Built in 1902, The South, in downtown Jackson, Mississippi provided the perfect setting for the marriage of Melody Claire Ewing and Robert Harris Powell, November 13, 2010. The Reverend Scott Carter officiated the double ring ceremony. The Magnolia String Quartet of Jackson provided the ceremony music along with vocalist Karl Holcomb of Flora and Abbey George, cousin of the groom of Nashville.
The Bride is the daughter of Jimmy and Becky Ewing of Tupelo, MS. She is the granddaughter of Mr. And Mrs. Buddy Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Meador, Ms Jane Ewing and Mrs. James T. Ewing Sr. and the late Mr. Ewing all of Tupelo.
The groom’s parents are Bob and Sybil Powell of Flora, MS. Mr. D. O. Hankins and the late Katherine Harris Hankins of Ridgeland and the late Gordon Ray Powell of Ocala, Florida are grandparents of the groom.
Guests were greeted at the South by attendants Mary Susan Anderson, and Lauren Cassilly of Tupelo, Beatrice Deathridge of Mobile, Alabama and Katherine Sinele of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, both cousins of the groom and Anna Duebber of Cincinnati, Ohio, cousin of the bride. The wedding director was Mrs. Judy Richardson of Madison.
Given in marriage by her Father, the bride wore a beautiful gown by designer Pronovias, of ivory soft tulle featuring a strapless neckline. Rosettes adorned the gown at the fitted waist as well as on the a-line bubble skirt, which extended into a chapel length train. In her hair the bride wore a rosette matching the ones on her dress with a fingertip-length veil. She carried a bouquet of ivory roses and hydrangeas tied with ribbon and adorned with her maternal great-great grandmothers cameo broach.
The bride's aunt Melody Asters of Tupelo and Erin Cliburn of Brandon served as matrons of honor. Bridesmaids were Hillary Branch, of Brandon, Michelle Dancy of Madison, sister of the groom; Missy Ewing sister in law of the bride of Tupelo, Lauren Waldrop of Tupelo and Mary Elizabeth Whatley of Ridgeland. Serving as the bride's proxy was Bradley Booth cousin of the groom, of Starkville. They wore black chiffon strapless gowns with a matching floral accent. Their bouquets were done in fall inspired jewel tone colors of amber, shades of purple, yellow and red.
Michael Blankenship served his childhood friend as best man. Groomsmen were David Bridges of Canton, Lauren Dancy, brother in law of the groom, of Madison, Aubrey Furr of Ridgeland, Trey Howell of Starkville, Todd Jackson of Jackson Dewayne Toombs of Flora, Justin Vandevender of Flowood and Trey Ward also of Flowood. Serving as usher and scripture reader was Jamie Ewing, brother of the bride of Tupelo. Additional ushers were Clayton Asters, Matt Asters and Murphey Asters all cousins of the bride of Tupelo and Preston Booth cousin of the groom of Starkville. Masters Porter Dancy and Tillman Ewing served their aunt and uncle as ring bearers.
Following the ceremony guests moved to the reception area at the South for a night of food, fun and dancing hosted by the bride’s parents. Wendy Putt of Fresh Cut Floral and Catering provided an assortment of southern style foods served among numerous antiques and beautiful fall inspired arrangements. The bride’s cake was a five tier butter cake with cream cheese frosting adorned with flowers and flanked by the cake toppers from both their parents’ weddings. For the grooms table Robert chose his favorite, banana pudding, prepared by his mother. Music was provided by The Back Roads Band of Jackson.
The morning of the wedding a brunch honoring the bride and her guests was hosted by Mrs. Buddy Jones, grandmother of the bride, Mrs. Lynn Moore and Mrs. Jackie Duebber, both aunts of the bride at the historic King Edward Hotel downtown Jackson. At the same time the groom and his guests were enjoying a morning skeet shoot hosted by family and friends.
On the evening prior to the wedding the grooms parents hosted a rehearsal dinner honoring the couple at their new home in Flora. Stories were told and toasts were made all honoring the bride and groom. The groom's cousin Abbey George also performed a few songs of inspiration for the couple.
Robert and Claire honeymooned at the El Dorado Royale Resort in Riviera Maya Mexico and make their home in Flora, MS.
(Wedding Annoucement)
