Emily + Simeon | A Backyard Wedding
Emily + Simeon are two rare souls. You wouldn’t believe the trials and triumphs they’ve faced together, but their wedding day alone was a testament to their faith in each other & Jesus. Simeon defeated cancer, Emily supported him each step of the way, and they both endured the most trying wedding planning season to top it all off. Regardless of job loss, venue cancellations, and shortened guest lists, they were married on May 23rd in their backyard. I typically am one for the simple things, but the details of their day really spoke to me. There was a story behind every detail of their day. Whether it be the flowers, the dress, the Texas pin on Simeon’s boutonniere, everything had a story. So this post is going to be a bit different in order to help portray the reality of Emily + Simeon’s day. A day full of all the intricacies & details.
first of all, I love the significance of Emily + Simeon holding hands. They’re walking into marriage deeply rooted already with the mountains they’ve faced. But the best thing about them?
they party and laugh through it all.
Before every wedding, I’ll ask each couple if there are any details that I need to be aware of on their day. The sunflower was a detail that Emily noted for me. It is symbolic of Simeon’s sweet sister, Vinita, who passed away. Although they faced such an difficult tragedy, her life was present on the day through the sunflower. When I asked Simeon if he felt she was present on their day, he said, “I don’t really believe in that stuff” with his signature chuckle.
but then he retorted, “But she looooooved Texas!”
Another neat aspect of their day was their floral design. They literally WORKED for their flowers. In the midst of a difficult season, they asked if they could knock off some of the price by delivering over holiday weekends and Jameson’s Flowers was so kind to take them up on their offer.
She blessed them with awe-inspiring arrangements.
what a beautiful sight & artwork by Jameson’s Flowers
& the bolo tie.
it speaks for itself.
letters
one of the most intimate moments in a wedding day because it allows the bride & groom to have a glimpse into each other’s mindset while also encouraging each other before they say
“I do”.
this wedding party was the ultimate hype squad.
the ladies told Emily to spin around & the guys… well they laughed basically the entire day.
can I remind you that this is Emily’s backyard?!?!
when I learned that Emily + Simeon were moving their day to their backyard, my first mission was to find an area for them to have a private moment for their couple portraits.
we drove five minutes to find this beautiful wooded area and it did not disappoint!
a first dance of dreams under the most twinkly lights
just saying
kids on the dance floor may be my favorite thing ever.
& lastly, I need to brag on the bride of the day.
Emily & I met in our sorority years ago that no longer exists, but Emily was always an encouraging and uplifting light to all those she encountered. I never heard her speak negatively about a stranger or friend and I think that summarizes Emily’s kindness. Simeon is marrying an absolute gem & it was so special to see her so happy on her day!