An Ocala Wedding to Remember: Emily & Matthew Moxley

A Full-Circle Fairytale at Ocala Estate

Some love stories are written slowly, one serendipitous moment at a time. Others unfold like poetry—gracefully, meaningfully, with a kind of quiet magic. Emily and Matthew Moxley’s story is the latter. And it all began right here at Ocala Estate.

Photography: With Love, Gracielle

Before they ever fell in love, they were simply two guests attending an event on our grounds—two strangers walking separate paths who had no idea their lives were about to change forever. That evening, something in the air felt different. The sun dipped low across the lawn, casting that unmistakable Ocala glow over the terrace. Voices floated, laughter echoed, and somewhere between the conversation and clinking glasses, Emily and Matthew found each other.

It started with a shared smile. Then a conversation. Then an undeniable connection.

From that night forward, their story began to write itself. It didn’t take long for them to know what they had was special. The kind of love that grows deeper with time and roots itself in all the places that matter.

One year after that fateful first meeting, Matthew brought Emily back to Ocala—but this time, with a secret plan and a ring in his pocket.

He chose the Men’s Den for the proposal, wanting to honor the exact place their story began. Sentimental and thoughtful to his core, Matthew believed that the beginning of their forever deserved to start where it all truly began. As she stepped into the space, not expecting anything more than a sweet stroll down memory lane, he dropped to one knee. There, surrounded by the walls that had once witnessed their very first meeting, he asked her to become his wife.

She said yes. Of course, she did.

And just like that, Ocala Estate became more than a chapter in their love story—it became the setting of it.

When it came time to choose a wedding venue, the decision was effortless. There was no place more meaningful, no setting more magical, than the one that had watched their love bloom from the very beginning. So, on a warm June day in 2024, Emily and Matthew returned once more—this time as bride and groom.

Their wedding was nothing short of breathtaking. Under the canopy of trees that had once watched them meet, they exchanged vows. The sun poured through the leaves like golden confetti, the breeze carried the softest whispers of joy, and their guests—few of whom had witnessed their story from the very beginning—were there to celebrate the fullness of their journey.

Emily was radiant, her joy undeniable. Matthew looked at her the way every bride dreams of being looked at—as if he was seeing the whole world in her eyes. Every detail of the day reflected their story: elegant, intentional, and filled with sentiment. There was laughter, there were tears, and above all, there was love—so much love, you could feel it in the air.

For us at Ocala Estate, their wedding marked something truly special. Emily and Matthew weren’t just clients. They became part of our story just as much as we became part of theirs.

They are our very first full-circle love story. The first to meet, fall in love, get engaged, and say “I do” all on these grounds. And for that, they will always hold a sacred place in our hearts.

Emily and Matthew, your love is a reminder of why we do what we do. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your forever. Your story will live on in these walls and walkways—in the Men’s Den, under the grand oaks and magnolia's, and in every summer breeze that carries the laughter of those who believe in love like yours.