Bertha McCoy weds Craig Garrett

Bertha McCoy of Crowley and Craig Garrett of Franklin were united in holy matrimony during a double ring ceremony at the New Vision Ministry Church in Crowley on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at three o’clock in the afternoon. Pastor Joseph Damon officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of the late Curley and Edolia McCoy, formerly of Crowley. She is the goddaughter of the late Willie Mae Allen, also formerly of Crowley. Bertha is a graduate of Crowley High School and is currently employed by Petro in Egan.

The groom is the son of the late John and Ruth Miller, formerly of Franklin. After graduating from Franklin Senior High School, he joined the Louisiana National Guard and also served active duty in the United States Army. A member of the Masonic Helios Lodge 273 in Cambridge, Minnesota, Craig is currently employed by Kenan Transport of North Canton, Ohio.

Escorted by her cousin, Alton Allen, the bride wore a shimmering white gown designed by Alfred Angelo featuring a sweetheart neckline set off with crystals and rhinestones. The fitted bodice dropped into a v-shaped waist accented with regal embroidery, silver beads, sequins and pearls. The long, lace sleeves, which were puffed at the shoulders, gradually tapered into v-shapes at the bride’s hands. The back of the gown was embellished by satin and lace buttons and flowed into a cathedral-length train.

As a headpiece, the bride wore a rhinestone and pearl tiara with a fingertip veil. The white lace veil was trimmed with beads, crystals and silver lace. She also carried a bridal bouquet of cascading blue silk roses intertwined with hand-tied silver and flowing white satin ribbon.

In keeping with tradition, the bride tucked a penny in her shoe as something old. Her wedding gown served as something new, while a blue garter was something blue. For good luck, she also placed a silver six-pence piece in her shoe.

Linda Wilson, friend of the bride, served as matron of honor. Friends Elda Smith, Sherta Harmon, and Kay Wiley were bridesmaids, and Amaria Johnson served as junior bridesmaid.

The matron of honor wore a sleeveless floor-length gown in white satin with a low-cut v-shaped neckline. The fitted bodice and defined waistline were embellished with silver accents and beading. A white satin scarf and pearl earrings completed the look.

The bridesmaids were attired in sleeveless floor-length gowns of royal blue lamé, also with low-cut v-shaped necklines and fitted bodices set with silver accents and beading. Royal blue scarves and silver earrings added finishing touches.

Each of the bridal attendants carried a hand-tied bouquet of white and blue roses wrapped in royal blue and silver satin ribbon.

The junior bridesmaid wore a floor-length white satin dress gathered at the waist with sequins and accented with beading. The v-shaped, scalloped neckline was highlighted with a scarf, and the outfit was completed with a rhinestone tiara and matching pearl earrings and necklace.

The flower girl, Rochelle Moore, wore a sleeveless, floor-length white satin dress covered with silk lace and featuring an A-line waist and satin ribbon in the back. Her head was adorned with flowers and her ears with pearls. She carried a white satin pearl basket with a pearl handle as she softly scattered blue silk rose petals down the aisle.

Terry Freeman, cousin of the groom, served as best man. Lenton Citizen and Dwayne Davis, friends of the groom, served as groomsmen. Armanic Johnson was the junior groom.

The groom and the junior groom wore formal six-button tuxedos in white, with white satin vests and ties. The groom’s boutonniere was a blue and silver silk rose.

The groomsmen were attired in black Calvin Klein tuxedos with white shirts and royal blue cumberbuns and ties.

Guests were ushered to their seats by Clinton Moore, friend of the bride, who wore a two-piece black suit with a white and silver boutonnierre.

Musical selections were provided by Lois Martin and Gordon Blount.

Following the entrance of the wedding party, the bride was heralded into the church by a page ringing bells and announcing her entrance. The usher unrolled a white aisle runner before her and the musicians performed “Always and Forever” to accompany her walk.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the bride and groom presented honored family members with long-stemmed blue roses and white carnations.