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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      

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photography by 

Taylor Square Photography

33-34 Wedding Willcoxon - Allen.indd   1

12/27/18   4:52 PM