CARLEE MAE PHOTOGRAPHY


EMILY & LAYTON


Emily and Layton’s spring wedding at The French Farmhouse Venue in Collinsville, Texas, was truly unforgettable. With soft pastel colors, lush florals, and deeply meaningful moments woven throughout, it was the kind of day that reminds you exactly why weddings matter.

High school sweethearts, they’ve been by each other’s side through every chapter- from pep rallies to college football games, they’ve supported each other through every season. Their wedding was not only a celebration of their love but also of their history together.


The design was elegant and thoughtful: blue floor-length bridesmaid dresses with statement bows, groomsmen in classic black suits, and a custom wedding crest that was featured on everything from cocktail napkins to drinkware and the dance floor. The vibe was black tie optional, and guests truly showed up in style.


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. Their custom crest was incorporated into multiple elements, including the dance floor, glassware, and signage — creating a seamless and intentional aesthetic throughout the day.


Their cake, from Cake Ladies Texas, was as delicious as it was stunning. One tier featured strawberry cake with cream cheese buttercream, while the other was classic white cake with berry coulis and fresh berries.


Butterflies were quietly and meaningfully integrated into the day — on the invitation stamps, in the décor, and even on Emily’s custom Golden Goose shoes. They were a tribute to Emily’s late Aunt Cindy, who once told her, “Think of me when you see the butterflies.” After Cindy’s funeral, a butterfly landed on their car in the middle of December — a moment the family never forgot. Including that symbol on her wedding day brought comfort, memory, and love into the celebration.


Emily and Layton also included Layton’s dad’s vintage car in their wedding photos — the same one they used for their engagement session. It was parked in front of the French Farmhouse chapel, dressed with florals on the back for the most romantic photo moment.


Before the ceremony, they shared a “first touch” — holding hands back-to-back and reading personal vows to one another. It was sweet, emotional, and even a little playful as Layton promised Emily a golden retriever in his vows.


From a live string quartet welcoming guests to the ceremony to incredible catering by Vestals, every part of their day was full of beauty, intentionality, and legacy.


VENDORS:

Venue: | The French Farmhouse Venue

Video | Austin Chick Collective

Florist | Alba Dahlia Floral

Band | Jordan Kahn Orchestra

Ceremony Music | Bishop String Quartet

Catering | Vestals Catering

Planner | Honey & Co. Events

Bartending | Liquid Love Co. 

