Douglas-Keen

A service of worship celebrating the marriage of Emily Eliza Douglas and Jonathan Karl Keen was held at 5:00 p.m. on May 14, 2022, at Crawford Street United Methodist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, with Reverend Kevin Bradley officiating the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Douglas, Jr., of Vicksburg. She is the granddaughter of the late Edward Douglas, Sr., of Vicksburg; the late Eugene and Anita Nelson of Keota, Oklahoma; the late Betty Johnston of Byram, Mississippi; and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Johnston of Sparta, Tennessee. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Keen of Redwood, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Keen, Sr., of Redwood; Ms. Yvonne Mays of Brandon, Mississippi; and Mr. John Lee of Vicksburg.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a gown from Lace Bridal of Brandon, Mississippi. It was a one-of-a-kind design by Mississippi native Robert Bullock and was selected just as Russia began to invade Ukraine. As described by the bride, it was a “last dress with lace that was hand tied by the sweetest ladies in Ukraine. It was such a heartfelt story during such a tragic time. This dress was everything I had been wanting. Simple and sweet.” Complementing this gown was the bride’s bouquet by Fresh Cut Floral.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was Katherine Douglas Spencer, sister of the bride, of La Vergne, Tennessee; and matron of honor was Haley Herrod Martinez of Brandon. Bridesmaids were Kristen Miller of Dallas, Texas; Colby Brumfield Amis of Clinton, Mississippi; and Monica Hughey and Brittany Pigg, both of Vicksburg. These bridal attendants wore gowns by Azazie and carried bouquets by Fresh Cut Floral. Honorary bridesmaid and scripture reader was Elizabeth Keen, cousin of the groom, of Redwood. The flower girl was Madelyn Lofton, cousin of the bride and daughter of Tommy and Angi Lofton of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The bride’s proxy was Kayla Kelly Rushing of Vicksburg; and program attendants were Lydia and Noah Harrington of Petal, Mississippi.

The father of the groom served as best man. Other groomsmen included Colby Rushing of Vicksburg; Christopher Cook of Purcell, Oklahoma; Casey Ming of Clinton, Mississippi; Dylan Wooten of Vicksburg; and Jay Keen, brother of the groom, of Redwood. Ushers were Aaron Martinez of Brandon, and Will Keen of Redwood. Ring bearers, both cousins of the bride, were Carter Lofton, son of Tommy and Angi Lofton of Hattiesburg, and Cameron McKissack, son of Christy McKissack of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Presenting piano music for the ceremony was Jane Joseph of Mobile, Alabama; and the event planner for the occasion was Kathy Sibley.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Southern Cultural Heritage Center in Vicksburg. Fresh Cut Floral and Catering provided the décor and buffet dinner; Once Upon a Cupcake furnished the bride’s cake; Marianna Artz furnished the groom’s cake; and Scott Steele of Ridgeland, Mississippi, orchestrated the musical entertainment. Photographer for both the ceremony and the reception was Lindsey Epperson.

Deeply rooted in their hometown, the newlyweds were blessed to have so many family members and friends join them in their wedding celebration. They especially thank their parents, grandparents, and those who traveled so far to share this special day. Following their honeymoon in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the couple now reside in Vicksburg.