The sanctuary of the Atmore First Assembly of God Church was the setting for the January 12, 2013, late afternoon wedding of Whitney Catherine McGill and Jacob Glen Maholovich, both of Atmore.  The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Stephen McGill, Jr. of Atmore.  Her grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Norris and Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Stephen McGill, Sr., all of Atmore.  The groom is the son of Mrs. Vanessa Maholovich and the late Mr. Joseph Glen Maholovich, of Atmore, and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Wiggins of Bay Minette, Alabama, the late Ms. Doris Jarrell of Atmore, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Maholovich, of Bratt, Florida.  Officiating the ceremony were the Reverend W. Don Davis, pastor, Atmore First Assembly of God Church, and the Reverend Kesler Weaver, pastor, Simple House of Praise, Mt. Vernon, Alabama.

Prelude musical selections of the couple’s favorite hymns and praise and worship songs were performed by pianist Mrs. Jack Kirkland and violinists Miss Lauren Kirkland and Mr. Landon Kirkland of the Barnett Crossroads community.  Vocalists were Mr. Joshua Barnes of Atmore and Mrs. Lewis Jones of Alabaster, Alabama.

Entrance doors to the church were marked by monogram wreaths covered in green button mums and moss.  Atop a table covered in a cutwork lace cloth was a large wreath of mixed greenery and brown hypericum berries.  Nestled in the center were two different sized lanterns holding pillar candles.   An old window frame trimmed with burlap and eggplant colored ribbon was placed behind the arrangement.  Photos of the couple hanging from sage, ivory and chocolate colored burlap ribbon were displayed in the window panes.  The guest book and basket of programs stationed nearby were attended by Mrs. Ross Parham and Miss Charleigh Parham of Atmore.

The focal point of the sanctuary was an arbor designed and built by the groom’s late father.  Draped in white organza, the front columns were encircled by large wreaths of Vendela roses, white stargazer lilies, alstroemeria, and mixed greenery.  Pillar candles surrounded by mixed greenery accented the choir loft’s railings, and clusters of mixed greenery were placed along the edge of the baptistery.   The brown, wrought iron unity candelabra adorned with a small arrangement of white dendrobium orchids, greenery, and tulle was placed near the stage and held ivory tapers accented by burlap, lace and rhinestone wraps.    On the opposite side, a photograph of the groom’s father and a brown, wrought iron candelabra on a bed of moss were placed on an antique table accented by a burlap runner.  These memory candles were lit by the groom’s children and mother at the beginning of the ceremony.  Twig and moss wreaths hanging from ivory, satin ribbon marked the family pews and completed the sanctuary’s décor.

Escorted by her father, the bride descended the aisle in a diamond white satin gown.  A center medallion of pearls, crystals, and beading was featured at the sweetheart neckline.  The princess seamed, corseted back bodice was attached to a full drop waist skirt and train with a band of pearls, crystals, and beading encircling the top of the skirt.  She wore a headband of pearls, crystals, and satin ribbon and carried a monogrammed tussy-mussy belonging to the groom’s mother which held a bouquet of Vendela roses, eggplant calla lilies, small sage green succulents, brown hypericum berries, purple lisianthus, and moss.  For her jewelry, Whitney chose a necklace of pearls and rhinestones in a semi-circular design with matching earrings and borrowed her sister’s pearl and diamond cuff bracelet.  A handkerchief embroidered with blue flowers belonging to her maternal great-grandmother was tucked in her garter.  Crystal embellished white satin peep toe heels completed her ensemble.

Serving her sister as matron of honor was Mrs. Lewis Jones of Alabaster, Alabama.  Bridesmaids were Miss Ansleigh Maholovich, daughter of the groom, Bratt, Florida, and Mrs. Joshua Mims, sister of the groom, Fairhope, Alabama.  The attendants wore gowns of European satin in an eggplant color.  Each featured different necklines, skirt designs, and points of ruching.  The ladies wore necklaces of brown, plum and cream colored beads with matching earrings while the groom’s daughter wore a bracelet and earring set of light brown colored beads.

