Jessica Lynn Talbert and Eric Wade Smothers were married during a lakeside ceremony at the home of Jamie and Raven Smothers of Mill Shoals. Mindy Mark officiated the double ring ceremony at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014.
The bride and groom exchanged wedding vows under a whitewashed arbor draped in purple tulle, built by the bride’s father, with white rose petals scattered on the ground and a unity sand table covered with white satin covering and draped with purple tulle.
Jessica is the daughter of Scott and Janet Talbert of rural Geff. Paternal grandparents are Wesley and Katie Talbert of Granger, Ind., and formerly of Wayne City. Maternal grandparents are the late Leroy and Lydia Sams of rural Fairfield.
Eric is the son of Benny Smothers Jr. and Cara Beth Smothers and Bonnie Michelle Bullard Smothers of Mill Shoals. Paternal grandparents are Benny Smothers Sr. of Mill Shoals and Genie Smothers, also of Mill Shoals. Maternal grandparents are Roy and Connie Bullard of Mill Shoals.
The bride was given in marriage by her parents and was escorted by her father. She wore a white gown featuring a sweetheart bodice with side draping completely covered with lace over bridal satin.
The side-drape drape and subtle ruching created a slim and stunning silhouette. The gown was accented by a heavily beaded sash and a soft flowing sweep train. Her scalloped edge veil with bead and crystal motif was single tiered.
Her gown was accented with earrings, necklace and bracelet belonging to her late aunt, Glenna Atwood. Her hair featured a pin belonging to her maternal grandmother and was styled with a braid and bun on the side by Carolyn Dozier, aunt of the bride of rural Fairfield. Her makeup was done by Brandi Lamp, cousin of the bride, of Goreville.
The bride carried a bouquet of orchids, hydrangeas and roses in the colors of teal, purple and white. Sherri Pennington, cousin of the bride, of Cisne designed the bridal bouquet.
Matron of honor was Alysha Churchill, friend of the bride, of rural Fairfield. Bridesmaids were Roni Lamp of Thompsonville, Emily Sams of Johnsonville and Lacey Sams of Fairfield, all cousins of the bride.
The matron of honor and bridesmaids wore high-low regency-colored strapless chiffon dresses that featured a sweetheart bodice patterned after the bridal gown. The dresses featured split front detail and sheer hem giving the dresses a unique appeal.
The attendants’ bouquets, made by the bride, featured purple and blue hydrangeas, purple roses and white stephanotis. The matron of honor and bridesmaids gowns were accented with necklaces given to them as gifts from the bride.
Flower girl was Addison Churchill, niece of the bride and daughter of the matron of honor, of Fairfield. Ring bearer was Jackson Lamp, cousin of the bride, of Goreville. Programs were distributed by Amy Lynn Sams of Johnsonville; sprinkle bags were handed out by Gracie Atwood, of Fairfield, both cousins of the bride.
At the guest register was Tiffany Lamp, cousin of the bride, of Thompsonville. Guests were seated by Jason Talbert, brother of the bride, of rural Geff and Clint Atwood and Zachary Atwood, both cousins of the bride, and both of Fairfield
Zachary Smothers, brother of the groom, of Mill Shoals was best man. Groomsmen were Matt Brach of Barnhill and Jesse Vaughan of Fairfield, both friends of the groom and Justin Bullard, cousin of the groom, of Fairfield.
The groom and groomsmen wore gray tuxedoes with white shirts and regency –colored vests and ties. The boutonnieres and corsages were designed by Carolyn Dozier as were reception flower arrangements.
Following the wedding the newlyweds greeted guests at a dinner reception at Shreve’s Pumpkin Patch. The dinner was catered by Vicky Mugrage of Cisne. The cake table featured a three-tiered wedding cake topped with a miniature bride and groom, made by the bride’s mother, and a groom’s cake, made by the bride, with a Ford truck stuck in the mud and a Dodge truck giving the Ford a tow.
A rehearsal supper was hosted by Benny Jr. and Cara Beth Smothers on Friday, June 13, at the Mill Shoals Ruritan Building. The meal, featuring pulled pork and side dishes, was catered by Max Weaver of Big Boy BBQ. Desserts were made by Cara Beth Smothers and Genie Smothers.
The bride is employed as a registered nurse at Crossroads Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She graduated with an associate degree in nursing in 2013 from Frontier Community College in Fairfield. A 2005 graduate of Cisne High School, she received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville in 2010.
A 2006 graduate of Fairfield Community High School, the groom is employed by Earl’s Tank Truck Service of Barnhill. The couple resides in Mill Shoals.