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Higginbotham — Aikins
Melisa Ann Higginbotham and Grant Evan Aikins were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at First Christian Church in Iola. The Rev. Steve Traw performed the ceremony.
Parents of the couple are Ronnie and Debbie Higginbotham, Iola, and Dan and Julie Aikins, Chanute. Grandparents of the couple are Benny and Teresa Holloway, KOA Campgrounds, Glendene Kelly, Iola, Jimmie Higginbotham, Fort Scott, and the late Bonnie Higginbotham, Vada Aikins, Humboldt, and the late Roy D. Aikins, Sr. and the late Ralph and Elnora Hagans of Eldon, Mo.
Man of honor was John Higginbotham, brother of the bride, Ottawa, and matron of honor was Erin Williams, Wichita.
Best man was Kevin Aikins, brother of the groom, Lawrence, and groomsman was Adam Sluder, Lawrence.
Flower girls were Sheridan and Lillie Barnhart, cousins of the groom, Stilwell. Ring bearers were Gabriel (Buster) Taylor, Futema Marine Corps Base, Okinawa, and Dylan Coffield, Iola, cousins of the bride.
Candlelighters were Sarah Buckley, Olathe, and Taylor Garcia, cousin of the bride, Houston, Texas.
Guests were greeted by Jodie Sager, Moran, and Wyatt Hagans, cousin of the groom, Eldon. Seating the guests were Matt Davis, cousin of the groom, Oklahoma City, Okla., and Joel White, Lawrence, and Dan Mathewson, Axtell.
Music was provided by Janet Sager, Moran, on marimbas and Kim Strickler, Iola, on piano. Jessica Taylor, cousin of the bride, and Kevin Aikins, brother of the groom, provided the music for the processional. Kayleigh Strickler, Manhattan, and Sabrina Strickler, Lawrence, provided the music for the lighting of the unity candle. Jenna Higginbotham, sister-in-law to the bride, read a blessing for the couple.
The bride wore an A-line gown with asymmetrical ruching along the bodice, sweetheart neckline with crystal beading along the bust and chapel-length train. The bouquet was white Shasta and red Gerber daisies.
A reception followed the wedding at the North Community Building in Iola. Hosts were Mr. and Mrs. Mike Oswald and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Weston. The meal was catered by Bill and Karen Weston. Cake attendants were Casey Smalley and Kiley Weston. Music for the dance was provided by Glenn Garcia, uncle of the bride, and Dave Saucier, both of Houston.
After returning from a seven-day honeymoon aboard a Carnival Cruise ship, which docked at Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, the couple are at home in Iola.
Mrs. Aikins is a graduate of Iola High School and University of Kansas with a bachelor of social work degree. She is employed by TFI Family Services in Chanute as a resource family services worker. Mr. Aikins is a graduate of Chanute High School and University of Kansas with a bachelor of sociology degree. He is employed as a claims adjuster with Farmers Insurance Group in Olathe.
