By Staff
Mae Walker and Neil Thornton, both of Decatur, were married Saturday, June 29, 2002, at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church with the Rev. Stan Buckley officiating.
Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. John Walker of Decatur, Suzi McDill of Decatur and Cliff Thornton of Trinity, Ala.
Grandparents of the bride are Charles T. McMullan of Decatur and the late Mae McMullan, Billie Jean Walker of Tylertown and the late Charles L. Walker.
Grandparents of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. L.J. Horton of Union, and the Rev. and Mrs. Clifton Thornton of Lawrence.
Nuptial music was provided by Dr. Eddie Smith, organist; Charlotte Smith, pianist; Melanie Gilmore and Billy Ray Walters, soloists. A trumpet fanfare was played by Dustin Burton.
The bride was given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father. She wore a gown of ivory matte satin. The strapless gown was accented at the empire waistline with embroidery embellished with sequins and pearls. The princess-style silhouette extended into a chapel-length train. Her veil two-tier elbow-length veil was edged in satin cording. The bride carried a bouquet of sweetheart ivory roses hand-tied with a handkerchief of the late Elaine Watkins.
Emilie Smith of Decatur, cousin of the bride, was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Sha Alderman, sister of the bridegroom, Lana Kay Smith, Kelli Harris and Lauren Barrett, all of Decatur, and Shannon Therrell of Newton.
Junior bridesmaid was Callie Bonner of Madison, Ala., and flower girl was Paige Gipson of New Market, Ala., both cousins of the bride.
Michael Lee of Union served as best man. Groomsmen were Kelly Alderman, brother-in-law of the bridegroom, Matt Walker and Mark Walker, brothers of the bride, all of Decatur, Josh Quinn and Britt Cleveland, both of Union.
Ushers were Ryan McMillan and Andy McMillan of Hickory, and Curt Blackburn and Lee Blackburn of Newton, all cousins of the bridegroom.
Junior groomsman was Tanner Smith, cousin of the bride, and ring bearer was Ty Alderman, nephew of the bridegroom. Candle lighters were Cody McMullan and Charlie McMullan, cousins of the bride, all of Decatur.
Register attendants were Kaylin Gipson of New Market, Ala., and April Bufkin of Hickory. Program attendants were Emily Boggan and Natalie Boggan of Decatur.
The reception was held in the church fellowship hall following the ceremony. Assisting were Pam Keith, Ashley McDill, Keri Keith, Whitney Harris, Jenny Horton, Kelley Lee, Kenley McMullan, Caroline Bonner, John Todd Gipson, Jonathan Sullivan, Braden Smith, Andrew Smith and Ethan McMullan.
After a honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico, the couple resides in Decatur.