Bates & Smith.

Brandi Leigh Bates and Jessie Kent Smith were united in marriage at six o'clock in the evening on June 9, 2007, at Bethsaida Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Bates of Philadelphia. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Bates and Mrs. Dorothy Faye Jones and the late Mr. Paul S. Jones, all of Philadelphia.

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The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kinsey Smith. He is the grandson of Mrs. Hester Smith and the late Mr. Odie B. Smith of Philadelphia. He is also the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Curtis Estes of Louisville.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory, Italian satin gown. The fitted strapless bodice featured dramatic Swarovski crystal beading and Robinson-Anton platinum embroidery. The A-line skirt featured a pleated back accented with the same beading and embroidery around the entire hemline continuing to the chapel-length train.

The bride carried a bouquet of white Eskimo roses with soft pink tips. She wore a pearl necklace, bracelet, and earrings that were borrowed from her grandmother, Mrs. Carolyn Bates.

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Emily Chamblee Shepherd served as matron of honor. Alisha Brantley Atwood served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Lauren Allen, Carrie Shrock, and Laura Smith. Attendants wore Alfred Angelo full-length, A-line satin dresses of tearose.

Each carried bouquets of roses and assorted spring flowers. Serving as flower girls were Alexus Lathem and Carly Jane Smith.

Kinsey Smith, father of the groom, served as the best man. Groomsmen were Matt Bates, Dan Graham, Jess Hardy, Chris Owen, and Chris Webb. Ushers for the ceremony were Kevin Boler, Trent Butler, and Cody Killen. Connor Webb served as the ring bearer.

The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Brother Billy James and directed by Amber Pettit. Music was presented by Lisa Pierce, pianist and Brandon Fulton, soloist. Lee Smith served as the register attendant. Halley Montgomery served as the bride's proxy.

Following the ceremony, a poolside reception was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stan Webb. The wedding cakes were created by Linda Hardy. The bride's cake was a four-tiered square cake with the couple's initial in light pink highlights. The groom's cake was a two-tiered square chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries. The groom's table was adorned with fishing decor.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom's parents honored the couple with a rehearsal dinner at City Limits.

Following the reception, the couple left for a cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. The couple is now at home in Philadelphia.