Lori Renae Smith of Huntsville and Justin Aaron Kelso of Hartselle were married May 18, 2013, at Huntsville Botanical Gardens with Pastor David Gamble and Associate Pastor Bert Bunner officiating.

Lori Renae Smith and Justin Aaron Kelso

The bride is the daughter of Jerry and Gail Smith of Arab and the granddaughter of Billy and Laverne Brooks, Lillian Smith and the late Elton Smith, all of Arab.

The groom is the son of Lynn Kelso and the late Roger Kelso of Hartselle. He is the grandson of A.D. Hargrove and Judy Hargrove, both of Hartselle, and the late John and Mildred Kelso.

The ceremony took place at the Teledyne Terrace inside the Gardens. Glass mason jars filled with purple and white pansies hung on the sides of the chairs down the center aisle. An assortment of pink and lavender rose petals were scattered down the sides of the aisle.

The bride was given in marriage by her parents, Jerry and Gail Smith.

The bride wore a formal gown of ivory silk chiffon. The strapless gown featured a sweetheart neckline with a molded bodice, delicately embellished with scrolling embroidery and hand beading. The focal interest was the natural waistline, which was emphasized with a criss-cross belt of shirred chiffon. The soft A-line skirt was also adorned with cascading embroidery and swept to a chapel train.

The bride carried a bouquet consisting of an array of Picasso calla lilies, purple hydrangeas and lavender tulips wrapped with purple satin ribbon.

Matron of Honor was Katie Lott, friend of the bride, of Hartselle. Also attending the bride was Haylee Mead of Columbus, Ga., Ashley Collins of New Market, Holly Tiemann of Toney, Melissa Yarbrough of Arab and Elizabeth Stark of Madison.

The bridesmaids wore two styles of dresses by Bill Levkoff in regency purple. One dress was a chiffon one shoulder, cocktail length with a ruched bodice and skirt embellished with soft bathers. The other dress was a strapless chiffon cocktail style dress with diagonal pleats that accented the bodice and a pleated cummerbund at the natural waist with soft pleats on the skirt. They carried bouquets of assorted lavender tulips and lavender roses held by purple satin ribbon.

Camden Agnew served as flower girl and Jordan Kelso, nephew of the groom, was ring bearer.

Attending the groom was best man Tas Agnew, friend of the groom, from Clarksville, Tenn. Groomsmen were Phillip Kelso, brother of the groom from Hartselle, Josh Sloan and Joey Schutt, both of Hartselle, Drew Emerson of Tuscaloosa and Jon Lott of Homestead, Fla.

Parents and grandparents were seated by Phillip Kelso of Hartselle and Jason Smith of Arab, brothers of the bride and groom.

The parents and grandparents were escorted and seated to the song, “A Hundred More Years.” The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father to “Forever in Love.” Soloist Tiffany Bulman sang “I Will Be Here” to start the ceremony. The song, “When God Made You” was played after the vows. The couple then chose to take part in the Unity Cross ceremony. At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, the bridal party left to “This Will Be An Everlasting Love.”

Immediately following the ceremony a reception was held in the Arbor Room at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. A slide show at the reception was provided by Jason Smith, brother of the bride.

The bride’s cake was a two tiered square lemon cake with ivory icing decorated with a scroll pattern and piped pearls around the base of each tier all nestled on a lighted glass block display. The cake displayed an array of purple flowers from the ceremony including tulips, roses, hydrangeas, and calla lilies and included a “K” cake topper.

The groom’s cake was a two-tiered chocolate cake with butter cream icing. The cake was decorated in houndstooth and crimson, and was covered with chocolate covered strawberry footballs.

The wedding was directed by Paula Ramey. The reception was catered by David’s Creative Catering in Huntsville.

Amber Christa kept the bride’s book. The program attendants were Nathan Smith, cousin of the bride and Destiny Moses.

After a honeymoon to Montego Bay, Jamaica, the couple will reside in Huntsville.

Pre-wedding events included:

The bride and groom hosted a rehearsal dinner at Greenbriar BBQ restaurant May 17.

A bridal luncheon at Emma’s Tea Room.

A bridal shower hosted by friends and family at Eddy Baptist Church in Arab April 13.

A bridal shower hosted by friends at Bethel Church April 20.

A tool and gadget party hosted by friends at the home of Chris and Susie Agnew April 20.