Lea/Wheeler

Devon Nichole Lea and Jay Edward Wheeler were married Saturday, May 16th, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Kennett.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. Ron Lea of Hornersville and Ms. Alesa Lea of Senath and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Davenport, of Arbyrd, Charlene Lea, of Hornersville, and the late H.A. Lea, Jr.

The groom is the son of Mr. Charles Wheeler of Kennett and Mrs. Deborah Mims of Holcomb, and the grandson of the late Mr. Richard Tucker, the late Ms. Beulah Tucker and the late Mr. and Mrs. Burt Wheeler.

The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a gown designed by Maggie Sottero. The diamond white, strapless, slim A-line gown featured a lace-up closure and Empress Taffeta wrapping across the sweetheart neckline to create a slimming asymmetrical waist. The gown was embellished with lace flourishes throughout the bodice area while the gathered taffeta overlay created a fluted side drape, revealing an embellished tulle insert. The back of the gown pulled at the side hip, creating a gathered asymmetrical train. The bride's veil was a two-tiered fingertip length with Swarovski crystals and iridescent beading. Accenting the veil was a silver headband encrusted with Swarovski crystal flowers, leaves and beading. The look was finished with metallic silver sandals designed by Jimmy Choo. The bridal bouquet was a presentation style, featuring calla lilies encircled with white roses. The bouquet was accented with diamond white silk ribbon and pearl button detailing.

Angela Birney, friend of the bride, of Paducah, KY, served as matron of honor. Serving as bridesmaids were Kia Garner, of Little Rock, AR, Haley Mitchell, of West Plains, MO, Rhonda Campbell, of Atlanta, GA, and Molly Miller, of Pittsburg, PA, all friends of the bride. Sadie Lea, sister of the bride, of Cabot, AR, served as junior bridesmaid. Each bridesmaid wore a coordinating black cocktail dress of their choosing, accented by pearl jewelry given as a gift by the bride. Matron of honor and bridesmaids all carried a hand tied bouquet of white hydrangeas accented with peacock feathers and teal satin ribbon. Mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom wore wrist and lapel corsages of white roses and stephanotis.

Matt Moser, of Austin, AR, friend of the groom, served as best man. The groomsmen were Jarred Gooch and Jackie Overbey, of Kennett, Dr. Woody Soonattrakul, of Fairview Heights, IL, and Ryan Looney, of Ridgeland, MS, all friends of the groom. Garret Lea, brother of the bride, of Cabot, served as head usher. Ushers were Luke Branum and Josh Gibson, of Senath, MO, and Aaron Jamerson, of Hornersville, MO, all friends of the bride and groom. The groom's boutonniere was fashioned of white mini calla lilly accented with stephanotis. The groomsman and ushers wore white mini calla lily accented with a small peacock feather on their tuxedos styled in classic black.

Cally Jackson, friend of the bride, served as flower girl. She wore a ballet length classic dress of diamond white chiffon with pearl accented flowers flowing from the black satin umpire sash. Her dress was accented by a kissing ball of white chrysanthemums which she carried by a teal satin ribbon.

Landon Law, of Arab, AL, cousin of the bride, served as ring bearer. He wore a classic black tuxedo, accented with white stephanotis and a small peacock feather.

Lea Ann Burbank, of Lafe, AR, Stephanie Law, of Arab, AL, Sara Miller, of Leachville, AR, and Jessica Zolman, of Arbyrd, all cousins of the bride, presided over the guest books. Program attendants were Beau Burbank, of Lafe, Nathan Law and Ryan Law, of Arab, and Lexi Miller, of Leachville. Wedding coordinator was Laura Jane Yarbro, of Poplar Bluff, MO.

Prelude, postlude and entrance music was provided by violinist Jim Campbell of Atlanta, GA. Vocalists and musicians during the ceremony included Justin and Meredith Pobst, both of Jackson, MO and Mickey Miller, of Pittsburg, PA.

Following the ceremony, the bride and groom departed in a 1947 Ford V8 Super Deluxe restored and driven by David Harris, of Senath to greet their guests at a dinner and dance at the Kennett American Legion.

The bride's cake was a five tiered white wedding cake, which sat atop a silver heirloom cake stand. A layer of Black Magic red roses was placed between the cake stand and cake, as well as each layer. The top of the cake featured a rhinestone 'W' topper amid additional roses. The cake was designed by the bride and constructed by Pat Mitchell of The Traveling Whisk in Kennett.

The groom's cake was designed as an exact replica of the new Busch Stadium. The chocolate cake was accented with intricately detailed elements including personalized scoreboards featuring the date and names of the bride and groom. The cake was designed and constructed by Lou Burns of Truman, AR.

Music for the evening was provided by The Generation Gap Band, of St. Louis, MO.

After returning from a honeymoon in the Mayan Riviera, the couple is making their home in Kennett.