Deborah Whitney Ray and Kyle Mitchell Hood were united in holy matrimony at seven o’clock in the evening on August 13, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Pontotoc, Mississippi, where both her mother and maternal grandmother were married. The candlit double-ring ceremony was officated by Doctor Kenneth Hester.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Augustus Ray of Pontotoc. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Hattie Lee Akins and the late Max Akins; Mrs. Martha Ray and the late Billy Rex Ray, all of Pontotoc.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Kendall Hood of Flowood, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Mrs. Betty Herrington and the late Mims Herrington of Flowood, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robin Hood of Utica, Mississippi.

The bride, escorted by her father, wore a custom couture Augustus Jones fit to flare silhouette gown with beaded Alencon lace. The details include a beautiful sheer lace back panel and buttons to the end of the train, complemented by a scalloped lace neckline richly embellished with crystals throughout the dress. The cathedral-length veil was enhanced with a silver, rhinestone headpiece fashioned from an antique broach belonging to her paternal grandmother. Whitney carried a Southern style bouquet of all white diamond vanda and dendroben orchids, David Austin roses, and Chantilly Lace hydrangeas. Accenting her bouquet were sterling charms with pictures of her late grandfathers and lace from her mother’s wedding dress.

The wedding décor, created by Paulette Reese, included an arrangement of all white flowers along with the bride’s maternal grandmother sterling silver candelabras over the baptistry. Large arrangements of casablanca lilies, roses, larkspur, green and white hydrangeas and Bells of Ireland flanked the beautiful stain glass windows of the church adding a romantic effect with floating votives.

Attending the bride as matrons of honor were Christy Ray of Birmingham, Alabama and Lili Ray of Little Rock, Arkansas, sister-in-laws to the bride. Bridesmaids were Camille Hood of Flowood, sister of the groom; Channing Hancock of Jackson; Maribeth Hillhouse of Madison; Bethany Leininger, of Cleveland; Montana Murff of Tupelo; Emerson Holliman of Atlanta, Georgia; Kristen Pennington of Pontotoc; Ashley Pittman of Birmingham, Alabama; Jennifer Reid of Jackson and Anna Russell of Madison. The bridesmaids wore Jenny Yoo ceil blue, tulle dresses featuring a sheer illusion bateau neckline with A-line floor length silhouette skirts. The bridesmaids carried lush bouquets featuring “end of summer” varieties of natural sage hydrangeas, Romeo Garden roses, bisque hypericum berries, sedum, eucalyptus berries and antique white lisianthus. The flower girls, nieces of the bride, were Harper Ray and Charlotte Ray of Birmingham, Alabama and Stella Ray of Little Rock, Arkansas. The flower girls wore matching white custom heirloom dresses.

Anthony Hood, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Kendall Hood and Cade Hood of Flowood, both brothers of the groom; Evan Ray of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jordan Ray of Little Rock, Arkansas, both brothers of the bride; Marco Aru of Ridgeland; Cameron Coleman of Birmingham, Alabama; Samuel Davidson of Jackson; Michael Joslin of Amory; Franklin Simmons of Madison; Hardy Simmons of Ridgeland and Andrew Whalen of Cleveland. Houston Ray of Little Rock, Arkansas, nephew of the bride, served as ring bearer.

Nuptial music was provided by Mitzi Russell, organist; Pam Dallas, pianist; Ryan Todd. trumpeter. Vocalists were Maggie Bailey and Maura Fields. The bride’s father sang an orginial song entitled “I Knew in My Heart” written for the bride and groom. Favorite scriptures were read by Maribeth Russell and Jordan Moore, friends of the bride. Guests were greeted by Macy Akins, Linsey Hood, Mari Micci Bramuchi and Katy McAuley. Ellen Russell served as wedding director and Kaeley Gemmill assisted as the bridal proxy.

Following the ceremony, the parents of the bride hosted a candlelit reception at “The Antler” where guests enjoyed an elegant dinner of Southern Fare provided by Special Occasions by Sandra Lyons as they awaited the presenting of the bride and groom. The Antler was transformed into a classical southern setting featuring tall columns with natural white floral collections of garden roses, hydrangeas and cascading orchids anchored by duping silk hanging lamps.

