By Staff
Miller, Simpson exchange vows
Leah Meredith Miller and Casey John Simpson were united in marriage April 19, 2008, at 6 p.m. in the evening. The wedding was held at First Baptist Church of Columbiana in Columbiana with the bride’s father officiating and a reception immediately following. On the eve of the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at Magnolia Meadows in Columbiana.
The bride is the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Michael Miller of Columbiana. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt Miller of Decatur and Mr. and Mrs. Howell McCaghren of Danville and the great-granddaughter of Faye Moore of Belmont, Miss. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Simpson of McMinnville, Tenn. He is the grandson of Cora Simpson of Sparta, Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hatchett of Chickasha, Okla. and Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Davis of St. Lucia. Honored guests at the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Pontius III, Sisters of Phi Mu sorority, University of Montevallo Men’s Soccer Team, and guests from all across the world.
Rev. David Warren assisted in the ceremony.
Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride selected an exquisite gown of monaco silk in kelly ivory given to her by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howell McCaghren. The dress was designed by the Principality of Monaco and inspired by Grace Kelly. It was a 1950s style dress that was hand-pleated and accented with silver Monaco lace re-embroidery.
Satin bridal buttons marked the closure of the strapless gown and 10 feet long train, adding interest to the back of her elegant gown. Her timeless veil measured 11 feet long with a blusher and made of 100 percent silk tulle designed by Grace Kelly and Helen Rose. The original veil was released for Grace Kelly’s wedding on April 19, 1956. The couple’s wedding marked the 52nd anniversary of the royal event. The bride carried a beautiful cascading bouquet of roses made by her cousin, Scott Moore, of Nashville, Tenn.
Her bouquet was centered around the family Bible, dating back to her great-grandmother, Leola McCaghren, attached to it was a blue handkerchief belonging to her great-grandmother, Ola Hogan, and her bonnet that she carried home from the hospital transformed into her wedding handkerchief given to her by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howell McCaghren.
Special music at the wedding was provided by First Baptist Church of Columbiana’s Sanctuary Choir with Ed Oliver and Melissa Harbison serving as soloists. Harbison sang “How Great Thou Art” in honor of the bride’s parents. The harp was played by Judy Sargent and the organ was accompanied by Vickie Stone. Judy played “Amazing Grace” in memory of the groom’s grandfather, David Luther Simpson and in honor of the bride’s great-grandmother, Faye Moore. The wedding director was Carol Hill, with Scott Moore serving as the art director. During the reception the guests were asked to sign quilt squares that will be made into a wedding quilt by the groom’s grandmother, Mrs. Lewis Hatchett.
The bride’s maids of honors were Tracey Warren and Sarah Fisk. Bridesmaids were Lisa DiCarlo, Anna Dutton, Jenna Garber, Melissa Harbison, Sherrelle Hudson, Dawn Thomas Keef, Sarah McCaghren, Tonya Dollar Miller, Katie Simpson, Leah Smith and Lisa Simpson Winfree. The bridesmaids wore strapless floor length black dresses with a draped bodice, trumpet skirt, sweep train and a satin pink ribbon at the waist. They carried all white rose bouquets in silver tussie mussies. The flower girls were Madeline Kirkland, Emelyn Kirkland, Maelyn Kirkland and Jessica Sikes. They wore kelly ivory silk floor length gowns with a small train attached by a beautiful bow, hand-made by a family friend of the bride, Mrs. Rick Cato.
Michael Simpson, the groom’s brother, served as the groom’s best man. Groomsmen were Chris Kolarov, John Hanson, Blake Harvard, Hunter McCaghren, Keith McCaghren, Nick Pelham, Bobby Simpson, Brent Simpson, David Mason Simpson, Jesse Simpson, and Saul Simpson. The ring bearers were Andrew Pontius IV and Jackson Pontius.
The bride is a graduate of Shelby County High School in Columbiana She received her bachelor of science degree at the University of Montevallo in 2007.
The groom is a graduate of Warren County High School. He received his bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Montevallo in 2005. He is employed by Warren County Livestock and D.M. Simpson and Company Real Estate, both in McMinnville, Tenn.
Following a honeymoon in Antigua, Leah and Casey now reside in Warren County, Tenn.