By Staff
Betsey Louise Goodson and Dr. Trent Smith were united in Christian marriage on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at Parkview Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, La. The Rev. John Merck officiated at the double-ring ceremony.
Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Goodson of Prairieville, La., and Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Smith of Quitman.
Grandparents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Horace Cato Jr. of Brookhaven, Juanita Howell of Tupelo and the late H.D. Howell, the late Mr. and Mrs. Elzie Moss, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Tillman Smith, all of Quitman.
The ceremony was dedicated to the memory of and in honor of the couple's late grandparents. The bride carried a handkerchief belonging to her grandmother Cato, who was unable to attend due to illness.
Nuptial music was provided by Michael Moss, uncle of the bridegroom, and Michael Mallet, soloists.
The bride was given in marriage by her father. She wore a sleeveless princess gown of matte satin featuring a wide banding of pearls around the front and back scoop neckline.
The gown featured a double-row of pearl buttons down the back and chapel-length train. Her fingertip veil was attached to a satin band trimmed with pearls. She carried a stemmed bouquet of white roses, while tulips and greenery tied with a shear off-white ribbon.
Danielle Browning of Baton Rouge, La., served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Lane Scott of Quitman, niece of bridegroom, Courtney Key, cousin of the bride, and Amy Mitchell, both of Hattiesburg, and Adrienne Cook of New Orleans.
Flower girl was Harley Blake Smith, niece of the bridegroom.
The father of the bridegroom served as best man. Groomsmen were Troy Smith, brother of the bridegroom, Tommy Scott, brother-in-law of the bridegroom, and Chris Smith, cousin of the bridegroom, all of Quitman, and Emanuel "Boo" Persica of Baton Rouge.
Billy Pritchett of Quitman, Matt Alexander, and Mike Lofton, both of Brookhaven and cousins of the bride, served as ushers. Rush Michael Mangold, cousin of the bride, was ring bearer.
Abby Scott, niece of the bridegroom, served at the guest register. Program attendant was Hannah Watts, cousin of the bride. Haley Brooke Smith, niece of the bridegroom, and Anna Katelyn Mangold, cousin of the bride, distributed miniature bottles of bubbles at the reception.
A reception was held at White Oak Plantation in Baton Rouge. Music for the event was presented by Live Wire Productions.
On the eve of the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was hosted by the bridegroom's parents at the authentic Cajun restaurant Boutin's. The couple was honored at several occasions preceding their wedding.
The couple resides in Monroe, La.