The Lodge at Mound Creek

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

How we met 🩵parts 1, 2, & 3 🩵

We first met in 2017 at a mutual friend’s house after a long day, meeting up for a few drinks with no expectations. That night, we locked eyes and quickly fell into effortless conversation, laughter, and a connection that neither of us could ignore. What began as a simple evening turned into shared moments and memories we didn’t yet realize would last a lifetime.Over the following months, we continued to grow closer and built a bond that felt strong and natural. Eventually, Connor left for Scotland to pursue his dream of playing rugby at a higher level, while Candace continued to pursue her education at SHSU. Though we stayed in touch while he was away, distance and timing led us down separate paths.When Connor returned home a year later, both of us—unbeknownst to the other—ended up out with friends on the same evening. Candace and her friends headed out to the waterway to celebrate her 22nd birthday, and ended up at a place called Gooses Acre. Connor was already at Goose’s Acre when he instinctively turned toward the door and saw the familiar eyes he had never forgotten. Suddenly, we were back within arm’s reach. If you ask any of the friends who were there that night, they’d tell you that Candace and Connor spent the entire night in a corner, catching up &amp; taking Irish Car Bombs. It felt as though no time had passed at all. We reconnected instantly, picking up right where we left off.Once again, life pulled us in different directions. Connor focused on continuing his education while Candace had just completed hers, and our schedules didn’t allow the time we wanted to give each other. Still, we never stopped thinking about one another. After a few years—and many thoughts that kept bringing us back—we found our way to each other once more. This time, with more time, maturity, and energy to share, everything fell into place. It felt as though we had never been apart.Now, we look forward to spending a lifetime together, grateful for the journey that led us here and excited for everything still to come.

How He knew:

I had a feeling the first time we met—when I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her eyes were the kind I could get lost in forever, and her smile seemed to shine right through me. Once we started talking, something told me I’d never want our conversations to end. I knew it was forever when, no matter how much time passed, she was always the one my mind returned to. Being with her has always felt steady, familiar, and right—like coming home.

How She Knew:

I knew he was something sent from the cosmos from the start. As soon as I walked in the door and saw him, I instantly thought, “Who is this man? &amp; how do I get to know him?” There was a draw I felt towards him that I felt I couldn’t resist. As I got to know him more and more, I kept thinking, “This is the coolest guy I have ever met” and I still think that. I knew he was the man for me when we reconnected that night at Goose’s Acre and I thought “This is game over, we’re going to date” I was so excited. I woke up the next day thinking it was all a dream. I checked my phone, and he had told me how great it was seeing me and that he wants to take me on a date. I was over the moon. This time around, I had already known how special and one-of-a-kind he was. I was thanking God constantly for bringing us back into each other’s lives. It felt like I was living in a dream. Everyday, I am still in awe that I get to marry him.

Our Story

Photos

Payton Lemley 

Wedding Party

Housed in a historic building, the recently renovated Hodge Podge Lodge features accommodations with a garden and free Wifi. This bed and breakfast provides free private parking and full-day security. The accommodation offers private check-in and check-out and a shared lounge for guests. Each unit has a private bathroom, and some units at the bed and breakfast have a terrace. At the bed and breakfast, some units are allergy-free and soundproof. Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a continental breakfast, and breakfast in the room is also available. There is an on-site bar. The bed and breakfast has a picnic area where you can spend the day outdoors. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is 26 miles from Hodge Podge Lodge, while The Woodlands Mall is 25 miles from the property. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 39 miles away.

Hodge Podge Lodge

The hotel is located 80 km north of Downtown Houston Texas on beautiful Lake Conroe.Sophisticated yet approachable discerning yet all-encompassing luxurious yet family-friendly this four-star Texas resort strikes the perfect balance between elegant sophistication and relaxed ease offering a unique experience in luxury comfort and discovery. Guests are welcomed in the lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out service. The club resort consists of a total of 445 rooms. Facilities include air conditioning lift access to the upper floors a kids' club for younger guests and conference facilities for business travellers as well as Internet access and a car park. Guests can wine and dine in the cafÃ© bar and restaurant. Both room and laundry services are also available.With gorgeous views spacious contemporary designs and only the most deluxe linens and bath accessories each of the lush suites has been carefully orchestrated with one thing in mind: the guests. All are en suite with a bath and hairdryer. Further in-room amenities include a direct dial telephone satellite/cable TV radio Internet access a safe tea and coffee making facilities an ironing set and a balcony or terrace. Air conditioning and heating also feature as standard.Guests are invited to take a dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool with children's swimming area. Sun loungers are laid out ready for use and guests can enjoy a spa treatment or work out in the gym. A hot tub waterskiing motor boating sailing canoeing tennis minigolf and golf are also available. The hotel also puts on an entertainment programme for children.From Houston: Take I-45 North toward Dallas then exit 84B Loop 336 W. Turn left on Loop 336 W and turn left again on TX-105 W. Travel 16 km on 105 to Walden Road. Turn right on Walden Road. Travel 3 km on Walden Road to La Torretta Boulevard and turn right on La Torretta Boulevard. It is approximately 88 km to the resort.

Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe/Houston

Super 8 By Wyndham Montgomery/ Lake Conroe offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort.Share your photos and respond to emails at your convenience, thanks to the free Wi-Fi internet access offered by hotel. Experience the wonders of Montgomery (TX) with ease by utilizing the services provided at car hire. Visitors can take advantage of complimentary parking directly at the hotel.Reception services such as express check-in or check-out and luggage storage are available to accommodate your requirements. Traveling with minimal luggage is achievable at Super 8 By Wyndham Montgomery/ Lake Conroe due to the hotel's laundry service ensuring your garments stay fresh.Room amenities like room service and daily housekeeping contribute to making a perfect selection for your stay.The hotel maintains a completely smoke-free zone, providing a breathable atmosphere. Each accommodation at Super 8 By Wyndham Montgomery/ Lake Conroe is thoughtfully created and adorned to provide visitors with a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. In certain rooms, the hotel offers linen service and air conditioning for guest convenience and satisfaction. In select rooms, guests can enjoy a touch of amusement with the availability of television for their entertainment. Rest assured, in a few chosen rooms, the presence of a refrigerator can be found.Super 8 By Wyndham Montgomery/ Lake Conroe offers a hair dryer, toiletries and towels in the restrooms of specific accommodations. Begin your holiday on a high note. At Super 8 By Wyndham Montgomery/ Lake Conroe, your mornings are greeted with a delightful, free breakfast. Experience an unforgettable evening with your fellow travelers just a short distance away, at hotel's bar. Throughout the day and evening, grab a bite to eat from hotel's self-service vending machines whenever you please.Super 8 By Wyndham Montgomery/ Lake Conroe provides a superb assortment of leisure amenities for guests to enjoy.Unwind after a long day by stopping by hot tub and spa to rejuvenate your senses. Each day at hotel, immerse yourself in the invigorating waters of the pool, perfect for a rejuvenating plunge or a series of revitalizing laps.

Super 8 by Wyndham Montgomery/ Lake Conroe

Free WiFi and an outdoor pool are featured at this Montgomery, Texas hotel. The property is adjacent to Lake Conroe. A cable TV is provided in each room at Best Western Lake Conroe. Complete with a microwave, the rooms also have a refrigerator. Ironing facilities are available. Free parking and 24-hour reception are among the convenient amenities offered at the Best Western Lake Conroe. Barbecue facilities are also available. Wedgewood Golf Course and Links at West Fork Golf Course are 5 minutes' drive away.

Best Western Lake Conroe Inn

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Conroe has free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and garden in Conroe. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 14 miles from Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Some rooms also feature a kitchenette with a fridge, a dishwasher and an oven. The hotel has a grill. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Conroe. The Woodlands Mall is 13 miles from the accommodation, while National Museum of Funeral History is 26 miles from the property. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 26 miles away.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Conroe

Travel

Things to Do

Honeymoon Fund 

While your gifts are greatly appreciated, our most desired gift is something put towards our honeymoon fund. You can find this tab at the top labeled, "Honeymoon Fund".However, if you'd prefer a tangible gift, there are a few registries below.Cheers! XOXO

<a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/gift-registry/candace-sappenfield/r7472685" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crate &amp; Barrel </a>

<a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/14TVJO7Q9O1KL?ref_=wl_share" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a>

Wedding Registry

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

41 Sites to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses

The 15 Best Places to Buy a Suit

Cocktail dresses &amp; Semi-formal dresses for women Suits or a blazer with jeans &amp; boots for men

Candace & Connor

Candace & Connor

Wedding Registry