Bridal journal 2016

Bridal Journal 2016

of Northeast Mississippi

The 2016 It List

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Table of Contents

A Center Stage Proposal ••• 9 Livening Libations ••• 12 Backup Plan ••• 15 Bridal Brunch ••• 16 Real Wedding Feature ••• 20 Wedding Announcements ••• 30 Anniversary Gifts ••• 62 A Picnic Wedding ••• 65 The It List 2016 ••• 69 Index ••• 82 The cover photo of Lacey and James Fortenberry was taken by Danny K Photography.

Mallory and Jeremy Lawson by Danny K Photography

Niche Product Manager: Ellie Turner ••• Art Director: Lauren Wood ••• Associate Editors: Leslie Criss and Amy Speck ••• Wedding Submission Coordinator: Jessica Hunter Contributing Writers: Ginna Parsons, M. Scott Morris, Derek Russell, Michaela Morris, Carmen Cristo and Riley Manning The Bridal Journal is an annual publication of Journal Inc. // 1242 S. Green St., Tupelo, Miss. // 662-842-2611

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Photos by Mary Meghan Mabus

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Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

A Center Stage Proposal

By M. Scott Morris • Photos by Lauren Wood Chase Michael doesn’t usually get nervous on show nights because he’s usually not part of the show.

His girlfriend, Marley Maharrey, is a member of West of Shake Rag, an improv comedy troupe that performs in the Black Box Theatre at Link Centre.

She had butterflies because the group planned to riff on Shakespeare for the second half of the Nov. 14 show.

“I was definitely nervous about doing Shakespeare,” she said.

As far as Maharrey knew, her boyfriend was at home in Belden.

“She was in the hall and said, ‘Chase didn’t come,’” said Kristyn Martz, a fellow West of Shake Rag member.

“I thought he was playing video games,” 27-year-old Maharrey said.

Actually, he was trying to keep it together behind the scenes at

Link Centre.

A few months earlier, he’d made a big decision during a business trip to High Point, North Carolina.

“On the long drive there is when I got the idea it was time to propose. We had been together long enough. She is everything I was ever going to want,” Michael, 27, said. “On the long drive back was when I actually planned the proposal.”

Michael wasn’t expecting a relationship when the pair met some five years ago. He’d been through a tough situation and wanted to stay single for a while. He went to a party because he thought it would be all guys.

“She showed up,” he said, “and we sort of hit it off.”

Facebook friendships were created, and they started dating about a week after that.

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Early on, one of Maharrey’s friends took a picture of the new pair.

“He sent it out to our friends and said, ‘We found Marley’s soulmate,’” she said.

That was too soon, but she said, “I wish I had that photo now.”

Maharrey is a founding member of West of Shake Rag, and Michael has become friends with the other members. After his revelation on the road, he asked Martz about proposing during a show.

“She thought it was a great idea,” he said.

He was leaning toward a game called Slide Show. The lights go off, the performers move into a “photograph” position suggested by the audience, then the lights come back on.

A couple of problems were detected: He might trip over someone in the dark, or – worse – he might propose to the wrong person.

Shake Rag’s Casey Dillard suggested Return Counter, a game where people return made-up objects to a store.

Maharrey’s fellow performers hid Michael on show night. The audience was filled with her family and friends, but not his because Michael’s folks weren’t show regulars.

“I noticed my family was in the front row,” Maharrey said. “They usually sit in the back.”

One of the night’s games was called Irish Drinking Song, and troupe members had to create lyrics to sing.

“She sang about him,” Martz said. “He was hairy like bigfoot. She compared him to bigfoot.”

Return Counter was the last game before intermission.

“I actually had a signal,” Michael said. “Casey was supposed to say, ‘I’ve also got my brother here to return something.’ I don’t remember much after that.”

When he went on stage, people in the audience pulled out their 10

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phones and hit record. He got to one knee, and her “Yes” was met with laughs, cheers and applause.

“I was shocked. I was shocked. I had no idea,” she said. “We had talked about marrying. Mostly, we were like, ‘We have a really good, healthy relationship. People get married, people don’t get married.’

“I actually went to a bachelorette party the night before, and talked about all of that stuff. I said, ‘Yeah, if he proposes, I’d say, “Yes.”’” After Michael popped the question, another question hung in the air: Could Maharrey get through the Shakespearean part of the show?

“We were wondering what she would do,” said Glenn Payne with West of Shake Rag. “We were concerned Marley might become a weeping mess.”

Carlton Wall, another improvisor, said he didn’t remember much about that night, except the proposal.

“I guess it was a pretty good show because we were so relieved she’d said, ‘Yes,’” he said.

The rest of the night was a blur for Maharrey, but she got a lot of compliments for her wordplay with Shakespeare.

While she performed, Michael rode out his lingering adrenaline jitters – not that they were necessary.

“Casey pointed out that in improv, when somebody asks a question in a scene, you’re supposed to say, ‘Yes and’ to keep the improv going,” Michael said, “so she had to say, ‘Yes.’” They plan to get married in January at Link Centre Reception Hall, not far from the spot where they became more than girlfriend and boyfriend.

“The Link Centre is my home away from home,” Maharrey said.

“I’m so glad it happened here.”

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Livening Libations

By W. Derek Russell • Photo by Lauren Wood The venue’s set and the food selected for the wedding reception, but what about the beverages? Navigating the choices between having an open bar or choosing the perfect cocktail for your guests can come down to dollars and cents, or just good sense.

Tony Ford has been tending bar at live events in Northeast Mississippi for more than 30 years and has probably seen it all, but the different ways couples come up with how to handle their special occasion is still something he looks forward to.

“We like to achieve what we can for the client,” said Ford, who stays involved with special events through Romie’s Grocery in Tupelo, after having worked at Jefferson Place for 22 years. “We’ve seen some of the smallest to some of the largest events around this area in the past several years and each one is different. I’ve seen a lot of cool situations.”

Ford has worked to set up, serve, inventory and break down any event from birthday parties to anniversaries in his tenure, but according to him, weddings are where creativity really shines.

“From my point of view you want your guests to have a good time, but you want to make it a safe time, as well,” he said, “and have your finger on the pulse of the event so everyone enjoys themselves.”

According to Ford, the best way to do that is to agree on a beverage selection that works for your special day. And there are pros and cons to all scenarios.

“After the recession in 2008, we found that people were still having catering done but they were being a little more discriminate about how they spent their money,” he said. “They didn’t want to have a full bar to serve, they just focused on one drink and their investments were a lot smaller. Those specialty drinks come into play and people really enjoy them. They’ve been around for a very 12

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Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

long time.”

Beer and wine have the same alcoholic content no matter what, but a signature cocktail can be made ahead of time, and the bartender is in control of how strong it is.

“Then you get to liven things up,” Ford said. “You can factor in whatever the color of the occasion may be. You can match that up with the drinks. Find your reds, your oranges or yellows and greens.

And with the amount of liqueurs out there today, you can make something really good without it being really strong. It’s certainly a complement to the occasion, both in color scheme or maybe just in reference to what the bride and groom like. It spices it up and adds some flair. It’s a good compromise.”

Ford said the availability of wine and beer is much greater today than it was 20 years ago and is, largely, more affordable.

“The client has a lot more options in the type of wine served than they would a long time ago,” he said. “Most people aren’t very particular when it comes to wine, and they don’t always opt for the expensive end of it. So it sometimes makes for an easier situation.

And when it comes to beer, we recommend bottled beer over kegs.

Kegs are more unpredictable when it comes to the flow of the beer.”

More scrutiny is put into the alcoholic selections of the wedding than other facets, said Ford. But that leaves the door open for more creativity and variety.

“Beer and wine can be the easiest and cheapest way to go sometimes,” he said, “but the signature drink adds the variety to spice things up and pull from the couples’ personality, offering popular selections to their guests. These occasions are meant to be very happy, so it pays to keep them that way.”

Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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Backup Plan

By Riley Manning • Photos by Blake McCollum Photography No wedding goes exactly as it’s planned.

It’s a fact everyone knows, but no one wants to experience it.

Even if it’s just for peace of mind on the big day, Busylad event coordinator Erin Stubbs said, a backup plan is a must. Stubbs had two outdoor weddings last year whose brides refused to have a backup plan.

“Guess what happened?” Stubbs said. “The main reason brides don’t want a rain plan is because they think it absolutely won’t rain on their wedding day. Oh, but it will.”

It’s far easier to make preparations ahead of time than to improvise a backup the week of the wedding. Stubbs said she and her staff make the call two or three days before the ceremony on whether to enact the rain plan. Stubbs said Busylad’s inventory of wedding supplies – from forks to columns – grows every year, and receptions under a tent can be just as beautiful and meaningful.

“If we put the rain plan in place and it doesn’t rain, we can take down the side walls so it’s not so hot,” Stubbs said. “If it rains, it’s still a party. Some of the most fun weddings I’ve been to have been in the rain. The thing to remember is that the guests are there for you.”

Of course, you can always simply embrace the elements.

Carlee Williams got married in May at the Old Waverly Country Club in West Point. Luckily, she said, they’d had their pictures made earlier in the day, when the skies were clear and sunny. However, as the 6:30 ceremony drew close, it began raining. Williams’ backup plan was to hold the ceremony under the club’s awning, but it turned out to be far too little coverage for their 300 guests.

“Everything was set up in the garden, and it was going to be a quick ceremony, so we just decided to go for it anyway,” she said.

“Luckily, I had an umbrella.”

The event turned out to be an unforgettable one for guests, and extra romantic for the bride and groom.

“There was even a clap of thunder when we kissed,” she said.

“The reception was inside, so that was all fine. One thing I would recommend is if there’s any chance of rain for your wedding, get clear umbrellas so you can still take pictures.”

When it comes to permits for outdoor weddings, Stubbs said those arrangements are usually handled by the bride, especially if the wedding is to be held on private property. However, brides should consider the neighbors.

“One of the worst situations I’ve had is a noise ordinance, because the reception was in a neighborhood,” she said. “The cops came and shut it down. No one wants to be the bride whose reception was

cut off at 9:30 when it was supposed to last until midnight. Those neighbors are out there, so be mindful of them. Maybe send them an invitation.”

Wedding planner Sallye Stewart said a wedding planner is only as good as their Rolodex. Most vendors, especially photographers and vocalists, have replacements they can tap in case of an emergency.

“Before I made this into an actual business, I spent six months making contact with venues and vendors just building my network,” she said. “If plumbing goes out three days beforehand and they won’t be able to get it fixed, you have to be able to pick up the phone and call someone else.”

The important thing for brides to realize, she said, is that whatever vision or theme they have in mind for their dream wedding isn’t limited by whether the ceremony is indoors or outdoors. A backup venue, vocalist and photographer can absolutely maintain the atmosphere the bride has in mind.