The five-tiered buttercream wedding cake was adorned with garden roses while the groom’s two-tiered chocolate cake was accented with the Mississippi State University emblem on top garnished with chocolate strawberries. Both cakes were prepared by Creative Cakes of Tupelo.

The reception ambience was created by strung cafe’ lighting accented by an oversized fresh orchid and crystal chandelier centered over the dance floor where guests enjoyed dancing to The Memphis Soul Revue. Amidst a spray of sparklers, the bride and groom left in a vintage 1938 Chevrolet Sedan.

Photographer, Trent Baker and videographer, Samantha Doyle captured the memories of the weekend. Floral arrangements and the romantic design for the reception was created by Jody’s Flowers of Tupelo.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents honored the couple with a rehearsal dinner at Park Heights in Tupelo. The dinner was attended by the wedding party, family and friends. Following a honeymoon trip to Jamaica, the couple is at home in Birmingham, Alabama.

Al Laney and Kim Harper of Fulton, MS are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Nicole Laney, to Wesley Dale Loague, son of Janice and Roger Loague of Fulton, MS.

Miss Laney is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sheffield of Fulton, MS and Mrs. Mary Jo (Jodie) Laney and the late Mr. Alfred Laney of Fulton, MS.

Mr. Loague is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kelton Hood of Baldwyn, MS and Mrs. Elizabeth Loague and the late Mr. Charles Loague of Fulton, MS.

The bride-elect is a 2014 graduate of Nettleton High School where she graduated with honors. She attends Itawamba Community College and will graduate in May 2017 from the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

The prospective groom graduated from Mantachie High School in 2013. He graduated from Itawamba Community College in 2014 where he received his certification in welding. Mr. Loague is currently employed at Reed’s Metals as a welder.

The couple will exchange vows on Saturday, October 22nd at 5 p.m. at Morning View Baptist Church in Mantachie with reception to follow. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Anthony and Mary Patton of Tupelo, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Kristen Brooke, to Thad Justin Lewis, son of Tina and Tim Ray of Belden, and Doug and Tracey West of Saltillo.

Miss Patton is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Hester of Shannon, and the late Jerry and Myra Patton of Tupelo.

Mr. Lewis is the grandson of Sara Stow and the late Billy Stow of Tupelo, and the late Virgil and Janetta West of Tupelo.

The bride-elect is a 2012 graduate of Tupelo High School. She is currently a student at Itawamba Community College in Tupelo. . She is employed with Renasant Bank in Tupelo.

The prospective groom graduated from Saltillo High School.He later joined the United States Army, where he served in Iraq. Mr. Lewis is employed with Barnes Crossing Hyundai Mazda in Tupelo.

The couple will exchange vows at 3 PM, October 15th at Hope Church in Tupeio. A Reception will follow at the church.

Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Taylor of Tupelo are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Jessica LeAnne, to Marc Garner Hawkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Hawkins of Tupelo, Ms.

Miss Taylor is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sills of Tuscumbia, AL and Mr. and Mrs. Merle “Red” Taylor of Saltillo, MS.

Mr. Hawkins is the grandson of Mrs. Dorothy Hines and the late Charles Garner of Russellville, KY and Mr. and Mrs. George Putnam of Tupelo, MS and the late Buddy Hawkins of Oxford, Ms.

The bride-elect is a 2008 Tupelo High School graduate. She graduated from Itawamba Community College in 2012 with her Associates degree in Radiologic Sciences. She also graduated from the Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics where she received her certification in Sonography. The bride-elect works at North Mississippi Medical Center where she is an Ultrasound Sonographer and Radiology Technologist.

The prospective groom graduated from Tupelo High School in 2005. He joined the Mississippi Army of National Guard in 2008. He is an Iraq war veteran serving as an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter mechanic. He served in Iraq from 2009-2010. He retired from the guard in 2016. The prospective groom attended Itawamba Community College in 2011-2012 for Industrial Maintenance. He is currently employed at Hawkeye Industries as the Master Maintenance Technician.

The couple will exchange vows at 5:30 pm, October 15,2016 at the Antler in Tupelo, Ms. Reception will follow at the Antler. Friends and family are invited to attend.

The bride-elect’s father Richard McMasters of Shannon, MS and the bride-elects mother Joni and husband Randy Watts of Brewer, MS are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Laci Nikole, to Matthew Steven Hood, son of Mrs. Lisa Hood Hines of Tupelo, MS and the late Steve Hood.

