The Love Story
An online dating success story! Alex and Joey met on November 16, 2019 – the same day that they matched on Hinge!
As they just met before the holidays, they went into 2020 hopeful that “this guy I’m dating” would turn into something more. 2020 was proving that to be true, until a global pandemic decided to expedite their romance timeline.
Alex is an emergency room nurse in Marin, CA and needed someone to watch his 90lb black Lab, Buster, while he was workin 12+ hour shifts. So Joey went to stay with Alex in his house in San Francisco “just a couple weeks until the whole Covid thing blows over.”
Four months later, Alex and Joey, along with their dogs Buster and Wilson, moved across the Golden Gate bridge to the ‘burbs and into their current home in Sausalito, CA. Like everyone else alive between 2020-2022, they went through all the craziness the world had to throw at them… together. They both experienced personal losses and major life triumphs and milestones over the years, but held strong through it all.
After dating for 910 days, Joey Hodges proposed to Alex Morris on a trip to Sayulita, Mexico, surrounded by many close friends. It seems that everyone (except Alex) was not surprised by this engagement, just days before Joey’s 40th birthday, which only shows that these two were meant to be (and that Joey was determined to be engaged before 40!).
The Wedding
Amidst a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty on the Central Coast of California, Alex and Joey were surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, and celebrated their love in a truly unforgettable wedding ceremony, followed by cocktail hour, seated dinner and an indoor reception.
The day began with the sun casting a golden glow over the picturesque grounds at Madonna Inn, adding an ethereal touch to the romantic atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo, Madonna Inn provided the perfect setting for their love story to unfold. Throughout the day, the couple moved throughout the space -showcasing the many shades of blush (errr, pink!) across this over-the-top eccentric venue.
As guests arrived at the ceremony, they were greeted with a glass of bubbly and the sounds of acoustic guitar and vocals. The décor was a blend of over-the-top pink, reflecting the unique personalities of the couple. Floral arrangements in soft pastel hues with pops of bold color adorned every corner, exuding a sense of timeless romance. The ceremony was a deeply emotional affair. Surrounded by lush florals and the soothing melody of live acoustic music, they exchanged their vows. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd as they professed their love and commitment to each other, promising to embark on a lifelong journey together.
Following the heartwarming ceremony, guests were led to the beautifully decorated Secret Garden for a cocktail hour. The evening was a symphony of joy and laughter, as heartfelt toasts were raised in honor of the newlyweds. The menu featured a culinary delight, including caviar topped hors d’oeuvres.
The first dance was a true reflection of Alex and Joey’s bond. With every step, they embraced the rhythm of their love story, reminding everyone of the deep connection they shared. The grooms then opened the dance floor and guests joined in the celebration to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
Following a brief thank you, the grooms invited a Dolly Parton drag impersonator to take the floor and entertain all before inviting everyone to be seated for dinner. The five-tier pink wedding cake was a masterpiece, a grand creation adorned with intricate designs, and five flavors, that told the story of Alex and Joey’s journey. As they cut the cake together, they symbolized the sweetness of their union and the promise of a shared life filled with joy.
As the temperatures dipped and the stars emerged in the night sky, the celebration continued on indoors with a DJ set and a surprise appearance (aka wedding crasher) from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member. The couple danced the night away with their guests and served a series of late-night snack bites to keep everyone nourished as the party continued. The couple’s exit was a spectacular display of sparklers held by their loved ones, creating a dazzling tunnel of light to mark the beginning of their adventure as a married couple. On Sunday, guests we treated to a brunch buffet in the Gay 90s room prior to departing for their honeymoon to Europe.