“It takes a real team to put a wedding on,” Stewart said. “I see my job as taking a bride’s budget and their vision and marrying those two to create their perfect dream wedding.”

Whatever the case may be, she said, without a backup in place, trying to fix something the day of the wedding is futile.

“About a month out, if something happens, they don’t even know,” Stewart said. “I couldn’t count how many things I’ve fixed at the last minute. I pride myself on the fact that I don’t have stressed out brides on the day of the wedding.”

Especially when it comes to including elderly relatives, Stewart said she and her staff of 12 work extra hard to arrange something that will accommodate whatever limitations they may have. Sometimes that means simply seating them early, but other instances call for something more in depth.

For instance, Stewart once worked with a bride whose grandfather was a retired pastor, and the wedding party planned for him to perform communion at the wedding as part of an inclusion ceremony.

However, the grandfather suffered from cancer and lived at Sanctuary Hospice House. As the day drew near, Stewart and the bride realized their plans weren’t going to happen.

“We ended up having a separate ceremony in his home. She dressed up – not in her wedding dress, but in a white dress – and it was so sweet,” Stewart said. “The reception was held at the Antler.

They released 150 memory lanterns and the wind took them straight over Sanctuary Hospice. It was really special.”

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Bridal Brunch

By Ginna Parsons • Photo by Lauren Wood

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1. Chicken Salad Tarts 2. Spiced Bacon Pecans 3. Pretty Pink Punch 4. Berry Bites 5. Cheese Straws 6. Chocolate Truffles 7. Pimiento Cheese Sammies 8. Fruit Kebabs Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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Menu

Chicken Salad Tarts Spiced Bacon Pecans Pretty Pink Punch Berry Bites

Cheese Straws Chocolate Truffles Pimiento Cheese Sammies Fruit Kebabs

Hosting a bridal shower doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Pick a theme, come up with a menu and you’re all set. For our shower, the theme was simple: pink. Antique china serving pieces with shades of pink in them mixed with modern white platters add elegance to the table. Accent items, such as tulips and cocktail napkins, also have a rosy hue. Even the punch is pink! Keep the menu manageable. We chose seven finger foods –four savory, and three sweet, plus the punch. A couple of the recipes come together in mere minutes and all of them can be prepared a day or more in advance.

Cheese Straws 1 pound extra sharp Cheddar cheese, grated 1 stick butter (no substitute) 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Salt for dusting At room temperature, beat grated cheese and butter until light. Add flour and cayenne and beat until blended. Put dough through a cookie press, using the small star. Dust lightly with salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until straws begin to brown on bottom.

Spiced Bacon Pecans 4 strips bacon, diced 2 cups pecan halves 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 tablespoons brown sugar Line a rimmed baking sheet with kitchen parchment.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until almost crispy.

Add the pecans and toss to coat thoroughly, then cook, stirring frequently, until evenly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, cayenne, salt, pepper and brown sugar. Toss with the bacon and pecans and cook for another minute.

Spread out on the prepared baking sheet and allow to cool fully. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

Chicken Salad Tarts 1 whole smoked chicken 4 to 5 green onions, green and white parts, chopped 1/2 (6-ounce) bag Craisins 1/2 cup Miracle Whip or Hellman’s light mayonnaise 3 packages Athens mini-fillo shells (45 shells total) Debone chicken and chop meat. To the meat, add remaining ingredients.

Add more mayonnaise if needed. Refrigerate until ready to use. Put fillo shells on a baking sheet and bake for 3 to 4 minutes at 350 degrees and let cool (this step is optional). Fill shells with chicken salad.

Makes 45 tarts.

Pimiento Cheese Sammies 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimiento, drained 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon finely grated onion 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 1 (8-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 1 (8-ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1 loaf white bread In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, diced pimiento, Worcester18

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Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

shire sauce, grated onion and ground red pepper until blended.

Using the small side of a box grater, finely shred the extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Using the large side of the grater, coarsely shred the sharp Cheddar cheese.

Add pecans and shredded cheeses to mayo mixture, stirring until blended. Spread pimiento cheese on one slice of bread. Top with another slice. Cut off crusts and cut into triangles.

Chocolate Truffles 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Toppings, such as chopped nuts, flaked coconut, sprinkles, unsweetened cocoa Melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk in large saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Pour mixture into medium bowl. Cover and chill 2 to 3 hours or until firm.

Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in desired coating and/or decorate with frosting and candies. Chill 1 hour or until firm.

Berry Bites 1 (8-ounce) container soft light cream cheese 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 packages frozen Athens mini-fillo shells, thawed 30 fresh raspberries 30 fresh blueberries Stir together cream cheese, powdered sugar, zest and juice in a small bowl. Spoon mixture evenly into fillo shells. Top each with a raspberry and a blueberry. Refrigerate. Makes 30 bites.

Fruit Kebabs Pineapple chunks Green grapes Strawberries Blueberries Thread fresh fruit on 6-inch kebabs. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pretty Pink Punch 2 tablespoons sugar 3 cups cold water 2 bottles (64 ounces each) cranberry-raspberry juice, chilled 1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice, chilled 1 can (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed 1 liter ginger ale, chilled Lemon slices In a punch bowl, dissolve sugar in water. Add juices and lemonade; mix well. Stir in ginger ale. Top with lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Makes 7 1/2 quarts (about 50 servings).

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Real Wedding

Emmie & Zach Emmie & Zach Chavers October 17, 2015 Southwind, Shannon Flowers: Tracy Proctor Bridal Gown: Low’s Bridal Tux: Kay’s Kreations Rental: Event Rentals Caterer: BBQ by Jim Cake: Creative Cakes Photographer:Blake McCollum Photography Hair: Gayle White Makeup: Katie Leach

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Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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Real Wedding

Kayla & Brent Kayla Ann & Quitman Brent Baxter May 23, 2015 First Baptist Church, Tupelo Flowers: Susan’s Flowers Bridal Gown: Oxford Bridal Tux: Reed’s, Reception Venue: The Antler Rental: Busylad Rent-All Caterer: MMI Hospitality Cake: Mary McGuire’s Cakes Photographer: Taylor Square Photography Hair: Melissa Edwards at Phipps Salon Makeup: Skylar Talley, Skyliner Makeup

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Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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Wedding Announcement •

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Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

• Kristen Michelle Minga & Christopher Daniel Knotts • Kristen Michelle Minga and Christopher Daniel Knotts were united during a service of worship at Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi, on October 17 at 5 o’clock. The officiating minister was Brother Jeffery Horton from Smithville, Mississippi.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Anthony Minga of Amory. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Troy Dewitt, Sr. of Amory and the late Mr. and Mrs. Troy Minga, Sr. of Amory.

The groom is the son of Ms. Melissa Knotts, of Amory, and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Knotts, of Jasper, Alabama. He is the grandson of Mrs. Dawn Morgan, of Columbia, Mississippi, the late Mr. Charlie Morgan, of Columbia, Mississippi, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Knotts, of Columbia, Mississippi.

Bro. Joseph Smith was the pianist and vocalist. He was accompanied by Svetlana Kaltchenko on the violin and Lynn McGrath on the organ. Classical and contemporary Christian music was performed during the ceremony.

The bride was escorted by her father and given away in marriage by her parents. She wore a custom strapless Augusta Jones Bridal gown laced with Swarovski crystals down the train. She wore a cathedral custom-length veil, also by Augusta Jones. The bride carried a beautiful bouquet of roses. In the bride’s bouquet was her grandmother’s broach and tied around the bouquet was a lace pairing from her late grandmother’s shawl, worn in loving memory of her.

Heather Elizabeth Minga of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, attended as her maid of honor. Katie Stanley Minga of Phoenix, Arizona, attended as her matron of honor. Her bridesmaids were: Mary Michelle Thompson of Macon, Georgia, Karlie Cheyanne Parker of Amory, Christy Elaine Singleton of Chattanooga, Bailey Olivia Oswalt of Smithville, Hannah Avery Sumerford of Tupelo, Holley Kaye Harris of Coldwater, and Jessica Lauren Ray of Huntsville. They wore floor-length Monique Lluillier dresses and carried a beautiful bouquet of roses. Wedding registry attendant was: Telsa Johnson of Smithville. Flower girls were: Ellah Kate Knotts and Lyric Rose Marty Pettit Photography

Knotts.

Larry Everett Knotts, father of the groom, was the best man.

Phillip Wesley Troy Minga of Phoenix, Jonathan Everett Knotts of Saltillo, Caleb Eugene Knotts of Amory, Stephen Daniel Lundberg of New York, Jerry Bradley Pierce of Amory, Daniel Neal Baker of Tuscaloosa, Frank Biron Boozer of Amory, and Carmen Ralph Petrosino of Braxton served as groomsmen. Ushers were Jajuan Martez Hill of Amory and Terrell Fulton Brantley of Philadelphia.

Ringbearer was: Jon Brantley Northington.

The reception immediately followed at the Tupelo Country Club.

As guest entered, they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres which consisted of a sushi bar, steak sliders, and an assortment of fruit. In the main dining area was a lovely eight-tiered cake made by Creative Cakes of Tupelo. It was a mixture of classic vanilla and strawberry flavors and had custom handmade flowers, which were edible. In the joining room was the grooms two-tiered chocolate cake accented with a topper the couple chose. A photo booth was also available as guests enjoyed mocktails. As guests left the main hall, they walked outside onto a patio which was tented by the talented Magnolia Rentals of Oxford. In the tent chandeliers were hung, a custom dance floor with the couples’s name was set, and there was a stage for entertainment, The Jimmy Church Band out of Tennessee. In the center of the tent was a fountain which was transformed into a champagne tower. Later in the evening, it transformed again into a s’mores station.

Each table and room was decorated with different visions. Each table ranged from over-the-top, ceiling-high flower décor to classic small pieces. Beautiful linens covered each table, which were rented

by Magnolia Rentals.

Sallye Stewart Event Plannning was the wedding planner. Tracy Proctor was the florist. Marty Petit Photography captured every second and Steven Polly with InFocus Video orchestrated the couple’s wedding video.

The couple left to an array of sparklers in a vintage Rolls Royce.

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• Nancy Christine Collums & Danny Austin Burgess • Nancy Christine Collums and Danny Austin Burgess, both of Houlka, Mississippi, were united in marriage at six o’clock on the evening of May 30, 2015, in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by family and friends at the home of the bride’s parents in Houlka.

Reverend Steven Paul Keen performed the double ring ceremony.

The wedding was directed by Mrs. Terri Warren Turner.

The bride is the daughter of Jimmy and Betsy Collums of Houlka. She is the granddaughter of Melba Aron and the late Billy Aron of Houlka, Miss., and Jimmy Allen Collums and the late Nancy Collums of Houlka, Miss.

