Martin-Clarke marriage solemnized in chapel
Lee Perkins performed the double ring ceremony at 6 o’clock in the evening following a musical prelude presented by Susan Mullins and String Ensemble of Murfreesboro.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Martin and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Reynolds, Mildred Martin and the late G. Fred Martin.
The bridegroom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Clarke. He is the grandson of Gene Womack and the late Charles R. Womack, Mary Clarke and the late Fred R. Clarke.
Guest register attendant was Gege Womack, cousin of the bridegroom.
Candlelight from tall white tapers in magnolia covered, seven-branched candelabras cast a reflective glow on the chapel’s stained glass windows dating to the 1800s.
The altar was adorned with a large arrangement of bells of Ireland, stock, freesia, dendrobium orchids, lilies, Vendula roses, Donna peach roses, Escimo roses, Ilse roses, Porcelana roses and Prince Sweetheart roses. A variety of greenery including magnolia, pittsoporum, eryngium and Italian ruscus enhanced the monogrammed cloth. Clusters of magnolia and tulle were placed at points of interest.
The aisles were graced with arrangements of bells of Ireland, selected roses, orchids and foliage.
Guests were directed to the chapel by a pathway lined with white globe-covered markers, white bows and magnolia. Adorning the chapel’s entrance doors were magnolia wreaths with dendrobium orchids, peach roses, bells of Ireland, Escimo roses, freesia and ivy.
The bride was resplendent attired in a strapless gown of candlelight satin designed with an elongated bodice that was embellished with sequins and beads. The chapel-length train was finished with identical beadwork trim.
Pearl jewelry complimented her delicate bridal halo of pearls caught to a fingertip-length veil of silk illusion. She carried a bouquet of the chosen classic roses accompanied by freesia and salal. The stems were hand-wrapped together with satin ribbon.
Maid of honor was Rae Anne Clarke of Murfreesboro, sister of the bridegroom, and bridesmaids were Julie Braxton Sloan and Tavia Lynn Hardee of Murfreesboro. The attendants wore strapless, two-pieced gowns of black satin in a style of their own choice. Each held a smaller version of the bridal bouquet.
Flower girl Madison Ann Sullivan of Murfreesboro wore a white satin gown with pearl embellishment and a floor-length hem. She carried a ball covered with bells of Ireland and tied with white braided ribbon.
Best man was Eddie Judson Moore of Leeds, Ala. Groomsmen were Lucas Rock Martin of McMinnville and Andrew Whitney Thompson Jr., of Cleveland.
The entire Cannonsburg Village was encompassed for the wedding celebration using burning globe lanterns to light the path to the decorated gazebo, wedding tent and indoor reception area.
Approximately 150 guests attended the reception. Servers were Lauren Paige Grandey and Lucia Raine Martin of McMinnville and background music was provided by Jason Gross.
Guests were seated in white chairs placed at white cloth-covered tables. Centered on each table with tulle and magnolia was a mirror reflecting light from a burning candle in a white iron holder. White roses and ivy completed the decoration.
A large floral arrangement on the food table and various other bouquets placed throughout the party area included bells of Ireland, stock, freesia, dendrobium orchids, lilies and the variety of classic roses selected by the bride, along with magnolia leaves, pittsoporum, eryngium, Italian ruscus and other foliage.
The bride’s table featured a three-tiered wedding cake on a silver base. The bride’s chosen flowers accented the anniversary tier and cascaded down the side of the confection.
Candles in silver candelabras and the attendants’ hand bouquets were placed beside the bridegroom’s cake decorated with the “MTSU” emblem.
The couple traveled to New Orleans and Perdido Key, Fla., for their wedding trip. They are now residing in Murfrees-boro.
The bride is employed in marketing and sales at the Tennessee Auto Auction in Nashville. She is a graduate of Warren County High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Mr. Clarke is employed in Nashville by Manheim’s Tennessee Auto Auction. He is also a WCHS graduate and earned a bachelor’s degree from MTSU.