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The Simmons House has stood for 123 years. John Middleton Simmons, and his wife Virginia constructed the Simmons house in 1915, and completed it in 1917. They raised four boys- Jack, Ramsay, Thomas, and Bill. The Simmons Family lived there for four generations. However,  Lesely Taylor, a Real Estate Agent for ERA Simpson Realty, became the new owner in March after the Simmons’ family approved of her idea to create an all-inclusive Southern wedding venue and an event space at the Simmons House At Greenwood Triangle.   

Lesley bought the house with help from Wanda Thomas, Loan officer at First Port City Bank. After a few weeks, she started construction with contractor Mike Conder, owner of Dehildren Development Construction. Additionally, Lesley has help from her mother Gwen, her twin daughters, Sarah Beth and Caroline, and the grounds manager, Bobby Stubbs. 

The mother and daughter duo has planned, flowered, and directed weddings for thirty years. From their experience, they believe that most of the venues didn’t suffice as a wedding venue. So, they decided to create their own. “Mom and I have done weddings for over thirty years. I moved back in 2018, and started doing weddings again because I really enjoy it. We design the flowers, handle the decorating, and help with planning. I’ve also helped couples stay within their budgets, but we were worn out from hauling everything everywhere. We did weddings in Madison, Thomasville, Valdosta, Tallahassee, Havana, Dothan, but there was nothing like what we offer here, which is all inclusive.”

Lesley has grand plans for the wedding venue. She explains that the goal is to host 40 weddings a year. She wants the wedding to be all inclusive because she “loves the intimacy of a boutique wedding.” The bride, groom and the wedding guests will have access to anything on the property, that includes the furniture, tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware. Additionally, she offers an extensive vendor list to share with the bride and groom because the wedding venue “does not provide planning, decorating, catering, photography, or music for the event.”   

The main house can accommodate 12 bridesmaids, complete with a “get ready room” overlooking the grounds. There will be a gentleman’s quarter which is a sportsman retreat in the back area. The space can accommodate 12 groomsmen. Also, parents can stay on-site in the parent’s suite. 

Lesley, Gwen, and her daughters added traditional touches to the interior of the house, making it perfect for bridal portraits. Outside, the grounds are enchanted with majestic trees draped in moss, the garden in the back features scuppernong vines, and the outdoor pavilion is taking shape and is visible to anyone driving by on Lake Douglas Road. 

Lesley is excited about owning the Simmons House because it reminds her of her childhood, “When I was a little girl, I used to ride by this house and think how grand it was, and how it was the prettiest place to have a wedding, and now it’s here, and it’s ours. “Caroline and Alex will be married here in December. We’ve really tried to think of everything that could make it convenient for a bride and groom.” 
With construction still going on, Lesley and Gwen already have seven weddings booked. Also, Memorial Hospital & Manor will host their 2024 Foundation Gala at the Simmons House at Greenwood Triangle on November 7. To learn more about the wedding venue, you can follow them on social media at the Simmons House at Greenwood Triangle or reach out to them at thesimmonshousegt@gmail.com.