Ceremony Sound | Le Force DJ

Cold Sparks/Lighting | Elevate Dallas

Hair Artist | Grand Slam Glam

Makeup Artist | Madeline Cope

Rentals | Top Tier Event Rentals  | Perch Event Decor

Photo Booth | Mighty Photo Booth

Dance Floor | Imperial Floors

Signage | Empress Stationary

Signage | Kirsten McFarland Designs

Elegant wedding invitation suite in lavender and sage green with floral watercolor details.
Diamond engagement ring and wedding bands displayed in velvet box on wedding stationery.
Wedding stationery flatlay with butterfly stamps, pink flowers, and green envelope liner.
Wedding invitation suite for Emily Claire and Layton Sanders Ernst with floral wreath design.
Round wedding menu card with greenery wreath design displayed with cake server and roses.
Frosted cup with colorful monogram floral crest design for wedding reception.
Black patent leather groom shoes with bow tie, watch, and cufflinks wedding detail flatlay.
Close-up of princess cut diamond engagement ring and wedding band in pink velvet octagon ring box with floral accents.
Elegant bridal flat lay with Her Vows book, gold butterfly, diamond rings in pink velvet box, pearl necklace, and pastel flowers.
Custom white Golden Goose bridal sneakers with glitter star, rhinestone laces, and wedding date 4-5-25 written on sole.
Elegant bridal detail flat lay featuring gold monogram ring box, pearl necklace, diamond rings, and soft pastel florals.
Charming white wedding chapel with bell tower, string lights, arched windows, and lush spring trees in romantic outdoor setting.
Romantic bridal flat lay with pearl necklace, diamond rings in pink velvet box, gold monogram box, and pastel spring flowers.
Bridal flat lay with embroidered monogram vow book dated April 5th 2025, pearl necklace, diamond ring, and pastel flowers.
Black and white close-up of makeup artist applying lipstick to blonde bride in white robe during wedding morning prep.
Group of bridesmaids and bride posing together in matching light blue striped pajama sets inside bright elegant venue.
Bride and bridesmaids laughing and posing in matching blue striped pajama sets and white socks inside a bright white venue.
Groom in black tuxedo with bow tie and white pocket square adjusting his jacket lapel.
Blonde bride in white robe sitting in elegant chair reading a heartfelt letter before wedding.
Groom in black tuxedo fastening gold cufflinks on white dress shirt sleeve.
Large groomsmen party in matching black tuxedos posing in front of white barn wedding venue.
Groom with boutonniere laughing with groomsmen in black tuxedos outside elegant white barn venue.
Groomsmen joyfully lifting smiling groom in black tuxedo outside white barn wedding venue.
Strapless white lace wedding dress hanging on decorative gold hanger over ornate vintage mirror.
Black and white photo of strapless white wedding gown hanging on ornate gold mirror.
Smiling groom in black tuxedo walking with laughing groomsmen outside white barn wedding venue.
Bride in strapless white ball gown being helped by bridesmaid in front of large gold mirror.
Bride in white gown with two bridesmaids in pink and blue dresses preparing in front of ornate gold mirror.
Black and white photo of bridesmaids buttoning the back of a brides elegant white wedding gown.
Blonde bride in strapless white gown spraying perfume on her wrist in a bright dressing room.
Bride in white gown with train faces bridesmaids in light blue dresses outside white chapel.
Bride in white gown with train faces smiling bridesmaids in light blue dresses holding bouquets outside chapel.
Elegant wedding chapel with white Chiavari chairs, floral arch, and large windows overlooking lush greenery.
Bride and bridesmaid in light blue dress watch woman in pink gown approach on outdoor pathway.
Bride in white gown poses with large bridal party in matching light blue dresses outside white chapel.
Bride and bridesmaids in light blue dresses holding colorful pastel floral bouquets with roses and ranunculus.
Bridesmaids in light blue dresses smiling and holding pastel bouquets with roses and wildflowers at wedding.
Bride in white gown surrounded by bridesmaids in light blue dresses holding pastel bouquets indoors.
Bride surrounded by bridesmaids in light blue gowns holding colorful bouquets in a bright white chapel.
Bride and groom share an intimate moment at the entrance of a bright white wedding venue with floral arrangements.
Black and white photo of bride in strapless gown and groom in tuxedo sharing quiet moment by window.
Close-up of bride in white gown holding vows booklet while groom in black suit holds her hand.
Groom smiles as bride opens arms for first look reveal in a bright white wedding venue with florals.
Bride in strapless gown with long train faces groom during first look in sunlit white wedding chapel.
Bride and groom share joyful first look moment in elegant white chapel with colorful floral arrangements.
Smiling couple in formal attire stands among white Chiavari chairs in a bright windowed wedding venue.
Emotional groom hugs bride in strapless gown during first look in a floral-decorated white wedding venue.
Tearful groom wipes eyes during emotional first look with bride in elegant white chapel with floral decor.
Elegant white wedding chapel with floral arrangements in urns lining the aisle and white chiavari chairs.
Lush floral column installation with pink hydrangeas, roses, and greenery beside an arched mirror.
White urn vase with romantic garden-style arrangement of blush roses, hydrangeas, and greenery.
Bright white wedding venue with wood beam ceiling, chandeliers, and floral arch at the altar.
Three flower girls in white dresses react with surprise and joy upon seeing the bride.
Flower girls seated on steps react with delight and awe as bride approaches in white gown.
Three smiling flower girls in white dresses reach out excitedly toward the approaching bride.
Bride in white gown kneeling to hold hands with two flower girls in a bright white venue.
Bride in ballgown seated with three flower girls in front of lush floral arch ceremony backdrop.
Smiling bride in white gown holding bouquet standing under floral arch with pink and peach blooms.
Bride holding a pastel wedding bouquet with peach roses, showing her diamond engagement ring and manicured nails.
Elegant bride in strapless white gown holding pastel bouquet, standing before vintage doors with floral arrangements.
Bright white wedding chapel interior with chandeliers, floral arch, and white chairs lining the aisle.
Classic cherub fountain statue adorned with peach roses and green hydrangeas on a manicured lawn.
Stone cherub pedestal topped with lush arrangement of peach roses and green hydrangeas outdoors.
Elegant wedding place setting with floral china, pink napkin, gold flatware, and blush glassware.
White chocolate truffle pyramid on a plate beside blush floral centerpiece at a wedding reception.
Guests arriving at a charming white chapel wedding venue with arched windows and lantern sconces.
Wedding reception hall viewed through vintage distressed doors with pink linen tables and wooden chairs.
Adorable flower girls in white dresses scattering petals from wicker baskets down the wedding aisle.