Miss McMasters is the granddaughter of Jack and Laverne Loague of Tupelo, MS and John McMasters of Shannon, MS and the late Charlene McMasters.

Mr. Hood is the grandson of Margaret Little of Tupelo, MS and the late James Arthur Little and Dorris Hood of Blue Springs, MS and the late Claude Hood.

The bride-elect is a 2010 Shannon High School graduate where she was a member of the softball team. The bride-elect is employed at Philips Lighting as an NIS Specialist.

The prospective groom is a 2006 East Union High School graduate. Mr. Hood graduated from the Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy in 2011 and is currently employed as a State Trooper with the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

The couple will exchange vows at 4:00 PM, November 12th at Kingfisher Lodge in Tupelo, MS. Reception will follow.

Dr. Gary and Cherri Morgan of Anniston, Alabama, announce the engagement of their daughter, Maggie Woodruff Morgan, to Cole Andrew Vickers, son of Dr. Greg and Lisa Vickers of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Shirley Morgan and the late Herschel Morgan of Booneville, Mississippi; Kenneth and Linda Windham of Baldwyn, Mississippi; and Loreda Harrison of Tupelo, Mississippi.
Miss Morgan is a 2009 graduate of The Donoho School in Anniston, Alabama. In 2013, Maggie received her bachelor of science degree in Forensic Chemistry, graduating summa cum laude from the Sally Barksdale Honors College of the University of Mississippi. Currently, she is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with a pediatric residency to follow.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Frances Long and the late Jimmy Long formerly of Alexandria, Louisiana; and Dr. Benjamin and Betty Vickers of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Mr. Vickers is a 2010 graduate of Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in Liberal Studies in 2014 from the University of Mississippi. Cole is currently a third-year law student at Cumberland School of Law.
The June 2017 ceremony will take place at Golden Springs Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama.

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Phipps of Saltillo are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Anna Katherine, to Jason Anthony Vinson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Doug “Tony” Vinson of Tupelo, Mississippi.

Miss Phipps is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William L. Irwin of Saltillo, Mississippi, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Stokes Phipps, Sr. of Tupelo, Mississippi.

Mr. Vinson is the grandson of Mrs. Wynell Barber and the late Mr. Charles Barber of Nettleton, Mississippi, and Mrs. Jean Vinson and the late Mr. Doug Vinson, Sr. of Shannon, Mississippi.

The bride-elect graduated from Saltillo High School with honors in 2008. She attended Itawamba Community College where she was a member of Center Stage and graduated in 2010 with an Associate of Arts degree. She transferred to Mississippi State University to complete her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in painting in 2012. While there, she was a member of MSU’s dance company, Terpsichore. This past May, she graduated with a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in painting from The University of Alabama. The bride-elect is currently employed with Nettleton School District where she is an art teacher.

The prospective groom graduated from Tupelo High School with honors in 2007 where he was part of the tennis and cross-country teams and the National Honors Society. He attended Itawamba Community College where he was National Junior College Academic All-American in tennis. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s of Science, he went on to receive his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2014. Mr. Vinson is currently employed at Elite Physical Therapy where he is a physical therapist.

The couple will exchange vows at four in the afternoon on November 5th at Saltillo First United Methodist Church in Saltillo, Mississippi. A celebratory reception will follow at the church.

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Hall of Saltillo are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Anna Elizabeth, to Austin Lane McGill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McGill of Guntown, MS.

Miss Hall is the granddaughter of Mrs. Winnie Ballard and the late Mr. Paul Ballard of Plantersville, MS and Mrs. Jo Hall and the late Mr. Robert Hall of Tupelo, MS.

Mr. McGill is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy and Pam Tidwell of Tupelo, MS and Mr. and Mrs. Bobby and Sheryl McGill of Tupelo, MS.

Miss Hall is a 2014 graduate of Saltillo High School. She graduated from Itawamba Community College in 2016 where she graduated with an associates in education and was on Indian Delegation. Miss Hall works at Saltillo Primary School where she is an assistant kindergarten teacher.

Mr. McGill graduated from Saltillo High School in 2015. He attends Itawamba Community College where he is a cheerleader and majoring in secondary education.

