CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Kelly Jo Cook and Ronald Watson Jr. were united in marriage July 9, 2005, at Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. The ceremony was performed by Dr. Ronald E. Stone.
The bride is the daughter of M.G. and Sandi Cook of Scott City. The bridegroom is the son of Ron and Shirley Watson of Kelso and the grandson of Billie Watson and Reva Gifford, both of East Prairie, and the late John L. Gifford Jr.
Matrons of honor were Rhonda Smith of Scott City, sister of the bride, and Kari Bickings of Oran. Serving as bridesmaids were Natasha Watson of Kelso, sister of the bridegroom, Amber Dannenmueller and Crystal Smith of Scott City, Kacie Norton of Paris, Tenn., Erin Hampton of Bowling Green, Ky., and Beth Bowden of Murray, Ky. Junior bridesmaid was Alexius Sander of Benton, daughter of Brandi and J.R. Brainer and Craig and Jamie Sander and niece of the bride.
The bridegroom chose his father and Blake Munger of East Prairie to serve as best men. Groomsmen were Eric White of Scott City, brother of the bride, Travis Bickings of Oran, Jeremey Dohogne and Craig Bock of Delta, Blaine Bruce of Scott City and Ben Bowden of Murray. Ushers were John Gifford and Daniel Gifford of East Prairie, uncles of the bridegroom.
Candlelighters were Jackie and Lonna Mannis, daughters of V.G. and Debra Cook of Sharp Chapel, Tenn., nieces of the bride.
Serving as flower girl was Katie Lindsey of Benton, Ky., daughter of Teresa (Watson) Lindsey and Jimmy Lindsey and cousin of the bridegroom. Ringbearer was Dalton Smith, son of John and Rhonda Smith and nephew of the bride.
Guest book attendants were Jessica Wade and Sarah Clark of Graves County, Ky.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the A.C. Brase Arena. Servers were Peggy and Tammy Gifford, aunts of the bridegroom.
A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the bridegroom's parents July 8 at the A.C. Brase Arena Park Pavilion.
A 2003 graduate of Scott City High School, the bride is attending Murray State University where she is pursuing a degree in English. She is employed in management at Goody's Family Clothing in Murray.
The bridegroom is a 2000 graduate of Scott City High School. He will receive a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in May from Murray State University and plans to attend law school in the fall. He is employed at Harrah's Casino in Metropolis, Ill.
Following a honeymoon to Nassau, Bahamas, the new Mr. and Mrs. Watson are residing in Murray.
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