Published: March 17, 2009 02:12 pm      

Rhodes-Smith wedding

Sarah Jessica Rhodes of Rusk and Jacob Bloxom Smith of Monroe, La., were married Dec. 27. Family and friends witnessed a candle lit ceremony among red lanterns and poinsettias in the First United Methodist Church in West Monroe, La.

The Rev. Jacob Justice, college friend of the bride and groom, officiated, assisted by Rev. Jon Telliferno, pastor of the church.

The bride is the daughter of Bill and Lucile Rhodes of Rusk. The groom is the son of Ann Bloxom Smith and Paul Smith, both of Monroe, La.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a formal gown designed in French taffeta by Maggie Sottero. The strapless slim A-Line gown laced up the back and featured a full-chapel train. The white gown had a sweetheart neckline adorned with pearls and crystals in floral lace. The ruched bodice draped asymmetrically at the waistline, with a crystal motif catching and accenting the draping at the side front of the gown. A pearl and crystal comb held her two-tier elbow-length veil of sheer illusion. Crystal and pearl earrings by Marcie of Elaine’s a silver puffed heart charm bracelet of her grandmother and namesake, Sarah Born of Lancaster, a single pearl from Lenora Hendley, maid of honor, and white satin pumps with crystal clasps completed her attire. She carried a bouquet of orange roses caught up in white ribbons.

Maid of honor was Lenora Hendley of Rusk. Bridesmaids were Sarah Duff of Palestine, Victoria Whitlow of Illinois, Angela Rhodes of Crosby, Shelly Rhodes of Rusk and Jessica Payne of California. All wore moss green organza gowns in empire style, with matching pearl and crystal wrap necklaces by Rachel Able. Each carried a bouquet of red, yellow and orange roses, tied in brown ribbon.

Lark and Brinn Rhodes of Crosby, nieces of the bride, served as flower girls.

Jake Ryden Rhodes of Rusk, nephew of the bride, was the ring bearer.

Best man was Walt Smith, brother of the groom.

Groomsmen were Levi Petree of Louisiana, Kyle Payne of California, Johnathan Rhodes of Rusk, Justin Rhodes of Crosby and Scott McGee of Las Vegas, Nev.

Ushers were Doug Caldwell of Monroe, Louisiana and Tim Cabaness, uncle of the bride, of Red Oak.

Katie Lander of Sunnyvale, Calif., served as greeter.

Victoria Whitlow sang “You Picked Me” and Mark McCleery, cellist and Sharon Sharplin, pianist, performed “O Lord Most Holy” and “The Swan” by Saint Saens.

An evening of dancing and celebration was held at Austins in Monroe.

The bride and groom each received a Bachelor of Science degree in theater from Northwestern State University. They are employed in the entertainment industry and will reside in Las Vegas, Nev.