November 2, 2013 Cochino Lodge was the venue chosen by the Gipson and Arndt families

A Beautiful Fall Day

Temperature Just right.

It all began with the preparations of the flowers for wedding the next day.

Teresa Gipson and family arrived early and worked diligently to make each vase of flowers, each bouquet, and the arch-way flowers just perfect.   It was a labor of love. Mary Arndt  and family worked to have the food ready for preparation for the next day as well as the arrangements for cake and dining set up. Getting the tables ready for flowers was also done the day before by Mary and her crew.  The chocolate fountain was set up on the Mid Deck by Teresa, using a background of historic windowed doors and curtains. The Bride's cake had three hinged vintage doors as the backdrop with an old mirror attached.  Old barrels and kegs punctuated the Mid deck holding flowers or beverages. Root beer in brown bottles was a hit as well as the many flavored types of PopCorn. Custom brown bags to be filled with the corn was handy for the guests to use.   Fathers of the Bride and Groom assisted wherever needed, especially when there was a 'balance to be paid'.  Rehearsal dinner, prepared and served by Ralph and Kacoos, tender and tasty delicious steak. The side dishes were wonderful, I know Betty Smotherman of Ralph and Kacoos  put her magical touch on all of the food. The manager brought in his crew for the steak to be cooked on site and elegantly served in the Main Lobby. For the Reception, Thompson's from Crockett served all sorts of bar-b-q and the trimmings. Thompson's is renowned state wide for its delicious menu. The cake was adorable and so delicious. Nana's Cakes of Lufkin never fails to deliver an artistic delight.

 

The Wedding was a mid day event that allowed for a lot of visiting. Guests came from near Temple and Garrison. Lawn games were played throughout the afternoon and a lot of walking around the premises to enjoy nature and the beautiful outdoors.   Benches and Pews were set up on the East Lawn.  The flowers alongside the benches were just beautiful and displayed on shepherd hooks and iron containers.  Beautiful music was played throughout. 

 

The families of the couple were such a delight and laid back. So many friendly Guests filled the seating, as there was a very large crowd of over 150 guests.  Some had been to Cochino before and for some this was a new experience.   Hopefully many of the guests will soon return to enjoy another wedding at Cochino Lodge. I look forward to it.


Beautiful Bride and Handsome Groom