By Staff
Leah Nicole Williams of Meridian and Matthew Ryan Hearn of Quitman were married Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002, at Bethany Baptist Church in Whynot with the Rev. Jimmie Garrard officiating.
Parents of the couple are Bill and Martha Williams of Meridian, and James and Tommie Hearn of Quitman.
Grandparents of the bride are Virginia Butler and the late Grady Butler, the late Burlie Mae Williams Smith, Preston Williams and Bennie Smith.
Grandparents of the bridegroom are the late Tom and Ruth Gentry, and the late J.L. and Lillie Mae Hearn.
Music for the ceremony was provided by Robin Butler, organist; and Mary Sumrall and Patsy Thrash, vocalists. The bride also sang and Cathy Webb read "Love Sonnett 116" by William Shakespeare.
The bride was given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father.
She wore a white matte satin, long-sleeved gown with a full skirt and A-line waistline. The bodice featured Schiffi lace and a scalloped V-shaped neckline. The gown and chapel-length train were embellished with beaded Schiffi lace. She wore a two-tiered veil anchored by a matching tiara.
Allison Marsh of Hattiesburg served as matron of honor. Other attendants were Erin Nowell of Philadelphia, cousin of the bride, and Lauren Thrash of Philadelphia, cousin of the bride.
Ashleigh and Allissa Harris of Meridian were flower girls.
Brandy Hearn of Quitman, brother of the bridegroom, served as best man. Groomsmen and ushers were James Carl Hearn of Quitman, uncle of the bridegroom, Mike Lewis of Meridian, Jason Harris and Jeff Stewart, both of Meridian and cousins of the bride.
Wedding bell attendants were Tracy Barfield and Lauren Barfield.
Program attendants were Barry Nowell and Nicki Williams.
A reception was held in the church fellowship hall following the ceremony.
Assisting at the reception were Kasey Sellers, Rena Davis, Jessica Tripi, Mishelle Rutledge, Gaythel Dearman, Nell Goodman, Stella Stewart, Danny Butler, Joey Thrash and Eric Sumrall.
After a honeymoon in Gatlinburg, Tenn., the couple resides in Quitman.