Godbee, Bennett exchange vows

Mr. and Mrs. William Jason Bennett

Miss Kimberly Ann Godbee became the bride of William Jason Bennett in an evening ceremony Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007 at Dry Branch Baptist Church with the Rev. Brad Boynton officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Donald and Susan Godbee of Millen. The groom's parents are Wayne and Deborah Bennett of Millen.

The couple exchanged vows before an altar of ferns and a mass arrangement of green hydrangea, green orchids, green roses and shades of green foliage, accented with black iron candlesticks holding white pillar candles.

The musical selections were coordinated by Chester Joyner, pianist. Miss Anna Kate Waters of Anderson, S.C. sang "Baby, You Belong" during the ceremony.

Miss Ashley Godbee, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Mrs. Melinda McLeod of Millen and Miss Anna Kate Waters served as bridesmaids.

The attendants wore black strapless gowns fashioned with an A-line skirt and accented with white binding around the top and the empire waistline of the gown, and also accentuating the off-center box pleat of the skirt. Each attendant carried a bouquet of green hydrangea and variegated green foliage.

Miss Devan Elizabeth Godbee, niece of the bride, served as the flower girl. Her gown was white satin featuring a sweetheart neckline, a black border at the hemline and three French tucks accenting the skirt. A black sash tied in a bow on the back finished the gown. She carried a small white basket of coordinating green foliage.

The groom's father served as his best man. Tyson Bennett, brother of the groom, and Charles Burke, cousin of the groom, both of Millen, served as groomsmen.

The men were attired in black two-button tuxedos with silver herringbone vests. They fashioned boutonniéres of green hypericum berries.

The bride, given in marriage by her parents, was radiant in a dazzling white halter gown. The empire bodice featured pearls, crystals and sequins. The embellishment was also featured in the box pleat down the front of the gown and around the bottom of the chapel-length train. She wore a shoulder-length illusion veil.

She carried a cascade of green orchids with wine throats, green hydrangea, green roses and trachelium.

Mrs. Dawn Patterson, aunt of the bride, served as the wedding coordinator.

Reception

Following the ceremony, the bride's parents entertained the guests with a reception at the Red Hill Community Center.

Tables were covered in white linen cloths. The bride's table was accented with black candlesticks holding white pillar candles and a framed collage of the bride and groom from childhood through their courtship.

The bride's cake was a beautiful confection featuring a white buttercream frosting, accented with lemons on lemon leaves on a three-tiered garden stand enhanced with ivy. Lindsey Bennett, sister-in-law of the groom, served the bride's cake.

The groom's cake, a red velvet sheet cake decorated with fanned playing cards, was served by Haley Green of Statesboro, sister of the bride.

Chris Oglesby of Millen provided music for the reception and dance that followed.

After a honeymoon cruise to Key West, Cozumel and Belize, the couple is residing in Millen.

Rehearsal Dinner

On the evening prior to the wedding, the groom's parents entertained the wedding party and special guests with a low country boil at the church social hall. The bride's chosen colors of black and white were used in the décor.

Bridesmaids Luncheon

A bridesmaids luncheon honoring Miss Kimberly Godbee and her attendants was hosted by Dawn Patterson on Aug. 24.

A delicious tropical-themed lunch was prepared by Chef Chris Patterson.

The bride chose this occasion to present her attendants with their gifts.