A Woodland Fairytale Wedding at Lazy P Ranch

Nestled in the heart of East Texas beneath towering oaks and soft November skies, Emily and Thomas celebrated their love in a deeply personal and nature-inspired wedding at LAZY P RANCH. Captured beautifully by MICAHLA VAUGHN, their day was as heartfelt as it was breathtaking — a celebration of family roots, meaningful history, and intentional details.

Emily and Thomas’s story began decades before their vows were exchanged. Growing up next door to one another in Shreveport, Louisiana, Emily was close friends with Thomas’s younger sister, Caroline. She remembers Thomas as the “cute but antagonizing big brother” she and Caroline often tried to avoid. Years later, after both had moved away, Emily spotted Thomas on a dating app shortly after returning to Shreveport — and the spark was instant. They matched, caught up, and quickly became inseparable.

Thomas proposed to Emily in the most nostalgic and romantic way — right between their two childhood homes on Easter Sunday. Surrounded by both of their families, he led her to the place where their paths first crossed and asked her to spend forever with him. A bottle of Dom Perignon, gifted by Emily’s grandfather when she was a baby for this very moment, was opened in celebration.

LAZY P RANCH wasn’t just a picturesque venue — it was part of Emily’s family legacy. Purchased by her father in 2019, it became a place of reconnection and growth for Emily and Thomas. It was here, amidst the rolling pastures and serene ponds, that their love deepened. Her father lovingly transformed the space for their big day, planting rye grass, maintaining the lush grounds, and even building an electric fence with Thomas to keep curious cows at bay.

The couple’s vision was clear: to create a celebration that honored the natural surroundings while feeling intimate and enchanting. The ranch, combined with memories from Emily’s childhood summers at Camp Fern, inspired a woodland fairytale aesthetic brought to life with help from planner HANNAH LAMB EVENTS and florist EVERYTHING ARTSY EVENTS.

Emily’s wedding day began in the most peaceful way: waking up on the farm with her closest friends. Her mom cooked breakfast, her sister fetched Starbucks, and the group watched the sunrise over the ceremony site from the living room. Hair and makeup by MEKA BENNETT were done to a soundtrack of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, creating a relaxed, joyful environment as excitement built for the day ahead.

Emily chose a stunning strapless A-line gown by ALLURE, with layers of embroidered lace, tulle, and a full train. Her cathedral-length veil echoed the botanical detailing of her gown, creating a cohesive and romantic look. For the reception, she changed into a playful HOUSE OF CB mini dress, complete with a tulle skirt, bow detail, and short lace veil from Etsy. Ivory TECOVAS boots, personalized with her new last name, “Simms,” added the perfect rustic-chic touch.

Her bridesmaids wore mismatched emerald gowns from REVELRY, DESSY GROUP, AZAZIE, and ANTHROPOLOGIE, while Thomas and his groomsmen donned classic black tuxedos with bowties and cummerbunds from SQUIRES FORMALWEAR — with Thomas also rocking a pair of black Tecovas.

A highlight of the evening was the live painting by MAURA EHRESMAN, capturing a moment from the day on canvas — a dream come true for Emily, who studied Art History. A watercolor guest painter, ANNA COLVIN ART, created custom portraits for guests to take home as a cherished keepsake.

Under twinkling lights, the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away — celebrating with laughter, joy, and the kind of energy that can only come from a day filled with love and intention. A live cake skirt covered in ferns, and a vintage cake topper from Thomas’s grandparents’ wedding, added even more meaning to the celebration.

Emily and Thomas shared a private first look before the ceremony — a moment Emily described as one of her favorites from the day. As soon as he turned around, her nerves melted. His smile, filled with joy and love, reminded her that everything was exactly as it should be. The first look also allowed them to take most of their portraits beforehand, making space for an uninterrupted celebration later.

The ceremony took place beneath a majestic oak tree, with cross-back chairs, cozy green fleece blankets, and a view of the ranch’s serene ponds. Baby’s breath adorned the altar, and ferns lined the aisle — subtle nods to Emily’s Camp Fern memories.

Their officiant, Reverend Tony Nations, a long-time family friend, delivered a heartfelt ceremony that reflected the deep ties and traditions between their families. Emily walked down the aisle to “Invisible String” by Taylor Swift, while her bridesmaids preceded her to “Butterflies” by Kacey Musgraves — a lyrical soundtrack that perfectly captured their love story.

Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed into a stunning clear-top tent under the trees, provided by PELICAN TENTS & EVENTS. The space glowed with string lights, suspended greenery, and olive velvet drapes. Walnut farmhouse tables and a wood-and-ivory checkered dance floor gave the reception a rustic yet refined feel.

Cocktail hour featured passed appetizers with Louisiana flair — shrimp tartlets, beef tenderloin crostini, fried oysters, and more — and a bourbon bar curated by Emily’s father, featuring Elijah Craig 18 Year, Elmer T. Lee, and Weller 12 Year. Guests cozied up by fire pits, wrapped in fleece blankets, and lounged on leather chairs and avocado-toned sofas from LILAC LANE RENTALS.

A few months after the wedding, Emily and Thomas jetted off on their dream honeymoon to Italy, where they explored Rome, Florence, and the charming coastal town of Moneglia. With a shared love of food, faith, and art, it was the perfect blend of culture, romance, and relaxation.