Barkes, Tobitt exchange wedding vows

LaKeisha Mae Barkes and Cory Glen Tobitt were wed May 21 in a ceremony at the Tobitts’ Morrison home. Kenneth Kirby officiated at the double-ring ceremony.

The marriage vows of Miss LaKeisha Mae Barkes and Cory Glen Tobitt were solemnized May 21 in a ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Tobitts’ Morrison residence. Kenneth Kirby officiated at the double-ring wedding ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Debra Barkes and the late Wayne Barkes. Parents of the groom are Harold and Janell Tobitt.

Mothers of the bridal couple were escorted to their appointed honor seats to the accompaniment of “The Rose,” while the minister, groom and best man entered to the strains of “God Bless the Broken Road.” The maid of honor and flower girls took their places at the improvised altar as the pianist played “Love Song,” while the bride entered to the traditional wedding march.

The guest register was attended by Ms. Krysta Ferrell. For the exchange of vows the setting was decorated with periwinkle bows on white chairs, and ferns placed on pedestals adorned with yellow hibiscus. Complementing the setting were antique lamp posts decorated with trailing ivy and holding white tapers.

The bride was given in marriage by her uncle, Rickie Northcutt, and brother, Dustin Barkes. For her wedding day, she chose a Jacquelin exclusive informal Japanese white satin gown. The floor-length model featured apron style front closure panels with embroidered rhinestone bodice and detailed skirt panels.

Her veil was a rhinestone tiara with draping white tulle made by her grandmother, Tennie Northcutt. She carried an arrangement of spring wildflowers and a single white rose in memory of her father.

During the ceremony the bride’s cousin, Tiffany Wheatly, presented the poetry readings, “To My Father” and “The Perfect View” in memory of the late Mr. Barkes. The bride lighted a white candle as these were read.

Jamie Winningham served as the bride’s matron of honor. She wore a periwinkle model with split flutter sleeves and an asymmetrical ruffled hem. Ms. Winningham carried an arrangement of spring wildflowers.

Summer Barkes, younger sister of the bride, served as a flower girl as did the bride’s niece, Jaylyn Richardson. They wore white sleeveless floor-length dresses trimmed with white flowers and ribbon.

Davy Winningham served as the groom’s best man.

The Tobitt residence was the setting for a reception honoring the newlyweds. For the occasion, a white tent held tables decorated with white tablecloths complemented by periwinkle bows and assorted spring flowers. The bride’s sister, LaShay Barkes, and her cousin, Kristen Simons, attended the bride’s table.

The bride is the granddaughter of Dessie Barkes and the late Willie Jewell (Speed) Barkes and of Tennie Northcutt and the late Malvin Northcutt.

Mr. Tobitt is the grandson of Janie Cantrell and the late Glenn Cantrell and of Minnie Evelyn Tobitt and the late Cyril Tobitt.

The bride is a 2001 graduate of Warren County High School, and 2005 graduate of Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Mr. Tobitt, a 1996 graduate of Warren County High School, is employed by Bouldin and Lawson.

Following a wedding trip to Gatlinburg, the couple resides in the Morrison community.