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Perry, Gardner united in marriage

by Minden Press-Herald

Miss Perry and Mr. Gardner pledged vows June 4 at the First Baptist Church in Homer

Southern tradition was the theme carried out in a candlelight double ring ceremony between Jacquelyn Brooke Perry of Homer and James Christopher Gardner of Baton Rouge. On Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the appointed hour of 6:30 in the evening, in the beautiful cathedral-like stained glass sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Homer, they were united in holy matrimony. Dr. C. D. Miles of the First Church of God of Homer officiated the wedding.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Perry of Homer. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dean and the late Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Perry both of Homer. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Gardner of Baton Rouge. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Dayries, and Mrs. Pat Gardner and the late Mr. James Gardner all of Baton Rouge.

The bride, escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, entered the sanctuary to the “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner. Brooke was beautiful in an elegant white strapless ball gown from Alfred Angelo’s designs that featured a Basque waist bodice adorned with embroidered metallic accents, crystal beading and sequins. The modified split-front taffeta skirt with pick-ups featured white metallic embellishments that flowed full length to a semi-cathedral train. She wore a white one-tiered waste length tulle veil embroidered with metallic beaded edges and pearls that mimicked the accents of the bridal gown. Atop the veil she wore a silver tiara circled with crystals and beading that complimented the veil and dress. Brooke wore a strand of pearls and a matching pearl bracelet and earrings, gifts of the family. Her shoes were satin T-strap sandals encrusted with sparking crystals and opulent pearls. Her aunt, Melissa Caskey, gave her a six pence coin to carry in her shoe. For something old she wore her baby ring given to her when she was born by her grandparents, Linda and Larry Dean. She carried a beautiful circular style bouquet of green cymbidium orchids, purple dendrobian orchids, rose colored peonies, peach roses, green hydrangeas, yellow calla lilies and purple gerberas surrounded by a halo of flax grass. The bouquet attached together at the base with a handmade handkerchief that one day would become a baby bonnet, gift from a cousin and friend, Denise Owens.

Terra Caskey Salmon, cousin of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Bridget Caskey Hutson, Whitney Lynn Caskey and Alyson Dean Hightower, cousins of the bride, and Christine Mary Gardner and Sahara Christine Gardner, sisters of the groom. They wore identical floor length A-line silhouette gowns of purple chiffon. Each wore pearl dropped earrings with crystals and matching pearl bracelets accented with fireball crystal beads, gifts of the bride. They each wore silver Alex Marie Giana Beaded Dress Sandals, and carried a round bouquet with flowers in similar bright vivid colors designed to compliment the Bride’s bouquet.

Madison Claire and Bella Grace Salmon, cousins of the bride, served as flower girls. They each wore matching white tea length dresses. The bodices were satin with four layer skirts of soft satin, crinoline netting, and layers of elegant tulle that finished with a rat tail edging. A removable purple bow-tie satin sash accented the waist band with their initials monogrammed on the front by Mrs. Maxine and Charlotte Kilpatrick. They each carried a topiary ball made by their grandmother, Melissa Dean Caskey. The beautiful topiaries were covered with flowers, which matched the bouquets of the matrons of honor and bridesmaids, and were highlighted with white peals. Attached at the top were purple satin bows and matching satin ribbons for carrying the topiaries. A crystal tear drop hung gracefully from the bottom. Each wore a diamond dropped pearl necklace, a cultured pearl beaded bracelet with their names engraved on beads between fireball crystals that closed with a heart clasp and a Swarovski crystal charm, gifts of the bride. Their shoes were white satin slipper with white satin ties.

Chris chose Joshua Michael Kern to serve as his best man. Groomsmen were Brandon James Salmon, Tom Reece Hutson III, Tony Joe Pearce, David Benjamin Hightower and Elliot Patrick Cline Simms. The groom and his attendants wore a formal tuxedo in Twilight Steel Gray by Jean Ives. The groom wore a two button notched tuxedo with a white vest and white shirt and tie to accent the bride’s gown. The best man, groomsmen, fathers and ushers wore purple vests, white shirts and matching purple ties. On their lapel was pinned a boutonniere of a purple Vanda orchid, a peace rose, tiny purple Vanda orchid buds and accented with green leaves and asparagus ferns. The ring bearer was Jantzen Blake Hightower, cousin of the bride. He was charmingly dressed identical to the groomsmen and carried a white satin pillow with lace, pearls and white satin ribbons. In addition, all men participants wore matching boutonnieres.