Groom in black tuxedo stands at altar awaiting bride during elegant indoor wedding ceremony.
Woman in pink off-shoulder dress walks down aisle past groomsmen during bright indoor wedding ceremony.
Bride in white gown with long veil walks down aisle escorted by father in black suit.
Bride carrying pink bouquet walks down floral-decorated aisle with escort during indoor wedding ceremony.
Groom in black tuxedo with floral boutonniere stands at altar with best man during wedding ceremony.
Smiling blonde bride in white gown carries colorful bouquet while walking down aisle with escort.
Aerial view of bride with long veil walking down aisle with guests standing in bright chapel.
Bride and groom stand at floral arch altar during wedding ceremony in sunlit chapel.
Wide shot of elegant wedding ceremony with couple at floral altar in bright windowed chapel.
Bride and groom bow heads in prayer at ornate table with communion elements during ceremony.
Bride and groom share first kiss at elegant indoor wedding ceremony with floral arch and white chairs.
Bride and groom celebrate with raised arms at indoor wedding ceremony surrounded by floral arrangements.
Bride and groom share a kiss at altar with colorful pastel floral arrangements in white urns.
Row of wine glasses filled with white wine and fresh mint garnish on a light blue tray.
Elegant outdoor wedding lounge with pink velvet seating, gold chandelier, and floral arrangement centerpiece.
Wedding memory table with floral arrangement, framed photos, purple candles, and floral linen tablecloth.
Large wedding party posing in front of a white chapel surrounded by trees in soft blue and gray attire.
Long reception table with tall floral centerpieces in pastel pink and white blooms in bright white venue.
Elegant reception tables with tall silver vases of pastel blooms and pink crystal glassware on blue linens.
Close-up of wedding place setting with pink crystal goblet, gold flatware, and colorful floral centerpiece.
Elegant wedding place setting with gold flatware, pink goblet, floral china, and printed menu card.
Bride and groom share first kiss at altar surrounded by cheering wedding party in elegant white venue.
White wedding dance floor featuring a painted floral monogram wreath with pastel roses and blue initials.
Guests mingle on green lawn at elegant white wedding venue with covered pavilion and fountain centerpiece.
Bride and groom pose before floral arch with pink blooms and greenery in bright indoor ceremony space.
Aerial view of wedding guests gathered under draped pavilion beside white barn-style wedding venue.
Bride and groom portrait in front of white chapel wedding venue with Gothic arched windows at dusk.
Smiling bride and groom pose with colorful peach and pink bridal bouquet outside white wedding chapel.
Bride and groom share romantic kiss beneath flowing veil with lush colorful bridal bouquet in foreground.
Groom lifts bride in flowing white gown outside elegant white chapel wedding venue at golden hour.
Groom nuzzles smiling bride as she holds his lapel wearing diamond wedding ring outside white venue.
Smiling bride and groom pose together in front of white Gothic-style chapel wedding venue exterior.
Vintage white Corvette adorned with lush floral arrangement parked outside glowing white wedding chapel.
Bride and groom embrace in front of a white chapel and vintage Corvette Stingray at an elegant outdoor wedding.
Groom twirls bride beside a classic white Corvette in front of a charming white wedding chapel with string lights.
Bride and groom sit together on a vintage white Corvette adorned with pastel floral arrangements under string lights.
Aerial drone view of bride and groom in white convertible car surrounded by greenery.
Handsome groom in black tuxedo leans against a vintage white Corvette in front of a white wedding chapel.
Elegant Corvette Stingray emblem surrounded by lush pastel pink, peach, and lavender floral wedding decorations.
Wedding guests raise glasses in a toast at a beautifully decorated reception table with tall floral centerpieces.
Elderly officiant prays with bride and groom on the dance floor during an elegant indoor wedding reception.
Gold and crystal wedding cake serving set displayed on a floral patterned tablecloth at an elegant reception.
Four-tier ivory wedding cake adorned with sugar ruffles on a gold stand beside crystal champagne flutes.
Elegant wedding cake display with floral arch of pink roses and greenery framing arched wooden doors with chandelier.
Wedding party celebrates with champagne bottles raised on a decorated dance floor during a lively reception.
Bride wipes tears during heartfelt wedding reception speech by bridesmaid while groom stands proudly beside her.
Bride and groom celebrate joyfully with champagne bottle raised during wedding reception toast with bridesmaid.
Groom shares tender mother-son dance on floral monogram dance floor with live band performing in background.
Bride shares emotional father-daughter dance on elegant floral monogram dance floor at wedding reception.
Bride and groom share intimate first dance embrace on decorated monogram dance floor with live band.
Bride and groom spin joyfully during first dance on floral monogram floor with live band performing.
Aerial view of bride and groom first dance with cold sparkler fountains and live band at reception.
Groom dips bride for romantic kiss on floral monogram dance floor with cold sparkler effects at reception.
Live wedding band saxophonist and trumpet player perform energetically among celebrating reception guests.
Two women in colorful dresses and orange sunglasses celebrate joyfully at a wedding reception party.
Young woman poses with elderly man wearing orange glasses at a festive wedding reception dance floor.
Bride and groom share an intimate moment on the wedding reception dance floor, groom in white tuxedo.
Bride and groom cut elegant white tiered wedding cake surrounded by lush floral arrangements and chandelier.
Bride and groom pose with champagne glasses beside floral arrangements and wedding cake in elegant venue.
Custom monogram-branded slider burger served in kraft paper boat beside white wedding flowers centerpiece.
Newlyweds share a kiss while holding crystal champagne flutes at their wedding reception celebration.
Two gold forks rest on white plate with wedding cake remnants on floral tablecloth after reception.
Bride and groom share romantic kiss on wooden staircase, bride in white mini dress and sneakers.
Bride and groom share passionate kiss surrounded by cheering guests on the wedding reception dance floor.
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing on dance floor surrounded by cheering wedding guests.
Bride in short white dress and groom in white tuxedo sharing first dance in elegant candlelit reception.
Black and white photo of bride and groom sitting on vintage car hood at night wedding.
Couple shares kiss beside classic car with sparkler send-off at outdoor wedding reception.
If you’re planning a wedding at The French Farmhouse or dreaming up your own heartfelt Texas wedding, I’d love to tell your story through timeless, emotional images. Click here to inquire and let’s create something beautiful together.