Mr. and Mrs. Brock Walton Fendley An outdoor service of worship celebrating the marriage of Stephanie Suzanne Smith and Brock Walton Fendley took place Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 6 o'clock in the evening at the home of the bride's parents in Thomasville. Officiating the ceremony was the Rev. Tyrone Parten.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Smith of Thomasville. Grandparents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Stephens and Mr. and Mrs. William Smith of Thomasville.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Fendley of Fulton. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Barney Buckalew and the late Mr. and Mrs. Howard Fendley.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a designer gown of ivory silky satin with an overlay of delicately embroidered tulle embellished with crystals and bugle beads.

The gown featured a sheer V-neckline with draped empire and waistline detail. Vertical lace bands framed the slim A-line skirt that flowed into a scalloped edged chapel length train. The deep V back was highlighted by a two-tier crystal edged veil of illusion. She carried a bouquet of white hydrangeas, white roses and green dendrobian orchids, hand wrapped with ivory satin ribbon.

The bride was attended by Ashley Wright, college friend, of Birmingham, as maid of honor and Hali Givens, childhood friend, of Mobile, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Brandi Carson of White Oak, N.C. and Chasity Smith of Atlanta, Ga., both cousins of the bride, Holly Ambegey of Atlanta and Heather Graham of Columbus, Ohio, both college friends of the bride.

The attendants wore tea length aqua silk dresses with a V-neckline accented with gold embroidered organza flower blossoms. The same gold blossoms embellished the dress hemline. They carried hand held bouquets of blue and white hydrangeas and pink, orange and green roses with the stems wrapped in ivory satin ribbon.

Kelsey Cox of Thomasville and Michaiah Carson of White Oak, both cousins of the bride, and Miss Taylor Goodwich of Fairhope, daughter of bride's friend, were flower girls. They wore pale ivory heirloom dresses with ecru lace detail and a halo of flowers adorned their hair. They carried white organza baskets of fresh rose petals.

Brother of the groom, Derrick Fendley of Fulton, served as best man. Groomsmen were Reid Smith, brother of the bride, of Thomasville, Jeremy Parden, Donald Joe Bradford and Nick Steadham of Grove Hill, and Jason Williams of Thomasville, all high school friends of the groom. Serving as ushers were Matt Tucker and Justin Smith of Thomasville, cousins of the bride.

Ashton Williams, of Thomasville, served as ring bearer. He wore a pale ivory monogrammed collared shirt and shorts. He carried a ring pillow with the bride and groom's monogram.

Guests arrived at the entrance of the driveway to large urns of flowers, lighted trees with paper lanterns and wrought iron torches lighting the path. Before being seated on the lawn, guests were greeted and registered by Kaley McManus, cousin of the bride, and Chelsy Brasell, family friend.

The wedding party entered the ceremony down a brick walkway lit with wrought iron candle stands, wire cone shaped hanging baskets, and a cross of flowers hanging in the background. They stood alongside the front porch where the columns were draped in pale ivory chiffon. The bride and groom exchanged vows under an archway on the front porch adorned with blue and white hydrangeas, green mums and multi colored roses.

Mrs. Tracey Downey, pianist, accompanied by violinist, Jonathan Williams, provided an atmosphere of worship with hymn selections. Soloist, Deanna Phillips, the couple's friend, sang "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" and "Surely the Presence" prior to seating of the grandparents. Britney Cahalin, high school friend, sang "The Rose" as parents entered and were seated. During the white dove ceremony, Jeremy Overstreet, couple's friend and Britney Cahalin sang a duet, "When God Made You". Mrs. Ruby Ernest, longtime family friend, blessed the marriage with an a cappella rendition of "The Lord's Prayer.

Reception

Immediately following the ceremony, guests were invited to join the family on location for a reception honoring the couple. A white tent, graced with flowing tulle and white lights, provided seating for the guests. Tables featured a gold overlay, centered with a decorative wrought iron piece and spilling vases of mixed hydrangeas, lilies, roses, bells of Ireland, larkspur and lisianthus surrounded by motif candles.

The serving area, graced with tulle draped columns, a fabric covered wall lit with white lights, and large urns overflowing with flowers used throughout the wedding décor, provided space for an array of food that included boiled shrimp, chicken fingers, wings, barbecue, a potato bar, spinach dip, and a variety of vegetables and fruits as well as multiple deserts.

Music was provided during the reception by Mrs. Downey and Mr. Williams.

Centered in the tent under a wrought iron chandelier, the bride's table held a five-tiered traditional white wedding cake with white buttercream icing and ecru scrollwork and monogram with fresh orchids on top. Serving at the table were Rhyann and Reanna Davis, cousins of the bride.

Serving at the groom's table were Hilary and Laura Lee Lovelady, friends of the bride. The groom's cake was a tiered chocolate cake with chocolate ganache icing with a fish shaped top layer. Other decorative items on the fish themed table included antique fishing lures, reels, and rods.

Guests were given handmade crosses provided by the bride's "Papa" and gift boxes containing flower seeds. They were placed in baskets on a table which also held the sparklers and flower petals to shower the couple as they left for their honeymoon.

Serving as wedding director was Sandra Phillips, family friend. Caterer and decorator was Adrian Drinkard.

After honeymooning in the Fiji Islands, the couple is at home at 4509 Highway 154 in Thomasville.

Rehearsal dinner

Mr. and Mrs. William Fendley, parents of the groom, hosted the rehearsal dinner at Bella Rhue Café in Grove Hill, The wedding party and their guests, close family and friends were in attendance.