The couple will exchange vows at 6:30pm, November 19th, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Saltillo, MS. Reception will immediately follow in fellowship hall. Friends and family are invited to attend.

David and Charla Knapp of Vidalia, LA would like to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Chelsey Lane Knapp to James Bradley McMillen, son of James and Sandra McMillen of Dorsey, MS.

Chelsey is the maternal granddaughter of late Charles and Verna Wurster of Jonesville. Her paternal grandparents are Jimmy and Mary Knapp of Ferriday.

Brad is the maternal grandson of the late Earl and Pauline Thomas of Dorsey. His paternal grandparents are the late Allen and Hessie McMillen of Dorsey.

Chelsey is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. She owns her own jewelry business with Premier Designs and is a freelance graphic designer.

Brad is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. He is currently employed as a Sales Representative with Stryker Medical.

The wedding will be held at half past five o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, November 5, 2016 with Christopher Schopmeyer of Pinelake Baptist Church officiating. The wedding and reception will be held at the Briars Bed & Breakfast in Natchez, MS.

The happy couple will be making their home in Brandon, MS after a honeymoon to St. Lucia. Formal wedding invitations to follow.

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Russell, Jr. of Pontotoc, MS, announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Anna Ruth Russell, to Mr. Franklin Moore Simmons, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rixon L. Simmons of Ridgeland, MS.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Billy and Charlie Ruth Montgomery and the late James “Buddy” and Georgia Russell, both of Pontotoc, MS. The groom is the grandson of the late Dr. E. F. Jr. “Red” and Maxine Simmons of Jackson, MS and the late John Neil and Rachael Moore of Laurel, MS.
Anna is a 2010 special honors graduate of Pontotoc High School. She obtained her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi in 2014. She is currently employed as a NICU nurse at Merit Health Woman’s Hospital in Flowood, MS. Franklin is a 2008 graduate of Ridgeland High School. He attended Mississippi State University where he received a bachelor of science degree in landscape contracting and management. He is the owner of Simmons Landscape, LLC in Ridgeland, MS.
The couple will exchange vows on November 12, 2016 at 5pm in the evening at First Baptist Church Pontotoc with reception immediately following. All family and friends are invited to attend.

Mr. William Mark Brown and Mrs. Susan Long Presley of Memphis, TN and Tupelo, MS are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Mary Morgan Brown, to Brandon Taylor Burks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Wayne Burks of Tupelo, MS.
Miss Brown is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cooper Long of Tupelo, MS, and Mrs. Delores Kay Lindsey of Mt. Pleasant, TN, and the late Mr. Bobby Brown of Columbia, TN.
Mr. Burks is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Eston Gibens of Tupelo, MS, and Mr. and Mrs. Billy Wayne Burks of Tupelo, MS.
The bride-elect is a 2010 Tupelo High School graduate. She graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2014 with her bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing. The bride-elect works as the Retail Recruitment Coordinator for The Retail Coach located in downtown Tupelo, MS.
The prospective groom is a 2005 graduate of Tupelo High School. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. The prospective groom is currently employed as a Sales Representative for DePuy Synthes.
The couple will exchange vows at 6:30 p.m., November 5, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Tupelo, MS. Reception will follow at Tupelo Country Club. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Mr. and Mrs. Milton Wallis of Corinth are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lilly Wallis, to Challand Alexander Dillard, son of Mr. Martin Dillard and Karen Evans of Tupelo, MS.

Miss Wallis is the granddaughter of the late Mr. James Alton Jones of Tupelo, MS and the late Mrs. Betty Sue Cain of Norcross, GA and the late Mr. Milton Wallis, Jr of Corinth, MS and Ms. Ruth Ann Smith of Pearl, MS.

Mr. Dillard is the grandson of the late Mr. Leo “Straw” Dillard and Norma Dillard of Tupelo, MS and the late Mr. Q.T. Walker and the late Wilma Walker.

The bride-elect is a 2011 Alcorn Central High School graduate. She graduated from Northeast Mississippi Community College in 2013 where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal. She is also pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree at Mississippi State University where she plans to graduate in December 2017. The bride-elect works at Sharp Fisher & Borden, Attorneys at Law in Corinth, MS where she is a Paralegal.

The prospective groom graduated from Tupelo High School in 2011. Mr. Dillard is currently employed at Refreshments, Inc in Corinth, MS where he is a Warehouse Employee.

