Wedding: Brooke Welch & Michael Hill

Brooke Welch and Michael Hill, both of Choudrant, were joined in holy matrimony September 12, 2015 at Douglas United Methodist Church in Ruston. The double ring ceremony was officiated by Rev. Jeremy Jones.

The bride is the daughter of Rusty and Stephanie Welch of Choudrant. Grandparents of the bride are Roger and Judy Harris, Choudrant and Pearl Harris, Farmerville.

The groom is the son of Virginia Otwell Skipper of Gibsland and Mike Hill of West Monroe. He is the grandson of Patricia Spillers, Gibsland; James Otwell and Eloise Carver, Ruston; and Margie Hill, Swartz.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore an Essence of Australia modified A-line gown featuring lace over lavish satin, a scalloped lace sweetheart neckline and hem, with fabric buttons down the back that carried through down the train. The gown was accented with a crystal and pearl sash at the waist. She carried a hand tied bouquet of loose and airy natural flowers bound with satin and pinned with her late grandmother's brooch.

Jessica Nugent, of West Monroe, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Lori Manning, Ruston; Danielle Parks, Nashville, TN; and Mary Alford, Baton Rouge.

PHOTO http://www.kissybridesmaid.com/maternity-bridesmaid-dresses

Serving the groom as best man was Jacob Morgan of Sterlington. Groomsmen were Tommy Lewis, Choudrant; Casey Quarles, Choudrant; and Will Pierce, Ruston. Cam Nugent, of West Monroe, served as ring bearer. Jordan Bender and Hayden Bender, of Kingwood, TX, served as candlelighters and greeters.

Music for the ceremony was provided by Dianne Lord.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Historic Fire Station in Ruston. Music was provided by Caravan Band of Shreveport.

A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom's father at Cotton in Monroe.

Several celebrations were held prior to the wedding to honor the couple.

A miscellaneous shower was hosted by Pamela Stewart, Stephanie Smith, Margie Grigsby, and Karen James at Genesis in Ruston.

The ladies of Douglas United Methodist Church hosted a miscellaneous brunch at the church in Ruston.

A miscellaneous brunch was held at the Emory Community House in Choudrant hosted by Joyce Kay Smith, Mary Jones, Dana Land, Wendy Rowton, Angie Smith, Katie Nicholson, Kristi Theodos, Jody Jones, Nikki Barmore, and Jamie Land.

A Fajitas and Margaritas themed couples shower was hosted in Ruston by Lee Jay and Sharon Haddox, Keith and Susan Odom, Tommy and Stephanie Sisemore, Jeff and Leisha Smith, Robin Thomas, Lance Leihr, and Vikki McDonald.