Simms - Artis
KINSTON — Phyllis Maxine Artis of Kinston and Lonnie Donnell Simms exchanged promises April 3 at 1 p.m.
Preston Harris officiated at the double-ring ceremony at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
The bride is the daughter of Doris King of Kinston and the Rev. Johnnie Lee Artis of Goldsboro and the stepdaughter of Herman Lee King of Kinston and Jacqueline Artis of Goldsboro.
The groom is the son of Mary Simms and Eddie Simms of Wilson. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Zeck Simms.
Given in marriage and escorted by her uncle, Fred Edwards, the bride wore a formal white matte satin long-sleeved and scooped neckline gown with embroidery flowers, Venise lace and beading on the bodice. The dropped waist was highlighted with rose and pearl embroidery that complimented the cathedral train.
For her headpiece, she chose a tiered veil of white and ivory illusion that flowed from a crown of fresh water pearls and clear crystals. She carried a bouquet of white long-stemmed roses accented with purple and white beads.
Sandra Johnson During of Raleigh, cousin of the bride, was matron of honor. Brenda Hicks Edwards of Kinston, aunt of the bride, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Joy Simms of Wilson, sister of the groom; Cheryl Legrande of Snow Hill, Geneva Harris of Durham and Shamika Edwards and Whitney Barrett of Kinston, cousins of the bride; and Pamela Eatmon and Yvette Handy of Wilson.
Eddie Simms of Wilson was his brother’s best man. Ushers were Alvino Daniels, Freddie Edwards and Jamie Melvin of Goldsboro, cousins of the bride. Groomsmen were Cedric Mumford Jr., Scott Edwards Jr. and Donald Rhoe of Kinston; Delago Harris and DeAndre Garrett of Kinston and Ricky Johnson of Goldsboro, cousins of the bride.
Victoria During of Raleigh, cousin of the bride, was the junior bridesmaid.
Cierra Legrande, cousin of the bride, was flower girl. Deshawn Simms, nephew of the groom, was ring bearer.
Mallie Strong and Verona Chisolm, aunt of the bride, directed the ceremony. Presiding at the register was Brenda Foy. Deloris North, aunt of the bride, distributed programs.
Minister Shalene Moses of Goldsboro performed the salt covenant ceremony. Prophet Curtis Gooding of Kinston did the candle-lighting ceremony. Eldress Deborah Strong of Goldsboro performed the prayer mantle ceremony.
A program of wedding music was provided by Anthony Taylor, pianist; Levette Hopkins of Raleigh, cousin of the bride, vocalist; and Kiesha Yelverton, saxophonist.
After a wedding trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, the couple is residing in Wilson.
The bride is founder and director of King of Kings Outreach Ministries. She is a member of AKA Sorority. She is employed by Wilson County Schools with Beddingfield High School.
The groom is a member of the NAACP. He is employed by Wilson County Schools with Darden Middle School.
Following the ceremony, the couple held a reception at Carraway’s Restaurant at Frenchman Creek. Alma Hopkins served the wedding and groom cakes. Leytricia Harris was coordinator.
On April 20, the staff of Darden Middle School held a bride and groom shower.
Brenda Foy of Kinston held a lingerie shower March 30.
On March 6, Brenda Edwards and Leytricia Harris of Kinston, aunts of the bride, held a pantry shower.
The bride’s mother held a kitchen accessories shower Feb. 28.
On Feb. 27, students at Beddingfield High School held a linen shower.
Sandra Johnson During of Raleigh held a bath and body shower Jan. 30.
The bride’s mother held a rehearsal dinner at Greater Mt. Zion Church fellowship hall.
By David Rouse
Published in Weddings on May 16, 2004 11:42 AM