Published: September 28, 2007 03:50 pm         

Pope, Johnson

Cathryn Marie Pope and Christopher Shane Johnson were united in a recent ceremony at the First United Methodist Church in Kosciusko.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles “Cletone” Pope of Kosciusko. She is the granddaughter of Jane Lucas Pope and the late Charles H. Pope, also of Kosciusko and of Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Bryant of Okolona.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson of Gadsden, Ala. He is the grandson of Leila Faith Cohen and the late Leroy Faulkner and the late Hester and Margaurite Johnson also of Gadsden.

The wedding was officiated by Rev. James M. Salter. Nuptial music was provided by Kevin and Julie Bishop, vocalists; Blain Russell, guitarist; and Ann Carter, organist.

Wedding director was Wyndy Lawrence, cousin of the bride. Emily Armstrong, niece of the bride, served as guest book and program attendant. Spruce Derden Photography and videographer Janie Palmertree documented the wedding.

The front of the sanctuary was adorned with tall pillars of cascading ivy and a spray of flowers.

The couple designated a special time during the ceremony to honor their loved ones who were with them in spirit, by lighting a memory candle while “Sweet Sweet Spirit” was sung. Prior to the ceremony, the couple’s parents lit two separate candles which the couple used to light the unity candle.



Escorted by her parents, the bride wore an ivory halter top 1930s style gown of silk charmouse with hand knotted glass crystals from the Grace Kelly Collection. The cathedral length train was also accented with glass crystals. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of short stemmed white calla lilies with an heirloom handkerchief, which belonged to her great-great-grandmother, attached.



Serving as matron of honor was Jennifer Cornelius, sister of the bride, from Birmingham, Ala. Bridesmaids were Candi Cockroft, Natalie Woods, Jackie Myers, and Mandy Taylor, friends of the bride. Junior bridesmaid was Rebecca Armstrong, niece of the bride.



The attendants wore buttercup princess style gowns featuring a long flowing skirt and spaghetti strapped bodice from the Jordan Bridesmaid Collection.



Flower girls were Cailyn and Devyn Pope, nieces of the bride. They wore floor length ivory satin dresses with buttercup sashes.



David Johnson, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Adam Johnson, brother of the groom, Kevin Harrison, Jason Moncus, Jay Helms, and Jonathan Slaughter, friends of the groom. John-Clifton Pope and Sam Armstrong, nephews of the bride, served as the acolytes and ushers. Nicholas Pope, nephew of the bride, was the ring bearer.



Reception

After the ceremony, parents of the bride hosted a reception in the parlor of the church.

Servers were Courtney Reed of Tupelo, cousin of the bride, and Casey Johnson of Gadsden, sister-in-law of the groom.



Rehearsal

On the eve of the wedding the groom’s parents hosted a dinner for the wedding party and their guests at Wanda’s Catering. The couple chose the occasion to present gifts to their wedding party. They also presented specially selected poems to their parents. All of the guests signed a matte for the couple to use in framing a keepsake picture of this special event.

After the rehearsal dinner, the bride-elect was treated to a lingerie shower given by her attendants. Selena Harrison, friend of the bride from Birmingham, was also in attendance.

Paula Cain hosted a bridal luncheon at her home on the morning of the wedding.

Following a honeymoon in Maui, Chris and Cathryn are at home in Calera, Ala.