French farmhouse wedding right in the heart of texas

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Looking for the charm of the French countryside without the hassle of planning an international destination wedding? Well, this couple found the perfect French-inspired farmhouse venue right here in Texas. And it even had this adorable chapel on-site! Keep scrolling to see more from this lovely pastel-hued wedding captured in these candid photos by Carlee Mae Photography.

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The ceremony was officiated by Emily’s cousin, Tyler, adding such a personal and heartfelt touch. Tyler shared words that spoke to their long history together, their shared faith, and the future they’re building side by side. His message was deeply emotional, weaving in anecdotes from their childhood romance to their journey into adulthood. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the beautiful sounds of a string quartet, setting the tone for the elegant spring affair. The quartet continued through the ceremony and into cocktail hour, offering a classical, romantic ambiance that elevated every moment. The music created a timeless atmosphere, making the entire day feel like a scene from a movie.

the proposal

radiant cut diamond engagement ring

Layton knew that surprising Emily would take some serious planning—she’s smart, intuitive, and always a step ahead. So when he told her they were going to a concert one evening, she was thrilled and didn’t suspect a thing. The only hiccup? Her phone suddenly stopped working. She couldn’t post about the concert, couldn’t see her friends’ locations on Find My Friends, and started getting a little frustrated. Little did she know, her dad had arranged to turn off her phone so she wouldn’t see that all their closest friends and family were already gathered at the proposal site, ready to celebrate. As they pulled up to a beautiful venue in Granbury, Texas, it became clear this wasn’t a concert after all. Layton led her to a stunning setup of tables, each one holding a piece of their story—framed photos from their years together and handwritten letters he had written just for her. Since they were high school sweethearts, their love spanned so many seasons of life, and Layton thoughtfully wove that history into every detail of the proposal. It was private, personal, and deeply meaningful—a full-circle moment that honored where they started and the beautiful future they’re stepping into together.

the vision: romance in the french countryside

Dreamed up by Honey and Co, florals were the heartbeat of Emily and Layton’s wedding design. Alba Dahlia Floral brought their vision to life with blooms in soft spring pastels—blush, peach, butter yellow, pale lilac, and baby blue. Flowers were thoughtfully placed in every direction—from a lush ceremony arch to delicate bud vases lining the reception tables. The ceremony arch was later repurposed over the cake, becoming a floral halo that made the entire foyer feel like a secret garden. Every detail of Emily and Layton’s wedding felt deeply personal and beautifully thought out. From their custom crest—which appeared on cocktail napkins, glasses, branded burgers that were a late-night snack, and even the dance floor—to the string quartet and the heirloom feel of the floral design, every moment was tailored to their love story. One of the most memorable details was how they transformed The French Farmhouse Venue into something uniquely theirs. As a photographer, I’ve seen many weddings at this venue, but theirs stands out as my absolute favorite—a perfect fusion of grace, joy, and intentionality.

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a first touch

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Emily and Layton chose to exchange traditional vows during their ceremony, honoring the timeless words that so many couples have spoken before them. But before walking down the aisle, they shared a private “first touch” moment—standing back-to-back, holding hands, and reading the personal vows they had written for one another. It was a quiet, emotional pause in the midst of the excitement and full of laughter and tears. In his vows, Layton promised Emily not only a lifetime of love and support but also one very specific dream of hers—a golden retriever. It was a beautiful blend of heartfelt promises and shared dreams, setting the perfect tone for the ceremony that followed.

getting ready

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In the spacious bridal suite, surrounded by her bridesmaids, Emily read a note from her soon-to-be hubby before getting ready for the day. After hair and makeup, in another sentimental moment, her mom helped her into her wedding gown.

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the fashion

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Emily's wedding gown was the embodiment of spring elegance—soft, romantic, and timeless. The dress featured a delicate sweetheart neckline, floral texture that danced down the bodice, and a full skirt that moved gracefully with every step. What made the gown truly special was how it reflected Emily’s personality—classic and poised, with a dash of whimsy. Paired with a long, flowing veil that caught the spring breeze, she looked like she stepped right out of a fairy tale. The bridesmaids wore soft blue, floor-length gowns that were both chic and charming. Each dress featured bows on the shoulders, adding the sweetest feminine detail that tied beautifully into the overall springtime aesthetic. The soft blue was the perfect contrast against the lush florals and pastel palette, and the bows brought a playful, fashion-forward element that made the entire bridal party look picture-perfect. The groomsmen wore sleek black suits with classic black ties, giving the celebration a polished, timeless look. The contrast of the black suits against the soft pastels in the florals and dresses created a stunning visual balance that felt both fresh and formal.

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a special tribute

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Every inch of Emily and Layton’s wedding was filled with intentional, heartfelt details—but one of the most meaningful was the subtle thread of butterflies woven throughout the day. Butterflies appeared in the décor and on every stamp of each invitation, but their significance ran much deeper than aesthetics. At the bridesmaids’ brunch the day before the wedding, Emily’s mother shared the story behind them. Years ago, Emily’s beloved Aunt Cindy—who passed away from cancer at a young age—was spending time at their home in her final days, resting in the hot tub and by the pool to find comfort. Emily and her sister were young at the time, and the sight of her frailty was difficult to witness. In a quiet moment, a butterfly landed nearby, and Aunt Cindy turned to them and said, “Don’t be sad. I will always be with you. Think of me when you see the butterflies—I’ll be there.” Months later, after her passing, the family returned home from her December funeral—and unbelievably, a butterfly landed on their car. In the middle of winter, it was a moment that took their breath away. Since then, butterflies have become a symbol of Cindy’s presence and love—showing up in the most unexpected and sacred moments. Including them in Emily and Layton’s wedding was a way to honor her memory and feel her spirit woven into the celebration. Emily even had her Golden Goose wedding shoes customized with a butterfly, keeping a piece of her aunt close to her heart (and feet!) as she walked into this new chapter. It was a quiet, beautiful symbol that brought comfort, legacy, and a sense of divine closeness to the day.

the cake

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An elegant four-tiered white wedding cake sat perched in a place of honor, framed by its very own floral arch. As a nod to the bride's gown, the cake decor featured a subtle lace texture and a fondant ruffle that draped from tier to tier.

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the ride

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A deeply personal element woven into the day was the vintage car that appeared in some of the most iconic photos. The car belonged to Layton’s dad and had already made an appearance in their engagement session, making it a sentimental part of their story. At the French Farmhouse, the car was parked right in front of the chapel—a perfect backdrop of nostalgia and elegance. The back of the car was adorned with fresh florals, tying it into the pastel romance of the day. It wasn’t just a stylish detail; it was a family heirloom and a meaningful thread from one chapter of their relationship into the next.

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