Sexton - Copeland

MINER - Lora Leigh Sexton and Bruce Copeland exchanged wedding vows in a 5 p.m. ceremony May 19, 2001, at Miner Baptist Church. The Rev. Larry Davis and the Rev. Jason Grubbs of Sikeston performed the ceremony.

A white archway decorated with tulle, lights and ferns stood as an entrance at the beginning of the center aisle in the sanctuary and a white cathedral style window surrounded by lighted white trees, pedestals with giant ferns, a white park bench and lamp post provided the focal point of the background setting. Arch and tier candelabras were decorated with ribbons and ivy and spring flower bouquets attached to pew candelabras completed the candlelight setting.

The bride is the daughter of Ralph and Melvona Sexton and her husband is the son of Jim and Sue Copeland.

Prelude music was provided by pianist Donna Tidwell, friend of the bride.

Soloist Deidre Coleson, friend of the bride, sang "In This Very Room" as candles were lit by Dana Copeland, sister-in-law of the bridegroom, and Penny Brotherton, friend of the bride. Mrs. Coleson was joined by her husband, Darrell Coleson as they sang "Unforgettable." A short video featuring the bride from childhood to her wedding day was shown accompanied by the song, "Butterfly Kisses." As the bride and bridegroom lit the unity candle and presented roses to their mothers, Lori Grubbs, friend of the couple, sang "How Beautiful."

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a white satin gown by Tomasina which featured an off-the-shoulder bodice and scoop neckline. Satin embroidered flowers, iridescent sequins and pearls accented the neckline, waist and chapel-length train. Scattered pearls adorned the shoulder-length double-layered veil which was held with a pearl and sequin headpiece. White Eskimo roses with ivy and stephanotis were tied with double satin ribbons to create the bridal bouquet.

Kim Pinkard attended her friend as matron of honor and maid of honor was Meredith Dewitt, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Shelly Delarosa, April Dugger and Melissa Miles, friends of the bride. Katie Delarosa, friend of the bride, and Brooke Carlyle, cousin of the bride, were junior bridesmaids.

Their two-piece satin gowns by Alyce were designed in spring colors of buttercup, royple and coral and each carried bouquets of confetti roses, hot princess roses, Virginia roses and solidgago which were hand tied with sheer yellow ribbon.

Flower girl Bailey Carlyle, cousin of the bride, wore a tea-length teal satin dress with tulle overlay on the skirt. She carried a basket of rose petals.

Jim Copeland served his brother as best man. Groomsmen were Adam Russell, friend of the bridegroom, Zach Sexton, brother of the bride, Keith Horne, friend of the bridegroom and G.R. Pinkard, friend of the couple. Junior groomsmen was Nick Delarosa, friend of the bride. Blake Pearson and Daniel Sexton, cousins of the bride, and Brad Yount, friend of the couple, served as usher. Ring bearer was Blake Carlyle, cousin of the bride.

The bridegroom and men in the wedding party wore black tuxedos by Ralph Lauren. Each wore a white rose boutonniere.

Guest book attendant was Laura Mitchell and programs were distributed by Heather Couch. Both are friends of the bride.

Wedding coordinators Becky Buchanan, cousin of the bride, and Ann Davis, friend of the couple, were assisted by Lori Templeton, friend of the family, and Carla Sexton, aunt of the bride.

Tulle, lights, greenery and fresh spring flowers adorned the tables in the church fellowship hall, where a reception immediately followed the ceremony. Table decorations of glass candle holders accentuated with spring flowers and floating candles were designed by the mother of the bride.

The five-layer Martha Stewart wedding cake featured spring flowers and a chocolate groom's cake was designed with strawberry tuxedos. These were made by Susie's Bake Shop in Sikeston.

Food for the reception was coordinated by Elaine Marrett who was assisted by Sadonna Thompson, friends of the couple. Guests were served by Frieda Cardwell, Cheryl Parker, Cindi Garrett, Barb Ryan and Karen Beck, all friends of the family, Dawn Collier, cousin of the bride, and Sonja Buchanan, aunt of the bride.

The bridesmaids hosted a bridal shower in March at the Manhattan Room in Sikeston. Janet Moll hosted an afternoon bridal shower at her home in early April, which was co-hosted by Penny Brotherton. The ladies of Trinity Gospel Church in Sikeston also hosted an April shower for the couple.

Mrs. Copeland is a teacher at Morehouse Elementary School and her husband is a survey technician with Shultz Engineering in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. and Mrs. Copeland are residing in Sikeston.

Paid announcement