By Staff
First Baptist Church of Stonewall was the setting for the candlelight ceremony of Nikki Ballard and Mike Whitaker on Saturday, June 2, 2001. Officiating the double-ring ceremony was the Rev. Billy Whitaker, father of the bridegroom.
Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Ted Ballard of Quitman, the Rev. Billy Whitaker of Quitman and the late Vergie May Whitaker.
Grandparents of the bride are the late Mr. and Mrs. Preston Cooper of Quitman, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ted Ballard of Stonewall.
A concert of prelude and postlude music was presented by Dennis Adams, organist; and Susan Chancellor, pianist. Vocalists were Lee Robinson and Niki Watson.
Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a gown of white bridal satin fashioned with a fitted bodice and accented with a Queen Anne neckline. The bodice was enhanced with sculptured beads and pearls. The long sleeves were touched with the same beaded design. Her full skirt flowed into a twelve-foot cathedral-length detachable train. Her veil of silk illusion fell in tiers from a tiara of rhinestones and pearls. She carried a cascade bouquet of Anna and Porcelain Roses in whites, ivories and blushes.
Michell Smith of Stonewall attended her sister as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Brandy Draughon of West Virginia Beach, Va., Tracy Shelton of Meridian, Stephanie Ballard of Meridian, sister-in-law of the bride, and Niki Watson of Meridian.
Junior bridesmaid was Haley Brooke Smith and miniature bride was Harley Blake Smith, nieces of the bride, both of Stonewall.
Serving the bridegroom as best man was Jerry Kelley of Waynesboro. Groomsmen were Ryan Whitaker and Yancy Whitaker, both of Quitman and sons of the bridegroom, Troy Smith of Stonewall, brother-in-law of the bride, and Chris Ballard of Meridian, brother of the bride.
Junior bridegroomsman was Alex Rosales of Stonewall and miniature bridegroom was Evan Davis of Quitman. Ushers were Randy Fleming of Quitman and Terry Kelley of Waynesboro.
A reception, hosted by the bride's parents, was held at Quitman Country Club following the ceremony. Favor and birdseed attendants were Kayla Rosales, Logan Stokes and Karleigh Shelton.
On the eve of the wedding, the bridegroom hosted a dinner at Long's Fish Camp for members of the bridal party and family.
After a honeymoon in the Bahamas and Orlando, Fla., the couple resides in Quitman.