MRS. BRANDON MCCLENDON STEVENS Haili Era Reed of Lincolnton and Brandon McClendon Stevens of North Augusta, S. C., exchanged wedding vows in an impressive double-ring ceremony Saturday, September 19, at half past six o'clock in the evening at Lincolnton United Methodist Church in Lincolnton. Rev. Dave Hinson of Lincolnton officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge Bowers Reed Jr. of Lincolnton, and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dawkins and Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge Reed also of Lincolnton.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Drost Stevens of North Augusta, and the grandson of Mrs. Macie McClendon and the late Harmon McClendon and the late William and Beulah Stevens.

At the foot of the church steps stood a wrought iron stand encompassed with a grapevine wreath adorned with clusters of pink, green and white hydrangeas, Sahara roses, sprengeri, smilax and centered with a monogrammed "S". Railings to the church were draped with pink ribbon and balls of ivy hung from the center of each railing. Front doors were centered with grapevine wreaths also featuring similar floral arrangements.

Guests registered in the vestibule at a table overlaid with a white Battenburg lace cloth and placed before a stained glass window.

Programs were presented by Camryn Ray and Michael Ray of North Augusta, cousins of the bridegroom.

Vows were exchanged before an altar decorated with brown wrought iron candelabras holding pillar candles. Interspersed among the candelabras were wrought iron stands supporting Boston ferns. Pillar candles of varying heights entwined with sprengeri were placed atop the chancel railing. Sprays of smilax, sprengeri, tree fern, lily grass, leather leaf and sala leaves accented the stained glass windows, both cascading from the top and nestled in the window sills.. Pink, green and white hydrangeas, sprengeri, smilax and sahara roses marked the family pews.

Wedding music was presented by Benton Belangia of Lincolnton, pianist, Mrs. Wade Hall of Washington and Christopher Belangia of Lincolnton, soloists. Violinists were Kendyl Beggs of Lincolnton, Amy Brooker and Brad Brooker of Sylvester. Following the prelude, the grandparents and mothers were seated to "As the Deer". The wedding party entered to "Canon in D". After the chiming of the church bells, the bride entered to "Bridal Chorus". During the lighting of the unity candle Mrs. Hall and Mr. Belangia sang "The Prayer". "Ode to Joy" was the recessional.

Mr. Stevens was his son's best man. Groomsmen were Robert Drost Stevens Jr. of Evans, brother of the bridegroom; Talmadge Bowers Reed III of Lincolnton, brother of the bride; Peter Stevens of Anderson, S. C., cousin of the bridegroom; Robbie Jones of North Augusta and Richard Burnett of Aiken, S. C.

They were attired in tan colored suits with pin striped ties in tones of brown. Their lapels were adorned with bouton- nieres of green buttons, hypericum, and lily grass. The bridegroom's boutonniere was phalaenopsis orchids, Sahara roses and pepper berries.

Colbi Reed Dunsmore of Lincolnton was her sister's matron of honor. Lacey DeAnn Crook of Lincolnton served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Montana Dawkins, cousin of the bride, Louisa Rickerson, Kellen O'Neill, and Kelly McWhorter, all of Lincolnton, Kaycie Patterson and Katie Patterson of McCormick, S. C. Their tea-length gowns of brown tissue taffeta were strapless and each featured a pink dovetail sash that cascaded down the back of the gown. They carried bouquets of pink, green and white hydrangeas, pepper berries, Sahara roses and dendrobium orchids.

The flower girl, Elizabeth Ann Reed of Lincolnton, daughter of the bride, wore an off-white silk organza ankle length dress, an empire waist was designed with an elegant little bow made of champagne satin and around the hemline. She carried a pearl-handled purse filled with rose petals.

The bride's cousin, Judson Scott Beggs of Lincolnton, was ring bearer. He wore an Eton suit of ecru linen.

Escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the bride was elegant in her ivory strapless gown of silk taffeta designed for her by Casablanca Bridal. The pleated bodice of the gown featured a sweetheart neckline and beadwork at the empire waist. The dropped waist was designed in champagne taffeta that created a beautiful two-tone effect. Side and back pleats created beautiful folds on her Aline skirt. Hand-beaded buttons accented the back of her gown and chapellength train.

She chose a fingertip veil of ivory tulle that was finished with a crystal edge and attached to a pearl-beaded comb also worn by her sister.

A diamond cluster ring belonging to her mother was worn on her right hand.

She carried a bouquet of white hydrangeas, Sahara roses, wax flower, pepper berries, daylilies, eggplant amaryllis, ranunculus, snow willow branches and phalaenopsis orchids tied with long satin champagne streamers.

For her daughter's wedding Mrs. Reed chose a floor-length three-tiered sleeveless brown chiffon gown highlighted with a sequined bodice in shades of pink and gold and accented with a bow across one shoulder pinned with a beautiful brooch.

Mrs. Stevens, the bridegroom's mother, wore a sleeveless floor-length gown of champagne chiffon with a pearl beaded bodice. A mandarin collar accented the neckline.

Each wore a pearl beaded wristlet of sweetheart roses and pepper berries.

Murray L. Remsen directed the wedding and Mrs. Charles Thornton, floral designer are both from Lincolnton.

The couple left for the reception in the bridegroom's fully-restored 1990LX Mustang.

Reception

Following the ceremony, the bride's parents entertained at a reception at their home in Lincolnton.

