Jessica Lauren Watson, daughter of Kenny & Kim Mason and Rodger & Polly Watson of Athens, Louisiana and Nicholas James Matter, son of Chester & Alicia Gilliam of North Carolina were married on August 1, 2015.
The wedding was shabby chic with a rustic flair and a dash of Disney (both previously worked in Culinary at Walt Disney World). The ceremony was held on the front lawn of Grace Estate Bed & Breakfast in Minden with bales of hay used for guest seating and the Rev. Jeff Ramsey officiating the ceremony.
The bride was given in marriage by her father, stepfather and grandfather (Rodger Watson, Kenny Mason and Donnie Robinson), the bride was attended by Stephanie Joslin as Matron of Honor with sister of the bride Taylre Watson serving as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included Charleigh Jo Hall, cousin of the bride and Harley Fontenot, sister of the bride. Toni Grace Hall greeted guest as they signed the wedding book.
The best man was Tyler Harper, best friend of the groom, groomsman were Dusty Steverson and Gordon Tanga, friends of the groom and Jacob Gilliam, brother of the groom. Gavin and Garrett Hall served as ushers. Everyone in the bridal party wore Converse tennis shoes to match their tux or dress as requested by the bride.
Due the good ‘ol southern heat and humidity, the couple had a brief but beautiful double ring ceremony on the front porch. The bride wore a wedding gown by Amori Lee. It was a mermaid style gown with a ruched bodice and accented with a custom silk organza bolero. The dress was worn with tiffany blue converse tennis shoes chosen by the bride.
After the exchanging of vows, everyone retreated to the back lawn with gardens overflowing with flowers and greenery & huge shade trees, which provided the perfect backdrop for the reception filled with everyone’s favorite picnic foods.
The menu was chosen by the bride and included all of her favorites; mini chicken & waffles served with maple syrup, hamburger sliders with a variety of cheeses, BBQ pork sliders, mini hot dogs, cowboy baked beans, her mama’s potato salad and French fries topped off with the grooms favorite peach drink loaded with fresh peaches and sweet tea, a southern classic.
After a seven day Eastern Carribean cruise; the couple made their home in Athens.