Ward-Smith

FFebruary 26, 2022, was the perfect day for the exchange of vows between Laney Kaye Ward of Smackover, Arkansas, and Mason Landon Smith of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Surrounded by their family and friends, Laney and Mason celebrated their marriage at The Hideaway at Reeds Estate in Brookhaven. Officiating the ceremony was Pastor Noah Hill from Oasis Church in Camden, Arkansas.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joey Ward of Smackover, and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ward of Smackover and Mr. and Mrs. Darwin May of Camden.

The groom is the son of Mrs. Renae Smith and the late Michael Lee Smith of Brookhaven. His grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. James “Ed’ Crosby and the late Mr. Winfred Pete Smith and Mrs. Glyndale Thrasher Smith of Brookhaven.

The bride and her bridal party got ready together in The Hideaway House located on the Reeds Estate property. The bride’s aunts served a delicious brunch for the ladies as they had their hair and makeup done by Mill Town Salon & Day Spa.

In her dream wedding dress, the bride was escorted down the aisle by her father. Her chosen gown had a smoky lavender underlay covered with white chiffon and delicate embroidered flowers flowing down from the bodice. Her veil, cathedral length with rhinestones, was her “something borrowed” and completed the look.

The bridesmaids wore gowns of assorted shades of sage green and varying designs. The matron of honor was the bride’s sister, Allie Freeman of Niceville, Florida. Allie’s daughters, Heidi (4 years) and Lilly (9 months), were the flower girls. The rest of the bridal party was made up of dear friends and family of the bride: Kaitlin Lamb of Bentonville, Arkansas; Skylar Wood of Smackover; Kayla Day of Colmesneil, Texas; Taylor Colyer of Florence, Mississippi; and Kelsey DeVazier, Hannah Bates, and Carly Dickerson, all of Brandon, Mississippi.

Attending the groom as his best man was his brother, Judson Smith of College Station, Texas; and his groomsman was his dear friend Jason Snider of Brookhaven. They all wore dapper brown wool suits with sage green ties. The ring bearers were the groom’s cousins, Pearle and Daisy Gillen, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Dain Gillen of Liberty, Mississippi.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Cypress Barn. Family and friends were entertained by Cody Dunaway during a cocktail hour while the wedding party and family had pictures. Once the new Mr. and Mrs. Mason Smith made their big entrance at the reception, the Bridge Band played the first-dance song, “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” and the father-daughter dance song, “Butterfly Kisses.” Guests were entertained with upbeat music the rest of the night.

Ken and his talented team from Mitchell’s Catering served delectable heavy hors d’oeuvres. The bride’s cake was decorated by Paula McGowen with fresh florals. The groom’s cake, not only a delicious creation but also a piece of art, was a cheesecake designed and cooked by Maddox Cheesecakes. It was a miniature model of one of the groom’s favorite places—Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University.

The newlyweds departed hand-in-hand toward their waiting Bronco as guests tossed lavender over them. After the couple spent a week in the Tennessee mountains to celebrate their marriage, the groom surprised his bride by ending the honeymoon with a few days at The Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina. Laney and Mason have since made their home in Brookhaven.

Laney and Mason were blessed with countless friends, family, and vendors who made their wedding day perfect. The day-of wedding coordinator was Carla Snider, and photography was by Tabby Wyant Photography. Elaina Smith Anders, owner of Elaina Anders Designs Flowers & Gifts, designed the flowers for the occasion and created elegant table centerpieces. Laney’s wedding dress was purchased locally at Vows Bridal in Brookhaven. The rehearsal dinner was hosted at Mitchell’s Catering in Brookhaven.