The groom is the son of Larry and Amanda Burgess of Houlka, Miss., and Dewayne and Stacy Collums of Big Creek, Miss. The groom is the grandson of Barney Norman of Big Creek, Mississippi. and the late Vicki McCormick of Bruce, Mississippi, and Judy Burgess and the late Larry Burgess, Sr., of Houlka, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the radiant bride wore a classic romantic white organza gown. The lace bodice featured a belt adorned with pearls and crystals. Her traditional veil was embellished with beaded pearls and crystals. The bride’s all-white bouquet featured a collection of lilies, roses, and hydrangeas.

Attending the bride were Alli Frann Collums Sullivan as matron of honor and Anna Elizabeth Collums as maid of honor. The bridesmaids were Shannon Brooke Burgess and Rivers Carolina Burgess. Their gowns were made of blush organza, and they carried bouquets similar to the bride’s bouquet.

Paisley Isabelle Collums was the miniature bride, and Kensley Grace Burgess was flower girl.

Serving as the best man was Larry Dale Burgess, Jr., father of the groom. The groomsmen were Brody Allen Collums, Dalton Christopher Collums, and Garry Dixon Sullivan.

The miniature groom was Hayden Reid Burgess, and the ring bearer was Grady Aron Collums. John Aron Collums served as an usher.

Nuptial music was presented by the pianist, Debbie Houston McDonald. The soloist, Fawn Hyland Keen, entertained the guests with her rendition of “Born to Be Your Woman” as she played the guitar.

Following the vows ceremony, guests joined the couple for a reception in the backyard of the Collumses’ home. The buffet-style meal consisted of an array of Southern appetizers, entrees, and the trimmings. The guests enjoyed a layered bride’s cake that was displayed in a vintage setting and a chocolate groom’s cake that was displayed in a rustic setting.

Following the reception, the couple enjoyed a night of fun and dancing with family and friends.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s family hosted a rehearsal dinner for the wedding party at the Houlka Methodist Church.

After a honeymoon in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the couple resides in Houlka. The bride is employed as an elementary teacher for the Pontotoc County School District, and the groom is employed by Collums Furniture of Houlka.

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• Erica Lakin Garner & John David Oakes • Erica Lakin Garner and John David Oakes were united in marriage on October 24, 2015, at Holley Farms Wedding Barn in Tremont, Mississippi. The ceremony was officiated by Matt Hudson of Hopewell Baptist Church in Dorsey.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Garner of Dorsey and Mr. and Mrs. Scotty Ross of Pontotoc. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Betty Bost and the late Mr. Tommy Bost of Tupelo, and Mr. and Mrs. Percy Garner of Tupelo.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Oakes of Tupelo.

He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Oakes and Mr. and Mrs. Berdell Jones, all of Tupelo.

Given by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore an elegant champagne and ivory fit-and-flare gown. Laced with pearls and crystals, the gown was draped with a sheer bow flowing down the arm. The ravishing gown was pulled together with a sweeping train. To complement the dress, she wore an ivory brooch with pearls and crystals along her braid of hair. To pull it all together, she wore a pearl necklace given to her by the groom before the ceremony and pearl earrings.

Designed by Angie Ross, the bridal bouquet included ivory and orange roses, baby’s breath, ivory calla lillies, and burgundy gerbera daisy’s. Wrapped with burlap, the bouquet was complemented by brooches given to her by her great-grandmothers and grandmothers, and a christening Bible given to her by her grandparents at birth.

The bridal party carried ivory calla lillies and wore burgundy calla lillies.

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Sarah Beth McCarter served as the matron of honor and Lindsey Snipes served as the maid of honor, both of Tupelo. Her bridesmaids included Amanda McCarter of Tupelo; Rebecca Stout of Ecru; Anne Marie Holley of Tupelo; and Mckenzie Watkins of Tupelo.

Kylee Lewis served as the flower girl.

The groom’s father, James Oakes, served as the best man.

Groomsmen included Matt McCarter, Drew McCarter, Devin Franks, Ty Garner, and Ben Oakes, all of Tupelo. The groom’s nephew, Noah Scott, served as the ring bearer.

Angie Ross, the mother of the bride, served as the wedding coordinator. Tina Wooley served as the ceremony director. Sandra Shaw photographed all of the precious moments. The Blind Eyed DJ (Ron Cottom) provided music for the ceremony and reception.

After the ceremony, the reception was held at the same location. With football games on screen, the guests enjoyed “tailgate” food favorites. The bride’s cake was a three-tiered round white cake embroidered with roses and burlap made by Pam Garner, the bride’s grandmother. On the groom’s table, were turtle and regular cheesecakes made by Laura Puddister, served with delicious toppings.

SEC-themed cookies and red velvet cupcakes were provided by Sweet Treats bakery. Guests took home premade S’mores bags and caramel apples.

The couple resides in Tupelo, Mississippi, where the groom works for Garner Millwork and Cabinets, and the bride is a Certified Surgical Technologist for North Mississippi Medical Center.

• Wedding Announcement

• Emily Lauren Patterson & Dustin Lynn Edmonson • Emily Lauren Patterson and Dustin Lynn Edmonson were united in marriage at two o’clock in the afternoon on November 7, 2015, surrounded by family and friends. The setting for the ceremony was Holley Farm Wedding Barn in Tremont, Mississippi. Brother Dan Henderson performed the ceremony, and music was provided by Marc Pugh and Amanda Fowler vocalist.

Guests were greeted by Brooklyn Henderson and Shelby Miller, and program attendant was Tiana Allen. The chapel décor was created by Diane Dickerson and Paula Hospodarsky, and the ceremony was directed by Diane Dickerson, aunt of the bride.

The bride is the daughter of George and Reba Patterson of Mooreville. Her grandparents are Earline and the late Bid Dickerson of Mooreville and the late Thomas and Lorene Patterson of Saltillo.

The groom is the son of Jeff and Kristy Stanford of Hatley and the grandson of Betty Tingle of Winfield, Alabama.

The bride entered the chapel to “Storybook Love,” the theme from “Princess Bride.” Escorted by her father, the bride wore an Ivory “fit and flair”-style gown by Casablanca featuring all-over Lace applique accented with pearls and crystals with a scalloped bateau neckline and a chapel-length train. Her finger-tip illusion veil featured a scalloped lace border.

The bride’s hair and makeup were done by Erica White. The bridesmaids’ hair was done by Georgia Jeffreys and their makeup was done by Bekka Hughes. Memories of the celebration were captured

by Kathryn Enlow.

Her hand-tied bouquet of fall flowers, featuring roses and

sunflowers, was wrapped with the necklace of her dear late friend Rebekah Henderson. She wore the pearls given to her grandmother Patterson by her grandfather, and worn on their wedding day.

The matron of honor was Onnika Johnston Chaffin. Bridesmaids were Anna Patterson, Kristen Keeton, Alissa Harrison, and Niki Cannon. Flower girls were Rori and Rianna Fowler, nieces of the bride.

Their dresses were designed and created by Tonya Johnston. Haven Douglas, the bride’s niece was sign bearer. Katie Funderburk served as the bridal proxy.

The best man was James Tingle. Groomsmen were John Cresap, Josh Elam, Ryan Savage, and Dylan Scott. The ushers were Heath and Lee Fowler, brothers of the bride, and Patrick Sawyer. The groom’s little brother, Hunter Stanford, served as ring bearer.

The bride’s parents entertained with a Rustic Luxe-themed reception in the reception barn. Décor and catering were provided by Nita Johnson. Children’s corner was attended by Lorna Grace Inman.

The flowers and the four-tiered bride’s cake with vanilla almond, white chocolate lemon, and blueberry tiers were provided by Uptown Lily. The two-tiered double chocolate groom’s cake featured a nature theme with waterfalls, campfire, and tent.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Country Gentleman in Fulton.

After a honeymoon in the Great Smoky Mountains, the couple resides in Fulton, Mississippi. Emily is a speech-language pathologist at Saltillo Primary, and Dustin is a video project coordinator for Mabus Agency in Tupelo.

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• Allison Taylor Scott & Christopher Ryan Culver • Allison Taylor Scott and Christopher Ryan Culver were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on July 18, 2015, at Southwind in Shannon, Mississippi. This date is especially meaningful to the couple since it was also the 45th wedding anniversary of the bride’s maternal grandparents, Terry and Kay Patterson. The bride is the daughter of Kerry and Carrie Scott of Nettleton, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of Terry and Kay Patterson of Nettleton, Mississippi, and Danny Scott of Caledonia, Mississippi, and the late Linda Moffat Adams of Becker, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Terri Culver of Nettleton, Mississippi, and Ricky Culver of Eufaula, Alabama. He is the grandson of the late Judd “Soggy” and Nannie Ruth Presley of Nettleton, Mississippi, and the late Frank and Barbara Nell Culver of Columbus, Mississippi. Brother Robert Fowlkes of Becker, Mississippi, was the officiating pastor. Brother Fowlkes is a close friend of the bride’s family and married the bride’s parents 23 years before with the same Bible he used for Taylor and Ryan’s ceremony.

Escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore an ivory, all-over lace gown by Allure with off-the-shoulder straps edged with beads and Swarovski crystals. Her veil was fingertip length and trimmed in beads and Swarovski crystals. Her bridal bouquet was assorted flowers in all shades of purple and ivory and was adorned with a brooch of her late paternal grandmother, Linda Adams, and a brooch of a special great-aunt, the late Brenda Payne. The bride wore the rhinestone earrings of her great-grandmother, Louise Clayton, and also wore a diamond and pearl bracelet

given to her by her mother on the morning of the wedding.

Attending the bride as her maid of honor was Morgan Allen.

Bridesmaids were Jill Smith, Devin Flurry, Ashley Self, Cammie Kesler and Livvy Coleman. Mary Claire Weaver and Kylee Culver served as flower girls. Alex Riley was the best man for the groom.

The groomsmen were Josh Kyle, Chace House, Chip Ausbern, Joe Young and Will Allen. Ring bearers were Cade Patterson and Reed Scott. Slade Scott and Parker Patterson were the sign bearers. Drew Langford served as usher.

The ceremony was directed by Melissa Foster and the register table attendants were Alex Kyle and Molly Bramlett. The ceremony music was managed by Steven Dabbs with a duet by Blair Patterson and Kyle Lindsey.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Southwind. The guests enjoyed a buffet of the couple’s favorite foods prepared by Bishop’s Catering. Cakes by Rita created the bride’s beautiful four-tier vanilla cake and the groom’s two-tier chocolate cake with Mississippi State University emblem. The ceremony and reception floral arrangements were designed by Holly’s Petals and Presents. Steven Dabbs also managed the music for the reception.