Guests entered the church through double entrances marked with coordinating bright colorful arrangements on grapevine wreaths. The foyer table held an elaborate gold vase of stunning flowers in vivid palate tones of purple, cream, peach, coral and green. On the right side of the table was a lovely wedding ball made by the mother of the bride, decorated with white pearls, crystals, satin and centered with a bride and groom. It hung on a fashionable brown wrought iron ornament stand made by the bride’s grandfather, Larry Dean and uncle, George Dean Jr. On the left side of the table stood the beautiful and elegant silk wedding book embellished with silk ribbons, a crystal broche, their initials, and stood on a brown wrought iron easel. On each side of the table were pen holders wrapped in lace and pearls that held silver pens for signing the book. Jennifer Perry Taylor and Tiffany Porter Kirk invited guests to sign the pages, and presented them with wedding programs printed and tied with purple ribbons. Inside the cover of the program, Brooke’s grandmother, Linda Monzingo Dean, wrote a poem titled “A June Wedding.”

The candlelight sanctuary was extravagantly decorated with clusters of ferns, three elegant floral arrangements of colorful flowers in dazzling hues of purples, peaches and corals arranged in massive brown urns on vintage iron stands. Highlighting the arrangements were vintage iron candelabrums with white candles. Complimenting the gorgeous Baptistery were large green ferns. On each side of the stage were lovely green plants, peace lilies, palms, rubber trees and English Ivy. On top of the organ stood a candelabrum of large white pillar candles decorated with a beautiful floral display of coral roses, green hydrangeas, purple delphinium, purple capanula and trailing greenery. Asparagus ferns and tea lights accented the beautiful stained windows on both sides of the church. The pew markers were composed of ferns, purple stock, green hydrangeas, coral roses, peach roses and purple wax flowers with purple ribbon streams. Gracing the center isle, a table with elegant white lace top held with the white unity candle. The candle embossed with white lace, satin ribbon and centered with a beautiful rhinestone broche stood in a lovely crystal candelabra adorned with crystal prisms. Communion accessories were placed behind an oak kneeling bench with an ivory brocade covered cushion made by the bride’s uncle and grandfather, George and Larry Dean. As Dr. Miles blessed the marriage, the bride and groom knelt and partook of the Holy Communion. The couple lighted the unity candle as soloist Mrs. Lana Pugh sang “On Holy Ground.” Afterwards, Mr. Nathan Allen Jump played a violin solo of “The Lord’s Prayer” and then the congregation, together, recited the prayer.

Mrs. Shelly Allen, pianist, and Mr. Jump, violinist, played lovely prenuptial selections as guests were ushered into the sanctuary by uncles of the bride and groom, George Larry Dean Jr. and David Dayries. Mothers, escorted by their husbands, lighted the respective sides of the unity candles. Parents and grandparents were seated to the music of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” Mothers and grandmothers were eloquently attired in lovely dresses. Mother of the groom wore a navy floor length gown accented with a sequin-lace bodice and an attached chiffon skirt. Maternal grandmother of the groom, Mrs. Dayries, wore a floor length ivory gown with a floral embellished lace bodice attached to a pleated polyester skirt. Paternal grandmother of the groom, Mrs. Gardner, was dressed in a navy knee length dress with a silver beaded collar and a chiffon jacket. Mother of the bride wore a plum floor length beaded dropped waist one piece gown that was intricately covered in beads, sequins and crystals. Maternal grandmother of the bride, Mrs. Dean, wore a Wedgewood blue floor length gown with a shimmery lace top attached to a flowing chiffon skirt. Mothers and grandmothers wore on their shoulders white cymbidium orchids with touches of purple, tiny stemmed pearls, baby orchid buds, all tied with shimmery net and ribbon. All lady participants in the wedding wore matching corsages.

Before the entrance of the bridal attendants Mrs. Pugh sang the song “You are My Everything.” The bridal attendants entered to the music of “Canon in D.” As Brooke entered the church on the arm of her father, she paused to give her mother a rose. As they stood at the alter Mrs. Pugh sang “When God Made You.” After Dr. Miles read a scripture from I Corinthians 13:4-1, Mr. Jump played a violin solo to “Angel Eyes.” The couple introduced as Mr. and Mrs. James Christopher Gardner, exited the church to “The Wedding March” and paused on the way out to give the groom’s mother a rose. Upon exiting the church, they signed their Marriage License. The guests adjourned immediately to the reception at the Homer City Hall.