The couple will exchange vows at 3:00 P.M., November 12, 2016 at Oak Hill Christian Church in Corinth, MS. Reception will follow at Oak Hill Christian Church in Corinth, MS. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Ms. Shelia East of Clinton, Mississippi is pleased to announce the engagement of her daughter, Lauren Taylor East, to Brooks Harrison Jackson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Jackson of Tupelo, Mississippi.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Annette Craft and the late Mr. Thomas Craft of Edwards, Mississippi.
The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brooks Whitten of Blue Springs, Mississippi and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Jackson of Tupelo, Mississippi.
Miss East is a 2012 graduate of Clinton High School. In 2016 she earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from Mississippi State University. She is currently in her first year of Nursing School at MUW.
Mr. Jackson is a 2010 graduate of Tupelo High School. In 2014 he earned his bachelor’s of science degree in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University. He is a 2016 graduate from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson with a degree in Radiology Science. He is currently employed at OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville as a Radiology Technician.
The couple will exchange vows at four o’clock in the afternoon on November 12, 2016 at Hewlett Stables in Starkville, Mississippi, with reception to follow.

David and Sherryl McWhorter of Grenada announce the engagement of their daughter, Molly Allene McWhorter, to William Joseph Marshall, son of Greg and Kandi Marshall of Pontotoc.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Clyde and Daisy McWhorter of Grenada; Bill and Lucy Thornburg of Duck Hill; and Lonnie and Bonita Moore of Grenada.
She was a 2010 Honor graduate of Grenada High School and a 2015 graduate from Delta State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She is currently a first year graduate student at LA Tech University in the School of Liberal Arts studying Speech-Language Pathology.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Shirley Stallings and the late Glen Stallings of Pontotoc; the late John A. Marshall of Saltillo; and Buddy Lorick and the late Jo Lorick of Saltillo.
He is a graduate of 2011 graduate of Pontotoc High School and is currently a student at Delta State University where he will graduate in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Delta Music Industries.
The couple will exchange vows at 4 p.m. November 19, 2016 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada with Bro. Mark Williams of Grenada officiating. Reception will follow at the Event Center in Grenada. All friends and family are invited to attend.

Mrs. Kimberly Butler Ward of Meridian announces the engagement of her daughter Anna Grace Ward, to Bryan Oliver Tanner, Jr. Anna Grace is also the daughter of late James Hugh Ward. Bo is the son of Bryan Tanner and the late Pamela Chambless Tanner.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Lamar High School, and a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. While in college, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta, the Public Relations Student Society of America, and the Lambda Pi Eta honor society. The bride-elect works at Mitchell Companies as a Communications Manager.

The prospective groom graduated from Tupelo Christian in 2001. He works at Mitchell Distributing as a Craft Brand Manager.

The couple will exchange vows at 5:00, December 17, 2016 at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Meridian, Miss. A reception will follow at The MSU Riley Center in Meridian.

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Long “C.L.” Davidson of Booneville, Mississippi announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lauren Christopher Davidson to Mr. Gabriel Jason Null. Mr. Null is the son of Ms. Linda Gay Null and the late Mr. Bobby Wayne Null, of Kossuth, Mississippi.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Maxey Whitmire of West Point, Mississippi, and the late Mr. and Mrs. D. E. “Jiggs” Davidson of Tupelo, Mississippi.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harmon Rainey of Corinth, Mississippi, and the late Ms. Dessie May Null, also of Corinth, Mississippi.

Miss Davidson is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, and a graduate of The University of North Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She also graduated from Booneville High School and Northeast Mississippi Community College. The bride is currently employed as the general operations manager of Davidson Pharmacy, Inc.

Mr. Null graduated from Kossuth High School before continuing on to attend Northeast Mississippi Community College and The University of Mississippi where he was a member of the Ole Miss Golf Team. Mr. Null graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. The groom is currently employed as the Frame Mill Engineer at Ashley Furniture Industries in Ecru, Mississippi.

The couple will exchange vows on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Tupelo Country Club in Belden, Mississippi. Following a honeymoon, the couple will reside in Booneville.