The day’s events were captured by Southern Sage Photography and Randy Harris Videography.

After a honeymoon cruise to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico, the couple resides in Nettleton, Mississippi. The bride is a first grade teacher at Hamilton Elementary School and the groom is an upholsterer at Homestretch Furniture.

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• Kayla Ruth Posey & Drew West Clayton, Jr. • Kayla Ruth Posey of Decatur, Alabama, and Drew West Clayton, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, were united in marriage in a candlelight ceremony at the Homewood Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, on February 21, 2015. This is the church in which the brides’s parents were also married 29 years ago.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Nichols Posey of Decatur, Alabama.

Grandparents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Glen Appleton Posey of Lynn, Alabama, and Mr. and Mrs. Randall Lee Albaugh of Birmingham, Alabama.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Drew West Clayton, Sr. of Tupelo, Mississippi, and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Wayne Laney of Tupelo and Pascagoula, Mississippi. He is also the grandson of the late Mr. Otis Nathaniel Clayton of Holly Springs, Mississippi, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Manning Burch, III, of Holly Springs, Mississippi.

The church was aglow with multitudes of white candles upon the altar. A string quartet played musical selections before and during the ceremony, which was conducted by the bride’s father, and her brother, Joshua Posey. Master Jack Turner, a 6-year old friend of the bride, sang “Jesus Love Me” as the flower girls and Bible-bearer entered the sanctuary.

The bride wore a designer gown of ivory satin fashioned with a strapless neckline and a chapel-length train. The lace appliques on the gown were accented with pearls and Swarovski crystals. She carried a bouquet of ivory roses and a lace handkerchief that belonged to the groom’s grandmother.

Attending the bride as her Maid of Honor was Cynthia Marie Mullins of Birmingham, Alabama. The bridesmaids were Jordan Elizabeth Doyle, of Chicago, Illinois; Kayla Fields Hayes and Chaslee Anna Marshall both of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Kayla Mac Henry of Decatur, Alabama; Elizabeth Lane Livingston of Memphis, Tennessee; Rachael Nicole Pate, Laurin Lee Vonada, and Julia Fisher Gardial, all of Atlanta,

Georgia; and Courtney Marie West of Nashville, Tennessee. The bridal attendants wore full-length black dresses and carried bouquets of hydrangeas and blush and white roses.

Flowers girls were Misses Ava Marie McCullough and Brynn Ellison McCullough of Atlanta, Georgia. The bible bearer was Master William Manning Burch of Southaven, Mississippi, cousin of the groom.

Drew West Clayton, Sr. served his son as Best Man. Groomsmen were Reed Burgess Clayton and Tate Williams Clayton, brothers of the groom; Wesley Michael McCullough, Quitman Brent Baxter and Jake Morrison Heyer, all of Tupelo, Mississippi; Joseph Anthony Koon of Saltillo, Mississippi; Clint David Alford of Memphis, Tennessee; Robert Andrew Hairston of Houston, Texas; and James Smith Stoner of Holly Bluff, Mississippi.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a seated buffet dinner reception in the Christian Life Hall. A three-piece musical combo entertained quests. Large urns of ivory hydrangeas and blush roses adorned the buffet serving tables.

The bride’s table featured a four-tiered cake decorated with sugared peonies, while the groom’s table held a large chocolate chip cookie in the shape of Mississippi and small cartons of “Mississippi State” milk.

The bride and groom left the reception through a tunnel of sparklers formed by friends and family.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at The Club overlooking the city of Birmingham. After the rehearsal dinner, guests enjoyed a Post Toast given by the groom’s family at the Tutwiler Hotel, where music was provided by Two Drink Minimum band from Tupelo, Mississippi.

After a honeymoon trip to Aruba, the couple is at home in Hoschton, GA, where the groom is a Marketing Representative for American Cast Iron Pipe Co, and the bride is an Operations and Marketing Manager for Velossent, a technology recruiting firm.

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• Mallory Dawn Walden & Joseph Ryan Harris • Mallory Dawn Walden and Joseph Ryan Harris, both of Booneville, Mississippi, were married June 6 in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

The bride is the daughter of Mark and Dawn Walden and the granddaughter of Barbara Walden, the late Charles Walden and the late Shirley Prentiss. The groom is the son is Gary and Melissa Harris and the grandson of Randall and Joyce Trantham, Ann Harris and the late Jimmy Harris.

The bride entered the ceremony through antique double doors, wearing an exquisite lace gown featuring a sheer blouse, scalloped neckline and capped sleeves, carrying a bouquet of blush pink peonies and white roses featuring an antique broach and handkerchief belonging to her maternal great-great-grandmother and to a musical arrangement written and performed by her brother, Price Walden on keyboard and JJ Curry on flute.

Preparing the bride’s path with rose petals were Allison Kyle Cunningham, Taylor Brooke White and Norah Kate Wilhite, wearing heirloom dresses belonging to the bride.

The intimate ceremony was performed by the Rev. Jack Whitley.

The couple sealed their union with communion, foot washing and a prayer of blessing by the Rev. Steve Howell.

Ceremony vocals were given by Chandra and Sam Hisaw.

Attending the couple were Cassie Tabler, Kate Caver, Sarah Beth Harris, Kelsey Moore, Courtney Forbes, Gary Harris, Riley Darst, Korey McPhail, Kyle Stephenson, Kyle Robbins, John Randall Cunningham, Colton Cunningham, John Adam and Kade White, Harrison Wilhite, Rusty Moore and Kyle Gable.

Guests enjoyed a buffet featuring “Sunday Lunch” favorites

catered by family friends Brenda Massey and Suzette Stallings, pecan pies made by “Grammy,” Barbara Walden and fried pies by “Aunt” Freda Whitley. The bride’s table featured a five-layer cake by Hope Nelson Jones. The groom’s cake was made by family friend Kathy Barnes.

The magical evening ended with the couple and their guests enjoying fireworks over the lake. The couple exited under a lavender shower. Guest favors were homemade strawberry jam made by “Grammy,” Barbara Walden.

The wedding and reception were steeped in family history with special memories and held at a location chosen by the bride when she was 8. Guest registered on a wooden bench made by the bride’s father, programs were displayed on a great aunt’s dressing table, attended by Madison Wilhite. The wooden cross and pews were made by the bride’s father. Family wedding photos were displayed on an heirloom chest. Communion was served from an antique table made by the bride’s paternal great-great-grandfather and held antique silver goblets belonging to the bride’s maternal great-grandmother, the foot washing ceremony took place on the piano bench hand-embroidered by her great-great-grandmother. The buffet was served on family vintage wooden furniture, the reception tables were adorned with vintage lace tablecloths and teapots filled with fresh flowers.

The wedding was directed by the bride’s aunt Debbie Barnes.

Floral arrangements designed by family friend, Susan Phillips, Baldwyn, Mississippi. The bride’s hair and makeup where by Jacklyn Byrd, Booneville, Mississippi. Memories of the evening were captured by Lori Pruitt, Flourishing Photography, Cherokee, Alabama.

Flourishing Photography Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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• Elizabeth Marie Anderson & George Tyler Lewis • Elizabeth Marie Anderson & George Tyler Lewis were married August 1, 2015, at The Chapel of Memories in Starkville, Miss. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gerald Anderson Jr. of Tupelo. The groom is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Rick Lewis of Madison.

The bride wore an ivory lace mermaid gown with a tulle skirt from The Bride & Groom in Columbus. She also wore a diamond necklace made from her mother’s wedding ring.

Attending the bride as her maids of honor were Carrie Anne Biffle of Tupelo, Mississippi and Sarah Ruediger of St. Louis, Missouri.

Bridesmaids were Morgan Daly, Katie Lewis, Sydney Batty, & Madison Holcomb. The best man of the groom was Nicholas Hollingsworth of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Groomsmen were Sam Miller, Jacob Harris, Will Hutson, Will Mobley, & Ian Cleary.

The ceremony was at 5 p.m. and a string trio welcomed guests to The Chapel of Memories on Mississippi State University’s campus.

The bride & groom had a traditional ceremony that incorporated hand-written vows.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Historic Hotel Chester in Starkville, Mississippi. DJ Scott Burns kept the guests dancing all night. The cakes were created by Rose McCoy & Creative Cakes. The bride’s cake was a three-tier champagne blush with strawberry filling, adorned with gold confetti. The groom’s cake was a chocolate creation that honored the couple’s alma mater.

Uptown Lily of Louisville designed the floral arrangements and event decor. The evening’s events were captured by Blake McCollum Photography.

On Friday the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at The Veranda in Starkville. Following a honeymoon at Secrets Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple is at home in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Blake McCollum Photography

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• Wedding Announcement

• Kathryn Mallory Rutledge & Jeremy Joe Lawson • Kathryn Mallory Rutledge and Jeremy Joe Lawson, both of Tupelo, Miss., were united in marriage September 19, 2015, in an intimate, outdoor ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Southwind in Shannon, Miss. Judd Wilson of Tupelo officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Emery Rutledge, Jr. of Tupelo. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Rutledge, Sr. of Tupelo, the late Mrs. Kathryn Dye of Tupelo and the late Mr. Samuel Dye of Tupelo.

The groom is the son Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Beasley of Booneville and Mr. Joe Lawson, also of Booneville. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beasley, the late Mr. and Mrs. Harliss Hill and the late Mr. and Mrs. Vance Lawson, all of Booneville.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a beaded gown of silk chiffon and French lace by designer Jenny Packham. The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of vendela roses, autumn sedum and limelight hydrangeas and succulents designed by Tracy Proctor.

Attending as maid of honor was Lindsey Crenshaw of Nashville,

Tenn. Milly Addison of Tupelo served as flower girl.

Bridal party attendants included sister of the groom, Bridget Shook of Tupelo; Haley Burks and Christina Phillips, both of Jackson, Miss.; Libby DeWeese and Preslee Trammell, both of Memphis, Tenn.; Kelly Fratesi of Denver, Colo.; Emily McCoy of Nashville, Tenn.; and Kate Harvey, Lane McClellan and Chelsea McKnight, all of Tupelo.

Michael Poland of Guntown served as best man. Brother of the groom, Cody Lawson of Booneville, brother of the bride, Lex Rutledge of Oxford and Bentley Nolan of Tupelo served as ushers.

A reception followed on the grounds, where guests enjoyed a delicious array of Southern favorites prepared by family friends of the bride and danced to the music of Compozitionz of Jackson, Miss.

Mallory and Jeremy reside in Tupelo, where the bride is employed by the Community Development Foundation as director of communications and public relations, and the groom by Sherwin-Williams as store manager.

