once, but she met with her approval in that short time. Three hours after leaving her home, Kenzi’s grandmother passed away. The ring is very special to both Kenzi and Jodi.

Jodi’s mom made all of the table arrangements, and Kenzi’s best friends put the seating together and performed the set up. Jodi’s dad handcrafted the wedding arch out of wood and vines found on his property. Friends played the flute and violin during the ceremony, and one of Jodi’s sisters acted as the day-of coordinator.

Jodi’s dad made their arch, taking great pride in it. He also made the initials out of vines to adorn the top.

The brides’ favorite memory was having their friends and family all in one place to support their marriage.

The newlyweds recommend that other couples start earlier than later, and plan to spend more money than you anticipated. Most professionals are happy to work with same sex couples. Remember, your wedding isn’t any less special than anyone else’s!

Their LGBTQ-Friendly Vendors

Photographer: j.woodbery photography // Reception Venue: Avondale Villa 

Submitted via Two Bright Lights