Merritt - Rackley
CALYPSO — Amanda June Rackley of Calypso and David Kemp Merritt of Calypso exchanged vows in a double-ring ceremony Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. at Calypso Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Chris Currie officiating.
The bride is the daughter of James Warren Rackley of Faison, Rick and Cecile Mooney of Greensboro and the late Bill Edwards and the granddaughter of the late Wilbert James and Hazel W. Rackley, Cecil M. Langley of Calypso, the late Lillian B. Langley, Betty Mooney of Greensboro and the late June G. Langley.
She is a graduate of North Duplin High School and a 2002 graduate of Campbell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in social work. She is employed as a social worker in Duplin County Schools.
The groom is the son of R. Wayland “Wade” and Martha Merritt of Dudley and Tim and Beverly Cobb Clifton of Turkey and the grandson of Robert Wayland Merritt Sr. and Lois H. Merritt of Dudley, Edna R. Cobb of Mount Olive , the late Wayland Cobb and Lois Clifton of Turkey.
He graduated from Union High School and the Golf Academy of the Carolinas in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in 2001. He is a member of the Mount Olive Fire Department. He is employed as a technician at Norment Security Group in Garner.
The bride was escorted by her father and stepfather and given in marriage by her family.
She wore a floor-length satin gown with a mermaid silhouette with an overlay of Chantilly lace. It featured a square neckline and spaghetti straps. The cathedral-length train was accented with pearls and sequins.
Her chapel-length veil was attached by a comb adorned with lace, pearls and crystals. The bride carried a cascading bouquet of gardenias, stephanotis and white roses interspersed with ivy and ruscus.
Nicole Cottle was maid of honor.
Honorary bridesmaids were Brandi Schoolcraft and Blair Jones, cousins of the bride; Becky Rackley, sister-in-law of the bride; and Christie Stevens, Crystal Page, Beverly Pope and Sarah Hull, friends of the bride.
Geoffrey Wayland Merritt was his brother’s best man.
Ushers were Jay Rackley, brother of the bride, and Kelly Paul Grady, cousin of the groom.
Lydia Strickland, Emily Lewis and Paige Lewis, nieces of the groom, were flower girls. Alex Sarantos, son of the bride, was ringbearer.
Becky Straughn directed the wedding.
A program of wedding music was provided by Bryan Baker, pianist.
Following the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Mooney held a reception at the Country Squire. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Jones greeted guests.
After a wedding trip, the couple will reside in Calypso.
Events held before the wedding included a bridal luncheon Nov. 11 at the home of Debbie Jones hosted by Mrs. Jones, Brandi Schoolcraft and Blair Jones; a miscellaneous shower Oct. 22 at Calypso Presbyterian Church hosted by Debbie Jones, Billie Carol Grady and Donna Ricks; and a bridal luncheon Oct. 21 at Another Place in Time Tea Room in Clinton hosted by Laveita Brinson, Lois Merritt and Martha Merritt.
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Clifton, family and friends held a rehearsal dinner Nov. 10 at the Country Squire.
By News-Argus Staff
Published in Weddings on November 12, 2006 3:30 AM