The traditional southern theme carried over into the wedding reception. As guests entered the City Hall, the entrance was cheered with lights that glowed softly over a variety of green ferns and croton plants that edged each side of the hall. Among the greenery was an elegant iron bench hospitable to guests as they arrived. The focal point of the entry was an iron easel that held a beautiful picture of Brooke and Chris. Across from the picture, a gorgeous porcelain angel stood atop a white cloth covered table. Toward the end of the hall an iron tulip tree with tea light candles lighted a table where the wedding book lay for guests to sign. Another table with an overlay of white lace on a purple cloth held the appreciated gifts from guests. Accompanying this table was a flower arrangement with colors that matched those in the wedding and another porcelain angel, a gift from Mrs. Rebecca McDaniel. Tall black wrought iron street lights lighted the path into the reception room. Another matching iron bench held baskets of purple organza bags filled with white wedding rice hearts to be tossed over the couple as they leave giving them an essence of love, prosperity and goodwill for a blissful marriage.

As guests entered the reception room, a gorgeous bridal picture of Brooke on an iron easel stood among ferns and crotons. An elaborate unusual immense moss covered ball on a massive brown urn adorned with purple wisteria and green hydrangea artistically decorated the room. White lights, cascades of ivory silk organza, purple wisteria and asparagus ferns accented the gazebo that was centered under the lighted chandelier in the large room. It was this central point that held the beautifully decorated bride’s cake. Each lay of the five-tiered butter cream iced white confection was decorated differently in eloquent fondant lace, quilted diamond mats and hand rolled fondant pearls. Imprinted in the center layer was their initial “G” pressed into the embossment of fondant lace and fondant scattered pearls. The cake sat atop a round silver pedestal surrounded by green cymbidium orchids, coral tea roses, pittosporum greenery and asparagus fern swags. Flowers of peach coffee beans and purple dendrobium orchids were scattered around each tier of the cake. On top of the cake stood an elegant porcelain bride and groom given to them by the bride’s parents. On the bride’s table, covered with a romantic white satin rosette cloth, a crystal ice bucket held the sparkling white grape juice. The bride’s cake was cut by the bride and groom with Waterford crystal knives, and they toasted each other with Marquis by Waterford Crystal toasting flutes. Terry Sanders designed and made the bride’s cake.

The tables for seating were elegantly set with white lace toppers over purple floor length tablecloth. In the centers were tall elaborate high bronzed gold exotic carved columns that held flower arrangements of vivid colors. White tea light candles in crystal holders surrounded each arrangement.

On each side of the large room, buffet table lines with plentiful assortments of delicious foods served by Rebecca McDaniel. Fried fish and fried shrimp were served from a large wood boat, along with corn salad and other complimentary side dishes and condiments. Decorations of cypress wood logs, cattail flowers, moss, an alligator, sea shells and a beautiful picture of lake Claiborne completed the entree design. All the other table lines were accented with colorful flower arrangements. One line offered choices of chicken and sausage gumbo and crawfish étouffée with rice, while another line offered pulled pork, creamed potatoes, green beans, rolls and other side dishes. A tea table was set for ladling coffee punch from a crystal bowl and teas, water and lemonade served from large spigots. James Ballance, friend of the family, lavishly decorated a single table with a tall cascade and a large assortment of fruits that dramatically flowed from a stunning flower arrangement. A gold angel stood at the top. A topiary tree, filled with assorted cheeses and strawberries, stood in a round of greenery. A complimentary golden crystal tray offered other varieties, and a basket of assorted crackers and dishes of fruit dips finished the artistic display.

The groom’s cake, also designed and made by Terry Sanders, was a two tiered chocolate square with chocolate butter cream icing and fudge drizzles around each tier. On top of the cake stood a handmade fondant red fish with chocolate dipped strawberries that surrounded the fish and each tier. On the side Chris’s of the top layer underneath the fish was a handmade sign with the words “Catch of a Lifetime.” The table decorations surrounding the cake were a memorabilia display of Chris’s favorite things. They included fishing accessories, a wooden boat, oars, a lighthouse, a wooden cross made with polished rocks and scattered replicated fish and a floral arrangement that perfectly depicted the style. The bride and groom’s initials in a large print hung above the table.

The old fashioned candy store was dazzling with clear crystal and glass containers placed at different heights. They were lusciously filled with an assortment of skittles, M&Ms, Snicker bites, Reece’s peanut butter cups, hot tamales, molted milk balls, chocolate hugs and kisses, gummy bears, tootsie rolls and candy with “Thanks for sharing our special day!” Strings of lights behind silk sheers hung at the back of the counter that added to the luster. Purple organza and a stunning flower display beautified the setting. Guests enjoyed filling personalized candy bags printed with Brook and Chris’s names and wedding date.

