Watsons honored with celebration

Angele and Morris Watson observed their golden wedding anniversary at a reception hosted by their children.

Mr. Watson and his bride, the former Angele Stoner, were married on June 30, 1956 in Ringgold, Ga.

Mrs. Watson was lovely attired in an ivory tea-length jacket dress. The satin wing collar of the jacket was adorned with beads and she wore drop earrings of gold and pearls. She wore a wrist corsage of fresh ivory roses, with Mr. Watson wearing an ivory rose boutonniere.

Upon entering the reception hall, guests were greeted by the couple?s granddaughter, Lindsey Clayton. She wore Mrs. Watson?s original strapless satin navy wedding dress adorned with soft pink polka dots. Fresh ivy was entwined throughout the arch beside the registry table. An antiqued ivory bird cage held a bridal couple and golden candles beside a crystal centerpiece of snowball flowers, ivy and ornamental grass.

Guest tables were covered with gold satin and ivory lace overlay and held clear vases with ornamental grass and floating Persian limes. A five-branched golden brass candelabra centered the photo display featuring the bridal couple in 1956, a framed copy of their marriage license, as well as photographs of them with their children through the years.

Tish Watson sang and dedicated ?When You Say Nothing At All? to her parents for all the years of love and sacrifice shown to their children. Music from the 50s era played softly in the background.

Single gold tapers burned beside the three-tiered round cake supported by crystal columns. The anniversary confection was iced in gold, decorated with 1,200 miniature ivory roses and held a gold and crystal 50th anniversary emblem. Forming a backdrop for the serving table, offering assorted hors d?oeuvres, nuts and mints, were Boston ferns resting on white columns decorated with gold tulle.

Servers for the occasion were Laura Mingle, Imelda Redmon, Gwen Stoner and Crystal Clayton. Grandson Ken Clayton distributed thank-you scrolls and candy kiss bags tied in gold tulle. Assisting the couple?s children, grandchildren and son-in-law Thomas Mingle in the hospitality were Aaron Keifer and Terry Knowles.

Mr. Watson was a fireman/captain for the City of McMinnville Fire Department for several years before retiring as co-owner of L&M Flooring. He is a Baptist minister and has pastored in Warren and surrounding counties. Mrs. Watson is a homemaker and enjoys being with their grandchildren and visiting her 92-year-old mother, Leida Stoner.

The couple enjoyed a return trip to Ringgold for photos in front of the courthouse where they wed and other points of interest in the area.