Weimer Nunnelee.

Surely the Presence of the Lord was in Pinelake Baptist Church on May 13, 2006, when Kemily Michelle Weimer and Reed Thomas Nunnelee were united in covenant marriage. God was glorified, and their parents, Chuck and Sue Weimer of Jackson and Senator Alan and Tori Nunnelee of Tupelo, were rejoicing. The bride's grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Joe Cothen, the late Buddy Weimer, and the late Lewis and Dorothy Shoemake. The groom's grandparents are Patricia Bedells, Pat and Sandra Nunnelee, and Rick Bedells.

Dr. Chip Henderson clearly communicated the aspects of covenant according to God's plan for permanence in marriage. He told family members and many special friends this wedding would be unlike any other they, or he, had previously witnessed. Guests were able to follow the symbolism and explanation of salvation and sacrifice in covenant relationship in their programs. Those gathered to bless Kemily and Reed were in turn blessed by the commitment, love, and purity witnessed in the video and vows authored by this godly young couple.

The radiant bride, walking toward an anticipatory groom, entered the church on the arm of her father. As a special surprise for the couple, he escorted her down a raised center aisle, which he designed and constructed, assisted by her brother. She wore a strapless princess gown of chiffon, featuring intricate beading on the asymmetrical bodice and down the chapel-length train. A Swarovski crystal headpiece, elbow-length blusher, and cathedral-length veil of illusion, all prayerfully handmade by the groom's maternal grandmother, were the perfect complements to her pure white ensemble. She was loaned an heirloom handkerchief carried by her mother and many brides over the past 150 years in the Broyles family of her maternal Granddaddy. Along with a "borrowed" coin and handkerchief from her Nana and Deede Weimer's 1947 wedding, the bride carried a clutch bouquet of white and soft pink roses with crystal accents.

Beth Bilbro, the bride's college roommate, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Emily Nunnelee, the groom's sister; Elizabeth Bell, Stephanie Bell, Andrea Weimer Carlisle, and DeAnne Weimer, cousins of the bride; and friends Emily Lodes Campbell, Lindsey Smith Pitts, and Samantha Knutson Richardson. They wore black strapless floor-length dresses with asymmetrical side drapes and carried bright pink bouquets.

Best men were Alan Nunnelee, the groom's father, and Nathan Nunnelee, the groom's brother. Groomsmen included Eric Weimer, the bride's brother; Jacob Weimer, the bride's twin; and friends Brian Boiko, Clayton Boothe, Zackery Pleasants, Adam Richardson, Brandon Weatherly, David White, and Michael Wright. Attendants encircled the couple, and guests stood reaching toward them, signaling their commitment to continue praying for God's hand upon this marriage.

John Lassiter served as pianist. Lauren Stovall sang "Holy Ground" as the parents and "More Than You'll Ever Know" as the couple lit the unity candle. Once the newlyweds shared their first kiss ever at the altar and began their exit down the center aisle, soloist Doris Matthews surprised guests with a spirited gospel rendition of "O Happy Day."

A wedding banner, created by the mother of the groom for their home church Calvary Baptist in Tupelo, was the centerpiece of the church. It featured a cross lifted high above candelabra, floating candles, and beautiful floral arrangements in multiple shades of pink. A large white tent, delicious food, and jazz music by The Vamps welcomed guests to the Mississippi Agricultural Museum's Sparkman Auditorium for a reception after the ceremony. There the black and white theme continued, with hot pink splashes of color emerging in the tablecloths, elevated floral arrangements, personalized cup favors, and assorted chocolates celebrating the couple's "first kiss."

Thank you to the creative hands of Wendy Putt for flowers, decorations, and catering; Cakes and More for beautiful and delicious cakes; Karla Pound for photography; Jimmie Hutto for videography; and Tricia Redditt and Elaine Weaver for wed ding coordination.

Festivities the week of the wedding included a lingerie shower given by Beth and Edna Bilbro, Mary Kim Smith, and Lindsey Pitts and bridesmaids' luncheon at Nick's, hosted by Karen Bell, aunt of the bride. The groom's parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Fairview Inn and golf and lunch for the groomsmen. Dodie Pike, bride's proxy and cousin, and aunt Donna Shoemake provided afternoon treats for attendants. Hospitality baskets with Mississippi products and some of the couple's favorite snacks were supplied to out-of-town guests to enjoy during the wedding weekend.

In October, 2005, parties honoring Kemily and Reed began with an Engagement Blessing at the home of Jay and Karen Warren. A holiday shower, given by Ginger Weimer, DeAnne Weimer, and Andrea Carlisle, followed at Christmastime in the Latimer House at Mississippi College. Friends from Pinelake and Calvary hosted several miscellaneous bridal showers and a couple's handyman party in Tupelo in the spring.

This couple and their parents' hearts overflow with gratitude for the kindness and generosity shown them, as these two families were united in love. Friends and family together in one place truly made this a special day. Thank you to everyone who gave gifts of their time, love, presence, and prayers to share in this joy. Having found the one their soul loves (Song of Solomon 3:4), Kemily and Reed will be diligent to honor God by passing love and blessings along to others.

After a honeymoon in St. Lucia, the Nunnelees are at home in Brandon, with sweet thoughts of a wedding to remember ... a marriage to cherish.