Kelly and Jeff Simmons, DJs of Shreveport, played a medley of chosen music by Brooke and Chris. The couple danced their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Chris Chandler to “I Can Love You Like That” by John Michael Montgomery. The bride and her father danced to “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman, and the groom and his mother danced to “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion. After a joyful evening of celebration, the couple tossed the bouquet and garter and then departed for their life together as husband and wife. Heather Wilkinson Photography made engagement, bridal portraits and wedding pictures. Videographer was by Lisa Hurley. Kevin Smith operated the sound system and slide show prior to the wedding. James Ballance of Arcadia designed the flower displays and Homer Flowers and More designed all others. Charlotte Hanson Crump, friend of the family, directed the wedding and the reception.

Following a honeymoon cruise to Cozumel, Brooke and Chris will make their home in Bossier City.

Pre-nuptial parties

The women of the First Church of God of Homer honored Brooke in a pampered chef shower on March 20, 2016. The church had a beautiful floral wedding arrangement depicting the palette wedding colors of purple, peach, soft yellows, corals and greenery. They served a delicious meal from the pampered chef cookbooks along with some other wonderful refreshments for the guests to enjoy.

In the afternoon of April 10, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Homer, a lovely tea shower honored Brooke. A large group of guests enjoyed the beautiful decorated table with scrumptious refreshments as they enjoyed admiring the display of many lovely gifts. As the guests entered the room, a tree painted by a friend, Rhonda Porter, was on display for the guests to finger print their names on the leaves. Hostesses were Melissa and Whitney Caskey, Bridget Hutson, Terra Salmon, Cindy Sanders, Terry Sanders, Holly Liles, Vicky Sanders, Charlotte Crump, Rhonda Porter and Tiffany Kirk.

On the evening of April 13, 2016, at Deangelo’s in Baton Rouge, Brooke and Chris were honored at a couple’s shower. As friends and family entered the party room, on display was a beautiful framed picture of Brooke and Chris for the guests to sign. Everyone enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres, delicious Italian food and visiting as the couple had a great time taking turns opening their gifts. The hostesses included Marilyn and Danny Dayries, Dana and David Dayries and Christine Gardner.

The bridesmaids hosted a “girl’s day out” for Brooke on May 21, 2016. It started with lunch at the Superior Bar and Grill in Shreveport. Afterwards, they enjoyed a shopping spree followed with pampering at Spa Concepts for a pedicure and manicure.

A bridal luncheon for Brooke and her bridal attendants, Terra Salmon, Bridget Hutson, Whitney Caskey, Alyson Hightower, Christine Gardner, Sahara Gardner and flower girls Madison Salmon and Bella Grace Salmon was on Friday, June 3, 2016, at Grace Estates in Minden. Also attending this luncheon were mothers, grandmothers and friends. The tables were beautifully decorated with white table cloths and flower arrangements. After guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon, the bridesmaids honored Brooke with a lingerie shower. Hosting this special occasion were Melissa Caskey, Whitney Caskey, Bridget Hutson, Terra Salmon, Linda Dean, Erline Richardson, Ginger Richardson, Deveda Moore, Katie Morales, Taylor Morales, Emily Youngblood, Jenny Lee, Betty Jo Perry and Ann Hicks.

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Gardner honored their son and his bride with a rehearsal dinner at the Country Club in Homer on Friday, June 3, 2016 at seven o’clock in the evening. Those attending with them were the wedding party, family and friends. As the guests entered, the stair rails were attractively wrapped in burlap and bows. The doorway was inviting with a wreath of flowers, a charming white iron chair and an iron easel that held a welcome sign. Hanging on the door was a fish that also said welcome. Urns with lanterns stood on each side of the entrance. A table with a dark green tablecloth highlighted the beautiful tall colorful flower arrangement, a candle lantern and the menu n an iron easel. The dinning tables were charming with green tablecloths overlaid with fish net, candle lanterns, colorful flowers and chocolate fish favors with wrappers that said “Two Less Fish in the Sea, Brook and Chris.” Additional displays were Chris’s favorite things that included fishing accessories, a boat, oars, fish, a lighthouse and the bride and groom’s initials. The guests enjoyed an arrangement of delicious fried fish, shrimp étouffée, side dishes and all the condiments, served by Rebecca McDaniel. Brooke and Chris chose this special occasion to present gifts to their attendants and house party.

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