Guests were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Rankin and Mr. and Mrs. Tom McWhorter of Lincolnton.

Defining the entrance to the front lawn were groupings of wrought iron stands of ferns, potted plants and birdbaths filled with birdseed to later be used to toss on the couple upon leaving.

The newlyweds and their parents greeted and welcomed their guests into the white canopied reception area.

Centering the ceiling of the reception tent was a massive trailing floral chandelier of hydrangeas, bells of Ireland, willow, Sahara roses, pepper berries, creme lisianthus, wax flower, springari and votives. Also accenting the ceiling area were miniature lights.

The buffet tables were covered in white linen. Pink and brown paisley fabric was puddled on these tables to add a touch of flair along with brown wrought iron scrolling "S" candelabras holding pillar candles and flowers complementing the chandelier arrangement

From these tables guests enjoyed a bounty of delicious heavy hors d'oeurves prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Olin Reed and Mr. and Mrs. Grady Reed of Lincolnton assisted by Kermit Hocutt of Washington.

Guests' tables were scattered out into the yard and patio area and Sushi was served from the poolside bar. Brown cloths and white overlays dressed these tables centered with floral arrangements designed by Mrs. Al Arthur of Lincolnton

Other tents were placed about the yard for dancing, the wedding cakes, beverages and extra seating.

In front of the playhouse area was a low table especially for the children where they enjoyed snacks and iced juice boxes as well as other activities.

Lighted trees throughout the yard added to the festive air.

The four tiered wedding cake, atop a silver pedestal, centered a round table covered in brown with a white overlay. The stacked confection was iced in chocolate with pink fondant embellishments. Fresh sweetheart roses topped the cake, made especially for the occasion by Mrs. Brenda McGahee and Mrs. Shannon Rentz of Lincolnton.

A long rough cut board connected two tall ladders to provide the setting for the cellophane-wrapped roofing shingles that held the various assortments of cheesecakes at the Groom's request. Southern Roofing nail aprons were tied to each ladder and held the napkins and forks.

Music was provided by Center Stage Music, and allowed everyone to enjoy an evening of dancing and celebration.

Following a wedding trip to Las Vegas, Nev., the couple is making their home in Lincolnton.

Rehearsal Dinner

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stevens entertained at a rehearsal dinner honoring Haili Reed and Brandon Stevens at Tara Country Club in McCormick.

The bride-elect wore a brown front and back halter design dress accented with a sequined midriff.

The wedding party, family and friends were warmly welcomed by the Stevens family. Everyone signed a matted picture of Haili and Brandon upon entering foyer. Beautifully decorated tables were scattered throughout the dining room covered with brown cloths and pink linen napkins.

Guests enjoyed a Southern buffet finished with peach cobbler for dessert.

During the evening, the prospective bridegroom presented gifts to his groomsmen.

Bridesmaids Brunch

Haili Reed was feted at a Bridesmaids brunch, the morning of Saturday, September 12, at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Tommy Rankin in Lincolnton. Joining Mrs. Rankin in entertaining were Mrs. Tommy Dawkins, aunt of the bride; and Mrs. Chuck Beggs, cousin of the bride, both of Lincolnton.

Miss Reed chose a spaghetti strap muslin maxi-dress.

The brunch was held out on the lawn decorated with tables covered in white linen clothes and overlays of burlap. Potted mums served as center pieces and Stripped napkins completed the table design. Following the meal, the bride-elect presented gifts to her wedding party, mothers and grandmothers. Parties

On the evening of Saturday, June 13, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mongrue and Mr. and Mrs. Randy Smith showered Haili and Brandon with a poolside His and Her Party. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and night of fun.

The afternoon of Sunday, August 2, Ladies of the Lincolnton United Methodist Church graciously honored Haili with a drop-in miscellaneous shower. She received many nice and useful gifts.

Sunday, August 9, at the home of Miss Kelli McWhorter and assisted by Miss Kellen O'Neill, Haili and many of her girl friends gathered for a lingerie shower.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Will McWhorter was the site for a lawn and garden party Saturday, August 15. Mr. and Mrs. Tom McWhorter, Mr. and Mrs. Brad Powell, Mr. and Mrs. Brin Hubbard, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Goolsby and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Beggs were the perfect group to put together a delicious picnic dinner with all trimmings for family and friends.

A Pampered Chef kitchen shower in Haili's honor was Saturday afternoon, August 22 in the kitchen of Chief Louisa Rickerson and co-chiefs Mrs.Tammie Norman and Mrs. Mandy Doss. These ladies really cooked up a nice time for everyone.

Traveling to Jackson, S.C. on Sunday August 23, Ms. Tracey Perdue and Mrs. Joy Stevens welcomed Haili, family and friends for a drop-in pantry shower. Favorite recipes from each guest were shared with Haili for her own recipe file.

On the weekend of August 28-30, Haili had a spot reserved in the sand provided by her sister Mrs. Colbi Dunsmore at Myrtle Beach, S.C. The bridesmaids all enjoyed this Bachelorette weekend of fun in the sun.

The night of September 5, the grill was cooking in the yard of Mr. and Mrs. Clay Turner. Mr. Nicky Smith also helped flip burgers as they entertained Haili and Brandon with a miscellaneous shower. Music and fellowship was enjoyed by friends and family. 1119p