Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Brannan, Welch Wed At First United Methodist Church

Miss Susan Ashley Brannan and Matthew Paul Welch were united in marriage in a six o'clock ceremony on Saturday evening, November 27th, in the First United Methodist Church in Prescott. Rev. Lewis See, Rev. Jim Lenderman and Bro. Chad Brandon performed the double ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Brannan Jr. of Prescott. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Maxine Cummings and the late Brooks Cummings and Mrs. Pat Brannan and Mr. and Mrs. John W. Brannan, all of Prescott.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Welch and Mr. and Mrs. James Arnold all of Benton. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Damron of Benton and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jesse James Welch.

The altar held an all-white arrangement of gladioli, spider chrysanthemums, roses, calla lilies, tulips, baby's breath and stock. Three candles were placed in the flower arrangement in loving memory of Suzy's grandfather, Ashley Brooks Cummings, and Matthew's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse James Welch.

The altar rail was adorned with fresh Southern smilax and white lights. Behind the altar four candle trees were also embellished with Southern smilax. The background was illuminated with Christmas trees trimmed with white lights. The center aisle was also adorned with white lights entwined in white tulle. The pews held brass candelabras decorated with arrangements of tulle, Christmas greenery and candles in crystal globes.

Ms. Susan Wilson of Paris, Texas, presented a prelude of nuptial music. Soloist Ashley DeWoody sang The Color of My Love and I Will Be Here. The bride and bridal party entered the sanctuary to Canon in D and The Bridal Chorus. The recessional was the Hallelujah Chorus.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride chose a gown of white Duchess satin designed by Bridal Originals, featuring a sheer sweetheart neckline, sheer cap sleeves both embellished with Schiffli lace. The Basque waistline flows into a full skirt enhanced from hemline to mid-point with appliques of Schiffli lace, pearls and iridescent beads. The back bodice had self-covered buttons and the skirt ended in a cathedral length train.

The bride carried a cascading bouquet of white roses, dendrobium orchids, tulips, stock and trailing English ivy.

Ms. Kelly Smith of Dallas, Texas, served as the maid of honor. She wore floor-length gown of gold lame. Ms. Bonnie Brockway of Dallas, Texas, Vicki Vasser of Prescott, LeAnne Segars of Pine Bluff and Julie Vogel of St. Joe, Texas, served as bridesmaids. They wore floor- length gowns of a deep forest green satin. Their bouquets were long-stemmed clusters of tulips, stock, roses and English ivy.

Flower girl was Emmalee Edwards of Butler, Mo. She wore a white floor-length satin dress. Her flowers were a smaller version of the bridesmaids' bouquets.

The ring bearer was Zachary Graddy of Benton.

Kirk Welch of Springdale served his brother as best man. Groomsmen were Steve Tracy of Benton, Matthew Brannan, brother of the bride of Prescott, Ian Perry of Little Rock and Brian Tanner of Benton.

A reception was held at the Tom B. Lee Jr. Armory in Prescott. The Christmas theme continued at the reception. Christmas trees glowed around the room while white lights twinkled overhead creating a winter wonderland.

The bride's table, decorated in spun gold and greenery, was centered with a tiered cake, banded in sheer green iridescent ribbon. Kissing angels and white roses adorned the top of the cake. The angels had been a gift from Suzy's great grandmother, Mrs. Ruby Brannan. Punch flowed from a silver fountain.

The groom's table was decorated in a Razorback theme. The chocolate cake had a large razorback dressed as a reindeer. Coffee was served from Miss Jayne Randolph's elegant copper urn.

Hospitality was provided by Mrs. Gay Clark, Mrs. Joyce Bright, Miss Liz Thompson, Miss Tricia Thompson, Ms. Gigi Golden and Miss Lindsay Franks. Miss Katie Gordon and Mrs. Kim Cox registered the guests in the bride's book. Miss Jayne Randolph and Janice Hill coordinated the wedding.

The bride graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in business in May of 1999. She is employed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in Little Rock.

The bridegroom graduated from Henderson State University with a degree in aviation management in May 1998. He is employed by Alltel in Little Rock.

After a honeymoon at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., the couple will reside in Little Rock.