Lochridge – Claxton Wedding

Kathryn Marie Lochridge and William Zachary Claxton were married on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014.

The ceremony was held at 5 p.m. at the College Chapel on the Berry College campus.  Dr. David Bowen performed the double ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lochridge of Cartersville, and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Claxton of Commerce.

The altar of the chapel was the focal point with twin garden urns containing an array of ivory flowers including hydrangea, garden roses and lilies, along with assorted greenery. Votive candles illuminated the windows, and satin ribbon secured the clusters of hydrangea and cascading springeri fern to the wooden pews and the iron railings entering the chapel.  

Guests enjoyed a prelude of classical and spiritual music selections by a stringed trio comprised of violinists Miriam Smith and Kelsey Dillehay and cellist Rachel Smith.

“Be Thou My Vision” was played as the couple lit the unity candle. Donna Hester, organist, played “Trumpet Tune” as the bride entered the chapel in addition to music for the recessional and postlude.

The bride, given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father. Her gown, of ivory silk duchess satin, featured a sweetheart neckline and diagonally ruched bodice. The ruching continued around to the back of the dress and was set off by satin covered buttons to the gown’s fitted waistline. The full asymmetrical skirt draped to the sides of the gown, showing off the fluffy tulle underskirt at the gown’s front.  The sweep train dusted the floor and was the background for the cascade chapel-length veil. The ivory tulle veil with narrow, antique white satin ribbon edged the bride’s face. Completing the ensemble was a pleated ivory belt with an appliqué of miniature pearls and vintage rhinestones. The bride chose simple jewelry to accent her ensemble including strands of pearls for her neck and wrists, and custom-faceted quartz-stone drop earrings.  

She carried a bouquet hand-tied with ivory satin which coordinated with the floral arrangements in the chapel. A monogrammed brooch and an antique locket belonging to the bride’s paternal grandmother, Janie Lochridge, adorned the bouquet.  These were carried in honor and memory of Mrs. Lochridge, who passed away a month prior to the ceremony.    

In keeping with bridal tradition, she wore a blue garter given to her by her grandmother, Mrs. Michael Howren; wrapped her bouquet in a monogrammed handkerchief which belonged to her great-grandmother, Mrs. James H. Shaw, Jr. as something borrowed; tucked a six-pence from England in her shoe as something old; and her wedding gown was something new.  

Shana Peraza served as the matron of honor. Sisters of the bride, Betsy and Gracie Lochridge, attended as bridesmaids along with Claire Connor and Sarah Garrett.

The bride chose gowns of indigo bobbinet English tulle for her bridesmaids. The gowns featured alternating halter and strapless necklines with fitted sweetheart bodices of ruching, natural waistlines, and floor-length trumpet skirts.  Cousins of the bride, Claire and Juliana Choate, served as junior bridesmaids and were dressed in coordinating gowns of the same indigo bobbinet English tulle. The junior attendants’ dresses were designed with sweetheart necklines and flowing, floor-length skirts.  Each attendant wore rhinestone and pearl drop earrings, a gift from the bride, and gold shoes of their choosing.  Their bouquets were a smaller version of the bride’s hand-tied with navy satin ribbon.  

The flower girl was Elle Howren, cousin of the bride.  Her dress was complimentary to the bride’s in light ivory crystal satin with a pleated mock wrap bodice and spaghetti straps.  The pleated ivory satin waistband embellished with organza flowers formed a large bow at her back to accent the lace underlay of the skirt which formed a sweep train for the full, floor-length organza skirt. She carried a moss-covered pomander with ivory ribbon.  

Brandon Bishop served as the best man. Trey Reed and Alex Williams, cousins of the groom, and David Chiem and David Nuckolls served as groomsmen.  

J.P. Heater, cousin of the bride, served as the ring bearer.  He carried a small antique gold jewelry box down the aisle.

The groom wore a gray tuxedo. A satin edge narrow notch lapel and shorter jacket complemented it. His ensemble included a matching vest and flat-front pants. He chose a navy and white patterned tie to complete his ensemble along with a ranunculus and hypericum berry boutonniere on his lapel.  All male attendants were identically attired with solid navy ties and ranunculus boutonnieres.  

The mother of the bride wore a gown in a rich dark emerald green color. The gown featured a sleeveless taffeta, hand-beaded lace bodice with dropped waistline and sweep train, bateau neckline and mermaid skirt.  

The groom’s mother selected a floor-length cocktail dress in slate gray. The classic A-line silhouette of the sleeveless dress featured sequined lace, a scoop neck and scalloped hem for a shimmering effect. The ensemble was completed with a three-quarter length sleeved jacket with a sequined lace shawl collar and cuffs.  The single button closure and sheer fabric of the jacket accented her dress creating the perfect effect for the occasion.  

Following the ceremony, the parents of the bride hosted a reception at the Coosa Country Club.

The four-layer wedding cake featured alternating layers of red velvet cake with cream cheese filling and spice cake with caramel filling all topped with cream cheese icing.  The focal point of the cake featured fresh flowers coordinating with the other floral arrangements. The cake was centered on a wall where the couple’s initials covered in moss were hung. As a wedding gift, the bride chose to serve her groom’s favorite dessert, peach cobbler à la mode, in lieu of a groom’s cake.

The bride donned her great-grandmother’s mink stroller for their departure in the bride’s maternal grandparents’ Mercedes convertible.  

Prior to the event, the groom’s parents hosted an engagement party for the bridal party and their guests, family and out-of-town attendees at State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves.

Prenuptial parties included a bridal shower hosted by Julie Mitchell, Theresa Pinson and Susan West; a bridal shower luncheon at Douceur de France in Marietta hosted by the bride’s maternal grandmother; a bridal shower brunch at the Cartersville Country Club hosted by the bride’s aunts, Ansley Choate, Jacey Howren, Betty Sue Ingram and Gail Lochridge; an I-Do BBQ hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Mauricio Peraza and Mr. and Mrs. Stacy Tomblin at the Tomblin home.

Members of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce Women’s Circle and the Sunday School class of the groom’s parents, hosted a surprise money-tree shower at the groom’s home church.  

Bridesmaids Claire Connor and Sarah Garrett hosted a bachelorette weekend and lingerie shower.

Susan Linsey, great-aunt of the bride, and cousins of the bride, Laura Grinnell and Julie Linsey, hosted a bridesmaid luncheon at the Swan Coach House in Atlanta.

After a honeymoon to Jamaica, the couple resides in Marietta.

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