By Staff
April Michelle Nicholson and Michael DeForest were united in marriage Sunday, June 17, 2001, at Historic James County Courthouse in Ooltewah, Tenn. Officiating at the ceremony was the Rev. Mike Petingill.
Parents of the couple are Dr. and Mrs. Michael Nicholson of Meridian, and Mr. and Mrs. James DeForest of Lombard, Ill.
Grandparents of the bride are Pauline Dunn of Meridian, Dr. Russell Dunn of Brandon, H. W. Nicholson of Jackson and the late Jewell Morris Nicholson.
Grandparents of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baucum of Phoenix; Paula DeForest of Lombard and the late Donald DeForest.
Music for the ceremony was provided by Vanessa Brown, soloist; Dave Colburn, organist; and Jerica Moore, harpist.
Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a cafe silk satin gown accented with antique lace and iridescent beads. Her chapel-length train fell from a cluster of satin roses. A two-tiered chapel-length veil of illusion fell from an antique gold heirloom tiara set with pearls and crystal stones. She carried a bouquet of variegated roses.
Matron of honor was Andrea Andrews of Ooltewah, sister of the bride. Ashley DeForest of Lombard, sister of the bridegroom, served as bridesmaid. Abby Lynne Andrews, niece of the bride, was flower girl.
Joe DeForest of Lombard served his brother as best man. Groomsman was Michael Brabeck of New York City. Mark Andrews of Ooltewah, brother-in-law of the bride, was usher. Thomas Will Andrews, nephew of the bride, was the Bible Boy.
Hostesses at the wedding were Hadleigh, Taylor and Cassidy Stone.
On the eve of the wedding the bridegroom's parents hosted a dinner at the Grandview Estate on top of Lookout Mountain.
A reception, hosted by the bride's parents, was held at the Historic James County Courthouse.
Following a honeymoon in the Bahamas, the couple resides in Lake Mary, Fla.