Each carried bouquets of Vendela roses, brown hypericum berries, white stock, and green button mums wrapped in burlap with twine and pearl pin accents.  A cameo brooch belonging to the bride’s maternal great-grandmother was placed on the matron of honor’s bouquet.  Cream colored shoes completed their look.   Miss Ella Grace Mims, niece of the groom, served as the flower girl.  Wearing an heirloom dress of white satin batiste designed and made by her mother, she carried a basket of snowflakes and petals.  The dress featured straps of lace, tea dyed Swiss insertion, and chocolate colored satin ribbon woven in a lattice pattern at the back.  Lace accents were also used across the neckline, at the empire waist, and hem.   Pearl barrettes and jewelry along with white satin shoes completed her attire.

The groom was dressed in a chocolate tuxedo, coordinating patterned vest and tie in a toffee color, ivory shirt, and brown accessories.  A boutonniere of brown hypericum berries and greenery completed his look.  Mr. Zachary Maholovich of Bratt, Florida, was his father’s best man.  Groomsmen were Mr. Lewis Jones, brother-in-law of the bride, Alabaster, Alabama, and Mr. Joshua Mims, brother-in-law of the groom, Fairhope, Alabama.   Mr. Eddie Sharp, Mobile, Alabama; Mr. Anthony Walker, Mobile, Alabama; Mr. Joshua Davis, Atmore, Alabama, and Mr. Derrick Crocker, Bay Minette, Alabama, served as ushers.  Groomsmen, ushers, and the bride’s father wore suits identical to the groom’s with boutonnieres of Vendela roses and greenery.  Master Keaton Mims, nephew of the groom, served as the sign bearer announcing the entrance of the bride.  He wore a vest to match the men, ivory shirt, chocolate pants, and brown shoes.

The mother of the bride wore a chiffon gown in a shade of violet teal that featured a sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps and a skirt of horizontal layers of chiffon.   Sequins and beading were scattered over the ruched bodice and along the edge of the sheer sleeved bolero jacket.    A necklace, earrings, and bracelet set of sapphire and aquamarine colored stones with rhinestones and silver satin shoes completed her attire.  The groom’s mother chose a v-necked gown of chiffon in a truffle shade featuring a ruched bodice with rhinestone buttons, flutter sleeves, and a softly layered skirt.  She wore a pendant necklace and drop earrings of topaz colored stones and rhinestones and wore cream colored satin shoes.  Wrist corsages of small white roses, purple statice, and green dendrobium orchids accented with crystal pins and tied with sheer eggplant ribbon were worn by both.

The bride’s maternal grandmother wore a two piece suit featuring a plum colored jacket and printed skirt, and her paternal grandmother chose a dark brown and light bronze printed sheath dress with a light bronze jacket.  The groom’s maternal step-grandmother was attired in a dark plum dress with a satin trimmed matching jacket.   Coordinating accessories and corsages of white spray roses were worn by each.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception in the Coosawada Ballroom at the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel.   A collage of bridal portraits was on display in the entry hallway, and a nearby table held large burlap lined wicker baskets filled with favors.   As the focal point of the buffet tables at the room’s entrance, a large “M” initial elevated on a stand was surrounded by a free form arrangement of succulents and moss.  Flanking it were bouquets of white gladioli, purple and white stock, brown hypericum berries, white dendrobium orchids, green button mums, and mixed greenery.   In keeping with the couple’s rustic theme, dining tables in the main space were covered in ivory cloths and highlighted by two different designs.  Small oak logs of different heights holding tea light candles were tied together with sage green satin ribbon and sat atop a bed of moss on a burlap runner on some tables, while lanterns holding pillar candles were placed on dark brown satin toppers on the others.  A menu of mixed green salad with assorted dressings, red skin potato salad, pasta salad, grilled pork tenderloin, fried chicken, barbecue ribs, sweet potato casserole, pole beans with bacon and onion, cornbread, and assorted beverages was served after the arrival of the wedding party.