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• Olivia Kaitlin Kennedy & Jonathan Daniel Childers • Olivia Kaitlin Kennedy and Jonathan Daniel Childers were united in marriage at seven o’clock in the evening on May 23, 2015, at historic Oak Grove Chapel in New Albany. The ceremony was officiated

by Dr. David Hamilton.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Kennedy of Pontotoc. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Brenda Parrish of Pontotoc and the late Jimmy Parrish, and the late Jo Ann Kennedy and late Walter Kennedy of Fayette, Alabama.

The groom is the son of Ms. Regina Childers of Ripley and Mr. Sonny Childers of Ripley. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Thompson of Pontotoc and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Childers, Sr. of Ripley.

The bride, given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, wore a Monique Lhuillier strapless trumpet gown of delicate oyster Chantilly lace. The gown featured a sweetheart neckline with a semi-chapel-length train and a scalloped hemline. It was accented at the waist with a magnolia ivory tulle belt. She wore a cathedral-length veil of illusion.

She carried a hand-tied bouquet of blush pink peonies, spray roses, white hydrangeas and white roses, which was tied with lace from her mother’s wedding gown. Another sentimental touch added to her bouquet was her baby bonnet/handkerchief that she wore home from the hospital as a newborn. This was a gift from her paternal grandmother when she was born.

Vows were exchanged before a seven-foot wooden cross adorned with white hydrangeas and roses, blush pink snaps and spray roses,

and Jackson vine. Candles in assorted clear and mercury glass votives surrounded the cross.

Music and vocals for the ceremony were provided by Michelle Purdon and Dean Johnson. Ushers were Kaleb Kennedy and Hayden Kennedy, brothers of the bride. Program attendants were Anna Grace Hardin and Kaylin Simmons.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the In Bloom Event Hall in New Albany. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet and dessert table, which featured favorite desserts of the bride and groom. The food was prepared by Small Gatherings Catering by Brenda Fortune. Music was provided by DJ Kevin Russell.

The bride’s table featured a three-tiered traditional vanilla cake with buttercream icing. The cake was displayed on a beautiful pink pedestal cake plate and was adorned with fresh flowers and a gold “Better Together” cake topper. The groom’s table featured a twotiered chocolate cake with milk chocolate icing, covered in creamy chocolate ganache. It featured a hunting motif and chocolate-covered strawberries. Both cakes were provided by Creative Cakes of Tupelo.

On the eve of the wedding the groom’s mother hosted a rehearsal dinner at Tallahatchie Gourmet in New Albany.

Wedding director and florist was Emily Forman of New Albany.

Photography was provided by Scott Burton Photography of Oxford and videographers were Andrew and Blaine Ledbetter.

After a honeymoon to Sandals Emerald Bay Resort in Great Exuma, Bahamas, the couple is at home in Columbus.

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• Laura Ashley Griffin & William Heston Ray • Laura Ashley Griffin of Macon, Georgia, and William Heston Ray of Tupelo, Mississippi, were united in marriage on November 7, 2015, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at First Presbyterian Church in Macon, Georgia. George W. “Chip” Miller of Macon, Ga. performed the ceremony. Calista Anne Koch and Sandra Hawkins Smith provided music along with Thayer Tolleson Bates and Laura Ashley Booth, and Katherine Edenfield Price was the soloist.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Griffin, Jr., of Macon, Ga. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Griffin of Sparta, Ga., and the late Mr. and Mrs. George William Eisel III of Sparta, Ga. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Rex Ray of Tupelo, Miss. He is the grandson of Mrs. Billy Rex Ray and the late Mr. Ray of Pontotoc, Miss., and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Wesley Bell of Greenwood, Miss.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore an off-the-shoulder gown in Shantung silk by Romona Keveza with a chapel-length veil and white silk peep-toe heels with floral detail. She carried a bouquet of white roses.

The Matron of Honor was Peggy Ladner Boles of Madison, Miss. The Maid of Honor was Carolyn Grace Frances of Atlanta, Ga. Bridesmaids were Kasey Meschel Cox of Jackson, Miss., Amy Beth Farkas of Jackson, Miss., Amy Thompson Griffin of Gray, Ga., Laura Katherine House of Jackson, Miss., Katherine Edenfield Price of Winston Salem, NC., Lauren Elizabeth Ray of Tupelo, Miss., Lau-

ren Jane Tharp of Houston, Texas, and Kristina Hattaway Vaughn of Macon, Ga. Gregory Rex Ray of Tupelo, Miss., was best man. Groomsmen were Brandon Taylor Burks of Tupelo, Miss., Adam Donothan Byrd of Brandon, Miss., John Edward Griffin III of Gray, Ga., Gerald Salone Hannah III of Meridian, Miss., John Riley Henton of Tupelo, Miss., John Tays Heyer of San Antonio, Texas, Robert Tyler Marlin of Houston, Texas, Edward Allen Maxwell III of Ridgeland, Miss., Steven Hayes Singleton of Madison, Miss., and Van Tankersley Stubbs of West Point, Miss.

Flower girls were Charlotte Eloise Ray and Mary Harper Ray of Birmingham, Alabama, and Stella Louise Ray of Little Rock, Ark. Jack Grady Thompson of Albany, Ga. was the ring bearer.

The rehearsal dinner was held at the Library Ball Room, with décor provided by Busylad in Tupelo, Miss., and coordinated by Erin Stubbs.

A reception followed the ceremony at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon, Ga., where guests enjoyed cake by Lisa Mae Cakes, a shrimp and grits station, crab cakes, Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms, and sweet potato and ham biscuits and music by Complete Desire.

New Town Trolley Service of Macon, Ga., provided transportation for the wedding party and guests.

The couple resides in Madison, Miss., where the bride is in her third year of residency in general surgery and the groom works for Integra in medical sales.

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• Elizabeth LeAnn Todd & Robert Conner Bills III • Elizabeth LeAnn Todd and Robert Conner Bills III were united in marriage on July 18, 2016, at Oxford-University United Methodist Church in Oxford. The ceremony was performed by the Reverend Eddie Rester.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Barton Todd of Tupelo. She is the granddaughter of the late Mrs. Louise Graham of Pontotoc, and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Todd of Tupelo.

The groom is the son of Mrs. Nancy Glass Bills of Hattiesburg, and Dr. and Mrs. Robert Conner Bills Jr. of Hattiesburg. He is the grandson of the late Mr. William Sylvester Glass Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Conner Bills Sr. Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Maggie Sottero design wedding gown with all-over lace applique. A sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves were followed with a dramatic V-back. She wore her mother’s wedding veil that was chapel-length and lined with lace.

The bride wore her mother’s pearl bracelet and her late grandmother’s diamond earrings. She carried a nosegay-style bouquet of white stock, escimo roses, blush spray roses, and sweetheart roses.

Andrea Riccio of Schenectady, New York, served as matron of honor. Flower girls were Gabby Brown and Arden Wood Anderson of Hattiesburg. Photography by Brian Flint. Piano music provided

by Anita Ludlow. Robert Conner Bills Jr., the groom’s father, served as best man. Ushers were Dustin Todd, Keegan Todd, Wyatt Mo-

roney, and Drew Moroney.

A reception followed at Oxford University club, where guests enjoyed a buffet-style dinner, and wedding cake by Mary McGuire of Tupelo.

The couple resides in Oxford, Mississippi, where the bride is a general dentist and the groom is a general dentist with Rowan Family Dentistry in New Albany, Mississippi.

B. Flint Photography

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• Wedding Announcement

• Brandy Michelle Williams & John David Herring • Brandy Michelle Williams of Baldwyn and John David Herring of Tupelo were united in marriage on August 1, 2015, at six o’clock in the evening at East Mount Zion Baptist Church in Baldwyn.

Brother of the bride, Bro. Billy Ray Williams performed a very memorable ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Billy and Peggy Williams of Baldwyn. She is the granddaugther of Flavis “Bill” Bishop and the late Helen Bishop and the late Ruby Ford, all of Baldwyn and the late Oscar Williams, Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona.

The groom is the son of Sam and Patty Herring of Tupelo. He is the grandson of Lamoise Young and the late Hoarce Young of Tupelo and the late Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bose Herring of Nettleton.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a white, strapless, three-layered lace wedding gown designed by Oleg Cassini. The bride added a rhinestone belt at the waist and a bustle with pearls.

Underneath, she wore the Lucchese boots the groom had given her on their one year anniversary. The bride’s bouquet, designed by Holly’s Petals and Presents in Nettleton, was made of coral and white roses and daises wrapped in burlap and lace with charms attached made from flowers from her late grandmother Helen Bishop’s funeral.

The maid of honor was Kayla Martin, best friend of the bride for 18 years. Matron of honor was Yancey White. Bridesmaids were

Kala Johnson and Sidney Neal, along with honorary bridesmaids Jessica Williams and Brittany Flowers. Flower girl was Laura Grace Williams along with flower buds, Molly Kate Williams and Kinsley White.

The groom’s father along with his best friend, Michael Ricks served as the best men. Groomsmen were Daniel White and Aaron Spearman. Ushers were Braden Reynolds and Brandon Leslie.

Tammy Johnson and Lisa Hathcock served as the wedding directors. Jon Ben Griffin served as the music director, accompanied by Betty Delaney as pianist. Bridal portraits were taken by Katie Roberts from K. Roberts Photography and wedding pictures were taken by retired photographer Mitch DeCanter.

Following the wedding celebration, the guests enjoyed a beautiful reception and meal at the church’s Life Center. The beautiful, delicious wedding and groom’s cakes were made by Cakes by Rita in Nettleton. Cooks and servers included a host of the members of East Mount Zion, aunts of the bride and groom, and a number of friends.

The couple left the ceremony in the groom’s 1968 Dodge Charger.

After a honeymoon cruise to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico, the couple resides in Belden, Mississippi. The bride is employed as a respiratory therapist at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

The groom is employed as an X-Ray/Lab technician at West Tupelo Medical Clinic.

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• Alexandria Rashall Bowen & Weston Blake McCoy • Alexandria Rashall Bowen and Weston Blake McCoy were united in marriage at 6 p.m. on November 7, 2015, at Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. Dr. Forrest Sheffield was the officiating minister.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Edwin Bowen of Tupelo. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. James Muffi and the late Pam Muffi, and of Doris Ballard of Nettleton.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Gene McCoy of Houston. He is the grandson of Charlene and Gene Clark, Paulette and James Eric Blissard, the late Weston McCoy and the late Lois McCoy. The bride wore a custom-designed ivory gown and veil from Australia by Anna Campbell of silk hand-embellished with brocade skirt and silk train with bustle. Her bouquet featured white roses and brooches featuring a pearl rosary of her late grandfather’s and a pearl ring of her late great-grandmother’s.

