A
lexa “Lexi” Elaine Willcoxon and Zachary Thomas
Allen fell in love over their mutual devotion to the
Ole Miss Rebels. Lexi grew up in Joplin, Missouri,
with her parents, Phil and Leah Willcoxon,
while Zach called Gulf Breeze, Florida, home, alongside his
parents, Tom and Brenda Allen. The two met over Labor Day
weekend their junior year at Ole Miss through mutual friends.
After spending their last two years together in college, they
relocated to different cities along the Emerald Coast. Lexi
went to work at Proffitt PR, while Zach began his career as an
Engineer at Signature Research, Inc.
After traveling every weekend to see one another, Zach
decided it was time to bring Lexi closer. On December 13,
2016, Zach enlisted the help of James Neale, the Executive
Chef at The Pearl {also known as Lexi’s cousin}, and surprised
Lexi with a proposal. While overlooking the Gulf at sunset,
Zach dropped to one knee and asked Lexi to spend forever
with him. Afterwards, Zach once again surprised Lexi with a
romantic five-course meal alongside their parents. Once the
engagement daze faded, Lexi and Leah set to work to plan the
perfect Rebel wedding.
When it came to the location, only one place made sense
for these college sweethearts: Oxford, Mississippi. The two
wed at The Jefferson, on Saturday, November 17 while the sun
set on the forest surrounding the 90-acre, lakefront venue.
The bride wore a custom Haley Paige gown from Margaret
Ellen Bridal, paired with a vintage aquamarine ring from her
great-grandmother, and diamond earrings from her mother.
With white floral arrangements by Oxford Floral, and plenty
of candlelight, the couple spent the evening surrounded by
friends and family.
The newlyweds danced to “Wild Horses” by The Rolling
Stones, played by Big Smitty, the bride’s favorite hometown
band. Afterwards, guests dined on a three course meal by
renowned caterer, Elizabeth Heiskell, followed by wedding
cake by The Flour Garden. When dinner was finished, the
father of the bride, Phil, gave a heartfelt speech, followed by a
champagne toast. As guests raised their glasses, Phil whisked
Lexi out onto the dance floor to “You’re Gonna Live Forever
in Me” by John Mayer, followed by Zach and his mother,
Brenda, dancing to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Taylor Square
Photography captured the evening, as guests bid adieu to
Zach and Lexi with sparklers and the couple drove away in
a vintage Rolls Royce. But, before the night ended, Lexi and
Zach partook in an Ole Miss late night tradition, picking up
Chicken-On-A-Stick at the Chevron on The Square.
As the blissful weekend came to an end, Lexi and Zach
ventured to Nashville, Tennessee, for a “mini-moon”, which
was a precursor to their official honeymoon to Italy in 2019.
The couple calls Pensacola, Florida, home, along with their two
cats, Mims and Jagger.
Alexa Elaine
Willcoxon
Zachary thomas
allen
Newlyweds of Pensacola
33
photography by
Taylor Square Photography
33-34 Wedding Willcoxon - Allen.indd 1
12/27/18 4:52 PM