Mr. and Mrs. William Glenn Holliman of Tupelo, Mississippi are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Emerson Tate Holliman, to Connor Jeffrey Paton, son of Mr. Jeffrey Richard Paton and the late Carol Lortie Paton of Atlanta, Georgia.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Glenn Holliman, Jr. of Belden, Mississippi and Mr. and Mrs. James Elmo Thompson of Sherman, Mississippi.
Ms. Holliman graduated from Tupelo High School in 2011. She is a 2014 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Mississippi State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in marketing. Emerson was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and Alumni Delegates. She is currently working in Atlanta, Georgia as the Partnerships Coordinator for RaceTrac Petroleum, Inc.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Arthur Lortie of Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Marcia Locke Paton of Daytona Beach, Florida and the late Andrew John Paton of Dalton, Georgia.
Mr. Paton is a 2010 graduate of South Forsyth High School. He graduated with honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology where he received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. Connor was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He is currently working as a project analyst for Foresite Group in Norcross, Georgia.
The couple will exchange vows at six o’clock in the evening on December 10, 2016, at Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo. A reception will follow at Southwind.

Mrs. Robin Hull of Meridian is pleased to announce the engagement of her daughter Kaley Brooke, to Kaleb Dalton Kennedy, son of Phillip and Angie Kennedy of Pontotoc.

Miss Hull is the granddaughter of Mrs. Sandra Burton and the late James Burton, Sr. of Meridian and Mr. and Mrs. Olen Hull of Chunky.

Mr. Kennedy is the grandson of Mrs. Brenda Parrish and the late Jimmy Parrish of Pontotoc and the late JoAnn Kennedy of Fayette, Alabama and the late Walter Kennedy of Piedmont, Alabama.

The bride-elect is a 2009 special honors graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School in Meridian, where she was Valedictorian of her class. She is a 2013 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She was also a recipient of the Taylor Medal for academic achievement. She is a 2016 magna cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi where she received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The bride-elect is employed as a pharmacist at NMMC.

The prospective groom is a 2010 special honors graduate of Pontotoc High School. He is a 2014 summa cum laude graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences. He was also a recipient of the Stephen D. Lee Scholar award for graduating with a 4.0 GPA. He is currently a student at UMMC in Jackson where he will receive his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in May 2017.

The couple will exchange vows on December 10, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Meridian. A Reception will follow at Whynot Community Center in Meridian.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Hill of Potts Camp, MS, are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Teresa Elizabeth Hill to Jonathan David Huwe of Corinth, MS.

Miss Hill is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Hill, Sr. of Ripley, MS, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Clayton of Potts Camp, MS.

Miss Hill is a graduate of Potts Camp School, and the University of Mississippi, where she received bachelor’s degrees in Classics and Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is currently attending the University of Memphis, and will complete requirements for a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in May, 2017.

Mr. Huwe is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Huwe of Corinth, MS. He is the grandson of Mrs. Barbara Huwe of Las Vegas, Nevada, and the late Mr. Ralph Huwe, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ridley of Pittsburgh, PA.

Mr. Huwe is a graduate of Corinth High School in Corinth, MS, and the University of Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He is currently attending the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in Jackson, MS, and will complete requirements for a Doctorate of Pharmacy in May, 2018.

The couple will exchange vows on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at 2:00 in the afternoon at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church at 480 County Road 401, Falkner, MS. All friends and family are invited to share this day with Tess and Jon.

Steve and Tammy Wilkerson are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Samantha Carley Wilkerson, to Steven Scott Shepherd, son of Chad and Kristi Boggan and Pat and Christy Shepherd.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Gerald and Joyce Bass of New Albany, MS; the late Mildred Murphree of Myrtle, MS, and Landreth and Margaret Murphree of Myrtle, MS.
Carley is a graduate of West Union Attendance Center and attended Northeast Community College where she served as athletic trainer for the softball team. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education. Carley is a history teacher at Lafayette Middle School and coaches softball, volleyball, and basketball.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Van and Peggy Shepherd of Oxford, MS, and Robert and Barbara King of Oxford, MS.
Steven is a graduate of Lafayette County High School and attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of the Pride of the South marching band. He is presently employed through Landscaping at the University of Mississippi.
The couple will exchange vows on November 19, 2016, at 6 p.m. at Nutt Auditorium at the University of Mississippi. A reception will follow at the Inn at Ole Miss.