A Vintage-Inspired DIY Wedding at Elmwood Gardens in Palestine, Texas

The wedding of Linsie Weatherford (22 and a 911 dispatcher) and Chris Cooley (27 and a police officer) was true to Texas. They got married at Elmwood Gardens in Palestine, Texas, nestled in the pine trees of east Texas with a down-home comforting vibe. “We are a very easygoing couple who absolutely love Texas and the gorgeous Piney Woods, and Elmwood Gardens encompassed all that,” Linsie says. “The owners, DeeDee and James Turnage, were the definition of true Southern hospitality.” Even the couple’s fashion showed their state pride: The bride, who says she isn't much of a “heels girl,” wore her Old Gringo cowboy boots with her elegant A-line wedding dress. Chris and his groomsmen, many of whom are in law enforcement, wore bullet cuff links. Linsie and her mother own an event and floral-design company, Southern Magnolias, so they designed all the decor and floral work. “My inspiration pieces were a floral teapot and teacups that were on my bridal table,” which belonged to the bride's grandmother, Linsie says. Another cool detail? This wedding had so many sweets! “Chris isn’t the biggest fan of cake, so we got creative and made a Texas cookie cake as well as jars of cookies to go around,” Linsie says. Her mother even made their wedding cake—a three-tier cake covered in white buttercream and pink peonies. To top it all off, the couple had a chocolate fountain. See the details below, beautifully captured by Photography by Gema.