Samantha Rowell served as Maid of Honor. The bridesmaids were Danielle Bowen, Ana Miller, Michelle Pettit, Brooke Holladay, Jenny Wood, Kelley Vance, Angela Pettit and Windy Pettit. Junior bridesmaids were Ginger Bowen and Alex Blissard. Ms. Ella Spratlin served as Flower Girl. The bridesmaids wore full-length black gowns with custom-designed earrings by the bride.

Mr. Randy McCoy, father of the groom, served as Best Man.

The groomsmen were Chad McCoy, Jim Blissard, Justin Spratlin, JT Ferguson, Mark Bowen II, Peter Vance, Matthew Bowen, and Chad Bowen. Dexter Blissard and Jordan Tomason served as ushers. Master Max Redden served as ring bearer. The groomsmen wore black Michael Kors Tuxedos.

Following the ceremony the couple, along with their guests, enjoyed a reception at the Tupelo Country Club. The bride’s six-tiered white cake featured gold trim, white roses and a gold crown top. The groom’s cake was a three-tiered square black and gold chocolate cake featuring the couple’s initial monogram in gold on top. The guests enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres, a full buffet, chocolate fountain, potato bar, sweet treat bar, s’mores bar, cigar bar, bride and groom signature drinks, Ole Miss bar, and a photo booth. Entertainment included a harpist as well as a DJ. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents honored the couple with a magnificent rehearsal dinner at the Tupelo Country Club. The bridal party and family and friends enjoyed a wonderful celebration.

Following a night of dancing, the couple had a sparkler send-off to spend their wedding night at The Peabody in Memphis, flying off to a honeymoon in Barbados the next morning. The couple will reside in Olive Branch.

Marty Pettit Photography Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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• Courtney Suzanne Sims & Benjamin Walter Shaw • Courtney Suzanne Sims and Benjamin Walter Shaw exchanged vows on Saturday, November 14, 2015, at half past four o’clock in the evening at Southwind in Shannon, Mississippi. Officiating the ceremony was the Reverend Will Rambo. Friends of the bride and groom, Dena and Rick Pike, sang a lovely rendition of “You Are For Me” during their first communion as husband and wife.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robert Sims Jr., of Booneville, Mississippi, and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Novak of Seattle, Washington. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robert Sims Sr., of New Albany, Mississippi, and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Clark Baker of West Point, Mississippi. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Alan Shaw of Oxford, Mississippi.

The groom is the grandson of the late Mr. Calvin Shaw and Mrs. Sue Shaw of Harmontown, Mississippi, and the late Robert Folk and the late Thelma “Bobbie” Folk of Oxford, Mississippi.

Given in marriage by her family and escorted by her father, the bride wore a Maggie Sottero vintage-style sheath gown made from exquisite floral lace, complemented by a scalloped lace neckline and illusion lace back, and finished with covered button over zipper back closure and a blush pink belt with crystal detailing. Her veil was a traditional catholic style with intricate pearl and crystal beading surrounding the laced edges. She wore rose gold ballet flats by Jessica Simpson. The ensemble was the epitome of romance. The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of white roses, hydrangeas, and baby’s breath made by her great-aunt, Kitty Grubbs. Amanda McCarter, the bride’s cousin, directed the ceremony. Caitlin Sims and Scout Waldrop, cousins of the bride, greeted guests as they arrived.

Ali Ballard of Tupelo served as Maid of Honor and Betsy Sims of Jackson, sister-in-law to the bride, served as Matron of Honor. Bridesmaids included Katie May of Tupelo, Alise Emerson of Oxford, Jordan Goolsby of Booneville, stepsister of the bride, and Simsie Shaw of Oxford, sister of the groom. The flower girl was Lilly Miller of Saltillo, cousin of the bride. The bridesmaids wore navy dresses with different combinations of styles from floor-length, sequin, halter, and even a dressy romper. They each carried hand-tied bouquets of blush pink and white roses, baby’s breath, and greenery made by the bride’s great-aunt. The flower girl wore a hand-made ivory dress with flower petal lace, silk lining, full tulle petticoat creating a voluminous skirt. She served as a “mini bride” with matching rose gold ballet flats.

Mr. Matthew Shaw of Houston, Texas, the groom’s brother, served as the Best Man. The Groomsmen included Chase Sims of Jackson, Mississippi, Kyle Miller of Saltillo, Drew Shands of New Albany, Joseph Emerson of Oxford, and Mario Hilliard of Little Rock, Arkansas. The ring bearers were Jack and Rolan Sims of Jackson, Mississippi, nephews of the bride. The boutonnieres were hand-tied blush pink and white roses designed by Kim Miller, aunt to the bride.

The barn at Southwind was decorated in a romantic, rustic feel with sheer ivory fabric draping down each column illuminated by twinkle lights by the bride’s mother Cindy and stepmother Gretta.

The table setting had hand-cut chargers from her papaw Clark’s saw mill and fresh flowers in royal blue vases. The tables were sprinkled with baby photos of the bride and groom. As a parting gift, the couple gave out paper hearts containing pressed perennial seeds for the garden.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a dinner and reception on the patio of Southwind. The couple had Southern comfort food catered by South Restaurant. The classic three-tier wedding cake that sat on antique suitcases was lightly covered in icing with a champagne flavor, decorated with sugar-coated blueberries and white roses and hydrangeas. The groom’s cake was a replica of an Ole Miss football jersey with a chocolate center and the wedding day as the number of the jersey. Both cakes were delicately made by Karen Angle of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

The special day and memories were captured by Mike & Lisa Gagliano with Bella Luca Photography. The couple and guest danced the night away as DJ Kevin Russell played the best dance hits.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Bancorpsouth Arena in Tupelo, Mississippi. Southern style food was served in true Ole Miss Tailgate fashion by Chris’s Kitchen of Oxford, Mississippi, The families visited and shared memories of the bride and groom.

Following the honeymoon in Las Vegas, the couple returned to everyday life. Ben is the Audit Manager at BancorpSouth in Tupelo, and Courtney is the store manager at MLM Clothiers in Tupelo, as well as a freelance graphic designer. Ben and Courtney are settling into married life in their new home in Oxford with their two spoiled fur-babies, Zoe Belle and August Mae.

Bella Luca Photography Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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• Katherine Abigail Cagle & Alexander Holtcamp • Katherine Abigail Cagle and Alexander John Holtcamp were united in marriage at four o’clock in the evening on November 28, 2015, at Holley Farms in Fulton, Mississippi. The Reverend Philip Lindsey officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. Rebecca Cagle of Smithville and Dr. and Mrs. Scott Cagle of Tupelo. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Wanda Webb of Smithville and Mr. and Mrs. Lester Cagle of Amory.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Holtcamp of Crawford. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Bledsoe of Chipley, Florida, and Mr. and Mrs. William Holtcamp of Crawford.

He is the great-grandson of Mrs. Phyllis Benny of Crawford and Mrs. Mildred Holtcamp of Sedro Woolley, Washington.

The bride, escorted by her father, wore a delicately beaded, strapless ivory satin gown featuring a lace overlay. The gown incorporated a sweetheart neckline and pearl button details down the back. The bride also wore a diamond necklace crafted from her mother’s engagement ring. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of red roses, golden sunflowers, and purple statice.

Accompanying the bride as maid of honor was her sister, Sara JoAnne Cagle. Bridesmaids included Reagan Huffman, Shelby Boggan, Emily Haven, Hannah Holtcamp, and Mary Preston Evers.

Each bridesmaid wore a floor length deep purple gown and carried hand-tied golden sunflowers arranged by Green’s Blossom Shop

in Amory.

Serving as the groom’s best man was his longtime friend, Kenny Coats. Groomsmen included Will Holtcamp, Jared Moak, Josh Holtcamp, Matt Cagle, and Stephen Robertson.

Ceremonial music was presented by the bride’s childhood friends Kayla Jackson, Melissa Tackett, and Kari Collins.

A reception, hosted by the parents of the bride, was held at Holley Farms following the ceremony. The guests enjoyed a delectable wild game supper prepared by Donald Ray Jacobs of Jake’s Restaurant in Okolona. The bride’s cake was a three-tiered ivory buttercream that featured iced roses and intricate scroll work. The groom’s cake was a rich chocolate buttercream that featured a hand-painted hunting scene. Both cakes were designed by Susan Langford of the Cottage Tea Room in Aberdeen. The abundance of fall decorations were compiled by Melinda and Richard Cagle and Diane Kuykendall.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s family hosted a rehearsal dinner at Holley Farms. Friends and family enjoyed a delightful Southern meal prepared by George, Melinda, Peyton, and Peggy Gay, childhood friends of the groom’s family.

The couple resides in Starkville, where they both will begin working on their Master of Science degrees in the fall of 2016 at Mississippi State University.

Kim Bucci Photography

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• Wedding Announcement

• Katie Monique Wilson & Joshua Steven Rogers • Katie Monique Wilson of Tupelo, Mississippi and Joshua Steven Rogers of Nettleton, Mississippi, were united in marriage on December 5, 2015, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Jones Chapel Baptist Church in Nettleton, Mississippi. Bro. Randy Gray and Bro. Wes Stephens of Nettleton, Mississippi performed the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Patrick and Monique Wilson of Tupelo, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of Lamar and Shirley Hunter of Tupelo, Mississippi and the late Roy Wilson of Memphis, Tennessee and the late Mrs. Jannae Owens of Booneville, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Steve and Melissa Rogers of Nettleton, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Mrs. Lois Adams and the late Mr. James Adams of Nettleton, Mississippi, and Mrs. Mary Rogers and the late Mr. Lewis Rogers of Nettleton, Mississippi.

The bride was escorted by her father. She wore a traditional white strapless gown of satin bodice accented with intricate beaded metallic embroidery and laced-up back with a full tulle ball gown skirt with embroidery to complement the bodice. Her veil accented the dress beautifully with its fingertip length of two tiers and beaded metallic edging to match the gown. The veil was held in place with a gorgeous comb of Swarovski crystals. She carried a bouquet of white poinsettia’s and red roses tied with a silk monogrammed white sash with attached lockets holding pictures of her late grandmother and great-grandmothers.

The Matron of Honor was Taylor Ellis of Saltillo, Mississip-

pi. Her bridesmaids were Cassie Wilson of Pontotoc, MS, Brandi Rodgers of Mooreville, Mississippi, Nicole Patterson of Guntown, Mississippi, and Brooke Thompson of Aberdeen, Mississippi. Junior bridesmaid was Makenzi Rogers of Nettleton, Mississippi. They wore short strapless chiffon apple red dresses with ruching flowing to create a cascade to the front of the dress. They carried hand tied bouquets of long-stemmed red roses.

The Best Man was Randy Ellis of Saltillo, Mississippi, Groomsmen were Cody Rogers of Hamilton, Mississippi, Cayce Wilson of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Guyton Wilson of Tupelo, Mississippi, Ricky Ellis and Wesley Ferrell of Mooreville, Mississippi.