Positioned along the room’s far wall, the bride’s table, covered in an ivory cloth, held a three-tiered confection on a sterling silver cake stand.  Designed and made by Olga Pettis of Fairhope, Alabama, the vanilla cake featured the couple’s monogram and was accented by purple and white lisianthus, green dendrobium orchids, and small white roses.  On an adjoining table were stands of cupcakes in flavors of red velvet with cream cheese frosting and sugared pecans, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, and chocolate with mocha frosting and white chocolate shavings.  Miniature vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting were scattered around the towers.  Featuring the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide, the groom’s table held peach cobbler, a tower of pecan pies, and assorted cookies and wafers in glass containers as well as the coffee service.

After the first dances were performed, and the couple cut the cake, the bride changed into a reception dress for the remainder of the evening.  The one-shoulder cocktail length dress of red chiffon featured a ruched bodice and ruffled skirt.  Gold shoes and jewelry completed her attire.  Music before, during, and after the meal was provided by Mr. Mifford Hill of Monroeville, Alabama.   Following a honeymoon cruise to The Bahama Islands, the couple is residing in Atmore.

After Rehearsal Dinner

Mrs. Vanessa Maholovich hosted the after rehearsal dinner at the Oak Grove Community Center in Oak Grove, Florida.   Co-hostesses were Mrs. Marcy Mims, Ms. Mona Lusk, Ms. Mary Ann Allen, and Mrs. Brenda Berry.  The rustic interior of the room and tables were highlighted by lanterns, candles, branches holding small votives, and an assortment of greenery.   A mix of china, crystal, and pewter was at each place setting.  Guests’ places were marked by their names inscribed in gold paint on small magnolia leaves.  The menu of mixed green salad with homemade dressings, grilled pork tenderloin, cheese potatoes, and breads was enjoyed by those attending.  Desserts of blackberry cobbler with ice cream, pecan pie and assorted coffees were served.   Sentiments of the groom’s father and toasts to the couple were made during the evening.  The couple chose this time to present their gifts to each other and to their attendants.  Whitney wore a charcoal colored peplum dress with a plum belt, plum flats, and gold jewelry for the occasion.

Showers

The staff of the Mobile County Probation and Parole Office hosted a miscellaneous shower on October 24, 2012.  The meeting space was decorated in a fall theme, and those attending enjoyed assorted sandwiches, fruit and cheese trays, cupcakes, and drinks before gifts were opened.  Hostesses for the occasion were Ms. Deborah Tinsley, senior probation officer, Ms. Marquita Williams, friend of the bride-elect and fellow officer, and secretaries.

The AFA House on Pensacola Avenue in Atmore was the setting for a lingerie shower on November 17, 2012.  Hostesses were Mrs. Jordan Jones and Mrs. Marcy Mims, and co-hostesses were Mrs. Mandy Strawbridge, Mrs. Cliff Turk, and Mrs. Brooke Turner.  Finger foods, cake, and punch were served before games were played and gifts opened.

A combined family shower and luncheon was held on December 1, 2012, at The AFA House on Pensacola Avenue.  Hosting the event were Mrs. Jordan Jones, Mrs. Molly Norris, Mrs. Ouida McGill, Mrs. Becky Norris, Mrs. Tom Hartner, Ms. Mary Ann Allen, Mrs. Brenda Berry, Mrs. Vickie Black, and Mrs. Marcy Mims.  Members of the families enjoyed an assortment of homemade soups, sandwiches, and desserts prior to gifts being opened.

Members of the hospitality committee of the Atmore First Assembly of God Church hosted a drop-in miscellaneous shower on the afternoon of December 2, 2012, in the church fellowship hall.  Finger foods, fruits, cake and punch were served as guests enjoyed watching the bride-elect open her many shower gifts.