Flower Girls were Anna Brook Rogers of Nettleton, Mississippi and Caylynn Wilson of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Ring Bearer was Brayden Smith of Tupelo, Mississippi. The Ushers were Eddie Ellis of Mooreville, Mississippi, Luke Cook of Tupelo, Mississippi and Jeremy Hester of Hamilton, Mississippi.

The wedding reception followed at Nettleton Community Center in Nettleton, Mississippi where guests enjoyed a meal of tenderloin bites, vegetables and dip, hot chocolate, apple cider and punch with delicious slices of bride’s and groom’s cakes.

After a short honeymoon in Gatlinburg, Tennessee the couple resides in Nettleton, Mississippi. The bride is employed at Crescent Sales in Tupelo, Mississippi and the groom works for American Dry Wall of Tupelo, Mississippi.

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Emily Tanner Photography

• Kinsey Elane Calvery & Channing McCreary • Kinsey Elane Calvery and Channing James McCreary exchanged wedding vows on May 23, 2015. The sweet ceremony took place at 4 o’clock in the afternoon at Gaston Baptist Church in Booneville. Dr. Matt Brown performed the ceremony. Music was provided by Lisa Stevens, pianist, Karrie Beth Stevens, vocalist, and other music used was arranged by Brother Marty Hurt. Mr. Phil Worley did the lighting and slide show and Ms. Cheryl Green directed the wedding.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Calvery of Booneville. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Deryl Saylors and Mr. Almus Calvery and the late Betty Calvery, all of Booneville.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tony McCreary of Booneville. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Fugitt and Mr. and Mrs. Smith Ray McCreary, all of Booneville.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore her mother’s wedding dress which was lovingly made by the bride’s grandmother, Mrs. Brenda Saylors. The gown is a sleeveless sheath of bridal satin which features a sweetheart neckline and basque waist. The skirt at lower front and hemline, along with the cathedral-length, detachable train, are adorned with matching beaded re-embroidered lace.

Leah Stevens of Booneville served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Carli Bullard, Lindsey Cox, Emily Floyd and Madalyn Patton, all of Booneville, and Kayla McCreary of Dayton, Ohio. Junior bridesmaid was Jaila Walden of Booneville. Annie Rhea Gibson of Smithville was the flower girl. Attending the guest registry was Allyson Cartwright of Oxford and Jane Reid of Charlotte, North Carolina. Friends, Hanna Darst, Scarlett McCay and Laikyn Starkey greeted guests with a program.

Raygan McCreary, brother of the groom, served as best man.

Groomsmen were Chase and Daniel Calvery, brothers of the bride, Corey McPhail, Dylan Shook and Tyler Shook, all of Booneville.

Ushers were Charles Reece and Jake Walden, both of Booneville, and T. J. Baggett of Dallas. Hudson Littlejohn of Madison was the ring bearer.

After the ceremony, the guests were invited to join the bride and groom in the church’s “old sanctuary” to enjoy cake and heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared and catered by Hope Nelson Jones of Baldwyn.

This beautiful sanctuary features original hardwood floors and beautiful stained-glass windows. The double doors opened out to the porch for the guests who preferred to sit outside in the sunshine.

Serving the bride’s four-tier cake were Ashley Bullard and Sarah Beth Maness. The groom’s chocolate MSU cake was served by his cousins, Toni Breland and Callie Littlejohn. Guests’ plates and cups were cleared by the tea girls, Grace Caver, Emma Cunningham, Hannah Green, Hadley and Hannah Hurt, Macy Lauderdale, Erin Mattox, Caroline Thompson and Jordan Wilson. The beautiful flowers, fresh wreaths, and greenery were done by Sidney Nicholson of Booneville. Other décor was rented from Event Rentals in Pontotoc.

Engagement pictures and bridal pictures were made by Emily Tanner Photography of Booneville. The wedding day photos were made

by Micah Nelson Photography of Gautier. Many thanks to all of the family, friends and vendors who helped make this a perfect day!

Channing and Kinsey reside in Mobile, Alabama, where Channing is a mechanical engineer with the Chevron Refinery in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Kinsey is practice teaching to complete her studies in Elementary Education through Mississippi State University.

Micah Nelson Photography Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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• Lacey Gray Stone & James Brady Fortenberry • Lacey Gray Stone and James Brady Fortenberry were united in marriage on August 15, 2015, at half past eleven o’clock in the morning at the Colonel’s Quarters in Oxford. The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Gary Alexander Richardson of Oxford.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Van Dorn Stone III of Tupelo. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Knox Winton Ross Sr. and the late Mr. Ross of Pelahatchie and Mrs. Van Dorn Stone Jr. and the late Mr. Stone of Marks.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jon Anthony Fortenberry of Oxford. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Smith Fortenberry of Grenada and Mrs. Majorie Ann Trussell Spratlin and the late Mr. Spratlin of Oxford.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a formal ivory gown of Venice lace featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline framed with scalloped lace. A beaded belt of crystal and pearls complimented the waist. The bride’s ivory cathedral-length veil was worn by her mother, sister and maternal aunts. The bride wore a garter made of Brussels lace from her mother’s bridal bouquet. Lacey Gray’s hand-tied bouquet of Vendella roses, Crème Della Crème roses, antique hydrangeas, calla, ranunculus and lambs ear foliage, included a handle wrapped with her paternal grandmother’s antique lace handkerchief.

The ceremony décor created by Alicia Astors encompassed a towering wooden cross constructed by the groom’s paternal grandfather enhanced with hydrangeas, , roses and chrysanthemums. Musicians were cellist Susan Gaston, and violinists Yan Mao and Robert Riggs. Vocalists included Dr. Mary Catherine Blossom, Shannon Fortenberry, Dr. Ross Stone and Stephen Stone.

Mary Catherine Blossom served her sister as matron of honor.

Bridesmaids included Anna Davis, Katherine Fahling, Anna Margaret Gaines, Katie Kuiper, Anna Lunceford, Cate Rodgers, Jennifer Stone, Bea Treat, Brynn Vaughn and Lindsey Wright. The attendants wore dove gray chiffon dresses and carried hand-tied bouquets of white and ivory. The flower girl was Elaine Mae Ireland who wore an heirloom hand-sewn dress of white batiste.

The groom’s father, Jon Anthony Fortenberry was best man.

Groomsmen were Blake Belcher, Dr. Jonathan Blossom, Kevin Brown, Ilia Dubrovin, Derek Fortenberry, Tyler Fortenberry, Richard Shivers, Dr. Ross Stone, Stephen Stone and Ed Wright. Jon August Fortenberry was ring bearer, holding a pillow made from monogrammed antique lace handkerchiefs.

Scripture readers were Missy Lunceford and Cody Vaughn.

Program attendants were Mary Margaret Boudreaux, Emily Haynes, Julie Lawson, Mary McCall McArthur and Katy Grabau. Serving at the guest registry were Lora Claire Dickerson and Simms Haguewood. Martin Fisher, Walker Gunter, Alex Harrelson, and Bill Dickerson were the ushers.

A brunch reception followed at the Colonel’s Quarters at Castle Hill. The Paul Tate Band provided music for the reception. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the University of Mississippi M Club .

The couple honeymooned in Jamaica and now make their home in Dallas where the bride is a speech pathologist at Signature Pointe on the Lake and the groom is pursuing a Master’s of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Danny K Photography Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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Wedding Announcement •

• Callie Paige Wilson & Max Wolfe • Callie Paige Wilson of Pontotoc, Mississippi, and Max Wolfe of Jackson, Tennessee, were united in marriage on May 2,2015, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Paris-Yates Chapel on the campus of the University of Mississippi with Ann Kelly officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Sam and Lisa Wilson of Oxford.

She is the granddaughter of the late Clyde and Christine Wilson of Pontotoc, and the late Jamie Castle of Pontotoc and the late Jimmy Castle of Tupelo.

The groom is the son of Dr. James and Susan Wolfe of Jackson, Tennessee. He is the grandson of Mary Tipton and the late RR Tipton of Tiptonville, Tennessee, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Wolfe of Gautier, Mississippi.

The bride wore an antique pearl and diamond lavaliere necklace that belonged to her late grandmother that was also worn by her mother, aunt, and sister in their weddings. The bride carried a bouquet of white peonies and pink roses with her late grandmother’s broaches intertwined. On the bride’s sash she wore a pearl and gold antique broach given to her by the groom’s grandmother.

Mrs. Crystal Fisher of Spring Hill, Tennessee, sister of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mandy Lauman of Detroit, Michigan; Kristi Robbins of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Katie Cornelius of Columbia, Maryland; Sara Brown of Atlanta, Georgia; Anna Claire Jefcoat of Pontotoc, Mississippi; Emily LaFauci, sister of the groom, of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Hannah Locke of Smithville, Mississippi. Loughran Wilson of Oxford, Mississippi; and Harper Grace Fisher of Spring Hill, Tennessee, nieces of the bride, served as flower girls. The bridesmaids wore blush pink, floor-length

dresses of their own choice of style and carried bouquets of white hydrangeas tied with burlap and lace.

Dan Schroeder of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Benjamin Etterle of Kiln, Mississippi, served as best men. Groomsmen were Brandon Sheffield of Jackson, Tennessee; Wesley Nicks of Jackson, Tennessee; Mike Ririe of Branson, Missouri; Mike LaFauci of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Taylor Dial of Paris, Tennessee. William Fisher of Spring Hill, TN, nephew of the bride, served as ring bearer. Brendan Wilson of Oxford, MS, nephew of the bride, served as the sign bearer.

After the ceremony the couple and the wedding party rode in style atop the double decker bus and made their entrance to the reception held at Cedar Oaks Mansion in Oxford. Guests enjoyed a delicious array of Southern favorites. A tent and wooden dance floor were set up on the grounds of the mansion with music provided by DJ Brian Baldwin of Pontotoc, Mississippi. The wedding cake was a creation of Cakes by Rita, Nettleton, Mississippi, and was flanked by two crystal candelabras that belonged to her late grandparents.

The groom’s table held his favorite dessert of bread pudding by My Michelles of Oxford. The groom’s table featured a Pickwick Lake theme depicting where the couple met and got engaged. The couple made a grand departure through a path of sparklers onto the double decker bus.

After a honeymoon trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, the couple resides in Oxford, Mississippi. The bride is a nurse employed by Red Med Urgent Care Clinic, and the groom is a territory sale representative employed by Target Medical Inc. Photography by Brandi Alliston

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Tradition with a twist

Paper is the traditional gift for the first anniversary, but couples can make it their own by turning it into art.

A favorite poem or artfully rendered wedding vows can transform paper into a gift that will last. Having a special piece printed usually runs from $3 to $25, depending on the design work and paper at Sprint Print in Tupelo. You just have to add the frame.

“It’s a keepsake that becomes a work of art,” said Pam Cook,

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Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

Sprint Print customer service manager.

Local painters like Kimberly Allred can reinterpret a wedding photo or favorite moment into unique works of art. Abstract pieces usually can be done in about two weeks. More detailed pieces can take a month. Costs typically run from $55 to $175, depending on the size and shape of the piece.

“It elevates a special moment to art for a lifetime,” said Allred, whose work can be seen at instagram.com/ksallred.

Gifts of Love

A year ago, you said “I do” surrounded by family and friends. This time around, it’s a party for two.

Celebrate the first year of marriage with gifts that share your love and personal style.

By Michaela Morris • Photos by Lauren Wood

Gift of time

Romantic relaxation

Sparkling classic

Share an adventure

Have some fun

Snuggle up

Clocks are considered the modern traditional gift for the first anniversary. A special watch, like this Citizen, Skyhawk regular price, $695, sale price $500, from Little’s Jewelers, can share your love every minute of the day.

“Most watches can be engraved with a wedding date,” said Barbara Russell of Little’s Jewelers.

Life’s a journey. Giant hybrid bikes – the Escape for him, the Liv Alight for her, both $360 at Core Cycle + Outdoor, are great gifts for the couple who want to pedal into the sunset together.

“It’s a ‘do everything’ bike,” said Claude Clayton of Core Cycle + Outdoor, great for the paved Tanglefoot Trail or the graveled Music Bend Trail.

The art of giving

Pamper your bride with her own personal spa package. Soft and silky Allegri pajamas and robe, $182.85, Loll Wish bubble bath, $52.95, Loll Wish candle, $33.95 from Elizabeth Claire’s in Tupelo can create a special retreat.

“It’s about relaxation and pampering,” said Sandy Emmons of Elizabeth Claire’s.

A bottle of wine to go can turn an outing into a romantic rendezvous. Pack a romantic picnic for two with Elm gold leaf wine glasses, $21.95 each, and a Mona B MerLove wine bag, $17.95 from Elizabeth Claire’s.

“It’s fun,” Sandy Emmons of Elizabeth Claire’s.

Finding the right gift involves more than shopping. Saltillo marriage and family counselor Russell Chumley offered these tips for finding the right gift.

• Share – Marriage vows don’t come with mind-reading powers.

Talk about the kind of gifts you’d love to get. “Assuming that your spouse understands your unspoken expectations can lead to disappointment,” Chumley said. “Just say it.”

• Don’t get stuck on what other people think is romantic. It’s what

There’s something about a diamond that sparkles with love. A solitaire diamond pendant, like this 1/3 carat piece set in 14K white gold from Little’s Jewelers, regular price $930, sale price $699, is a great option if jewelry is her love language.

“It’s a classic choice lasting a lifetime,” said Barbara Russell of Little’s Jewelers.

Sometimes it’s just about being together, doing nothing. The Eno double nest hammock, $69.95 at Core Cycle + Outdoors, is a fun choice for newlyweds looking to get cuddly.

“It’s great for the backyard, a day at the park or camping out,” said Claude Clayton of Core Cycle. “They set up really quickly.”

your spouse thinks that matters. “Learn how to love your spouse in the way he/she wants to be loved,” Chumley said. “My wife is thrilled when I giver her power tools.”

• Be on the same budget page. “The simplest way for this to occur is for the couple to talk about and agree upon an amount to spend on one another,” Chumley said. “This conversation is best had prior to the gift-buying rather than after.”

• Accept with love. “Always receive with gratitude and love no matter the gift,” Chumley said.

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C. K. White, M.D. Johnny F. Miles, M.D. Mark A. Ray, M. D. Kristen Y. Turner, M.D.

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A Picnic Wedding

By Carmen Cristo • Photos by Allison Rodgers Photography Calley Medlock had mixed feelings about planning a wedding. She had collected many beautiful ideas, as any girl does, but she knew the reality of wedding costs. She set her budget at $3,000, with herself, her parent’s and her groom Zach’s parents contributing. She set out to create the day of her dreams, with creativity, talented friends, and an adorable hashtag—#MedlocksinWedlock.

“I did all of the planning myself just from a mixture of who I am, who Zach is, and what Pinterest had to offer,” Calley said.

Calley and Zach opted for a picnic wedding. In other words, they asked guests to pack a picnic basket with items of their choice to enjoy community-style. They chose an outdoor (and free) venue, the backyard of Zach’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, The Andover Plantation, in Olive Branch, Miss. On October 17, a beautiful and mild fall day, they wed.

For the color scheme, Calley chose soft pinks, nudes and tan tones to complement the natural greenery of their wedding site. She gave her bridesmaids this range and had them choose their own dresses,

for a fun, mismatched look. They did the same for the men, who wore blue dress shirts and dark denim jeans.

“We also wanted to make all of our wedding party feel the importance of who they are to us, so instead of a ‘best man’ or ‘maid of honor,’ all of Zach’s guys were his ‘best men’ and all of my ladies were ‘ladies of honor,’” Calley said.

Calley had her dress custom-made, which sounds pricey, but was actually a huge money-saver. Through word of mouth, she found a seamstress in Memphis who brought her vision to life for just $670.

Her boho-inspired look featured leather and lace and pink and white tones. She completed her look with a floral crown from Etsy ($50).

Perhaps where Calley and Zach saved the most money was when they employed the talents of their friends. Their photographer, Allison Rodgers, gifted her time and photography as a wedding present to the couple. Their DJ did the same. Calley’s lifelong friend, Katy Learned, created the whimsical signage.

She and Zach rented tables, chairs, linens and a dance floor from Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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Affordable Party Rentals for $1,500. They added a few personal touches throughout the wedding to make it their own, like personalized coffee sleeves at the coffee bar, made with a custom stamp from Etsy ($40). Utensils, cups, napkins and plates were all purchased at a restaurant supply company in Memphis for $65. Tables were decorated with painted jars, bottles and glasses holding fresh flowers.

Calley asked 15 women she considers close friends to make a dessert as a wedding gift, and the combination of these offerings made up their dessert table. The main wedding cake was a naked cake, baked by Calley’s friend, Khadeijdra Carson. They also set up a s’mores bar, stocked in bulk items from Sam’s, for $100.

Ceremony seating was rustic — hay bales that were borrowed for the day. They also borrowed lawn games like cornhole and horseshoes.

Calley’s bravest undertaking of all was crafting her own floral 66

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arrangements. The day before the wedding, she went to Kroger and bought 10 different types of flowers and greenery for $100. From that, she and her ladies of honor made their bouquets, the men’s boutonnieres and the table arrangements.

Much of Calley’s money-saving brilliance was in the small details.

She did her own makeup, and had a friend do her hair. The couple also sent sweet, customized paperless invitations via e-mail through Paperless Post ($100). They chose meaningful, inexpensive gifts for their wedding party. The grand total was $100.

Looking back, Calley and Zach have no regrets. They were able to celebrate their love, surrounded by people who care for them, without anyone being burdened financially by using their own resources and talents and those of their friends.

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The 2016 It List Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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• Water

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Bridal Gown & Tux: Kay’s Kreations in Tupelo Bridal Bouquet: Bishop’s Flowers in Tupelo Earrings: Kim Gambrell at Farmhouse in Tupelo Venue: Tombigbee State Park Shoes: Peggy’s Shoes in Tupelo Hair and Makeup: Shear Envy Salon in Tupelo Invitation Suite: Revel Union Models: April Clark, bride JB Clark, groom

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• Lavender

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Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid Dress: Bride and Groom in Columbus Bridal Bouquet and Floral Crown: In Bloom in New Albany Venue: Wisteria Woods in Mooreville Cake: Creative Cakes in Tupelo Hair and Makeup, bridesmaid: Creative Touch in Tupelo Gourmet Popsicles: Popsy in Tupelo Lavender Satchel, favor: Farmhouse in Tupelo Models: Breanna Peters, bride Anne Lampkin, bridesmaid Bridal Journal of Northeast Mississippi

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• Copper

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal in Tupelo Mother of the Bride Dress: Reed’s in Tupelo Toasted Coconut Creme Pies: Sweet Tea & Biscuits in Tupelo Venue: Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo Event Rental: Busylad Rent-All in Tupelo Hair and Makeup: Belle Ame in Tupelo Invitation Suite: The Onyx Press in Amory Models: Hailey Woolridge, bride Molly Woodruff, mother of the bride

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OPENING SPRING 2016 Downtown Tupelo Find us on Facebook at Willow Bride MS and on Instagram & Twitter @willowbridems

elizabeth@willowbride.com • www.willowbride.com

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Scott Burton Photography

Blake McCollum Photography

Bella Luca Photography

Flourishing Photography

Alisha Gholston Comer Photography

Stephanie Rhea Photography

Index Kristen Michelle Minga & Christopher Daniel Knotts ••• 30 Nancy Christine Collums & Danny Austin Burgess ••• 32 Erica Lakin Garner & John David Oakes ••• 34 Emily Lauren Patterson & Dustin Lynn Edmonson ••• 35 Allison Taylor Scott & Christopher Ryan Culver ••• 36 Kayla Ruth Posey & Drew West Clayton, Jr. ••• 38 Mallory Dawn Walden & Joseph Ryan Harris ••• 40 Elizabeth Marie Anderson & George Tyler Lewis ••• 42 Kathryn Mallory Rutledge & Jeremy Joe Lawson ••• 43 Olivia Kaitlin Kennedy & Jonathan Daniel Childers ••• 44 Laura Ashley Griffin & William Heston Ray ••• 46 Elizabeth LeAnn Todd & Robert Conner Bills III ••• 48 Brandy Michelle Williams & John David Herring ••• 49 Alexandria Rashall Bowen & Weston Blake McCoy ••• 50 Courtney Suzanne Sims & Benjamin Walter Shaw ••• 52 Katherine Abigail Cagle & Alexander Holtcamp ••• 54 Katie Monique Wilson & Joshua Steven Rogers ••• 55 Kinsey Elane Calvery & Channing McCreary ••• 56 Lacey Gray Stone & James Brady Fortenberry ••• 58 Callie Paige Wilson & Max Wolfe ••• 60 Special thanks to Blake McCollum Photography, Faith Riley Photography, Alisha Gholston Comer Photography, Marty Pettit Photography, Taylor Square Photography and Stephanie Rhea Photography for participating in this year’s Bridal Journal.

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Find directions on how to make these DIY tea bag favors plus a downloadable template for a “The Perfect Blend” tag at bridaljournal.ms.

Need inspiration for your dream wedding or details on local vendors? Let us make your wedding planning easy.

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