Bates - Durham
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bates of Louisville, Ga., announce the marriage of their daughter, Bonnie Jean Bates, to William Thomas Durham, son of Bill and Irene Durham of Mesa, Ariz., and Rick and Cora Keys of Peachtree City.
The wedding was May 27, 2000, at the Mountain Valley Chapel in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
The Christian ceremony was performed by the Rev. Michael Driver.
Escorted by her father, the bride was given in marriage by her father and mother.
She wore a white gown of bridal satin and Alencon lace and carried a bouquet of Casablanca lilies, white hydrangea and white roses with trailing English ivy.
The bouquet was embellished with blue satin ribbon roses handmade by the mother of the bride.
Rachel Walker of Locust Grove, sister of the groom, was the matron of honor.
Joshua Brookshire of Acworth, friend and college classmate of the groom, was the best man.
Also in attendance was the bride's grandmother, Anna Marie Partusch.
The bride's aunt, Annie Talley of Brevard, N.C. and cousin, Woody Talley of Chapel Hill, N.C., provided vocal and accompanying guitar entertainment at the reception, which was held at Five Oaks Pavilion in Pigeon Forge.
A rehearsal dinner at Damon's Restaurant prior to the wedding was hosted by Bill and Irene Durham and Rick and Cora Keys, parents of the groom.
A May 6 wedding shower for the bride and groom was given by Cora Keys and Rachel Walker at the Acworth home of Wayne and Susan Carroll, aunt and uncle of the groom.
Out-of-town guests included Richard and Nancy Bates of Louisville, parents of the bride.
Also, a May 21 bridal shower was given by Hilary Lewis and Karen Lewis, friends of the bride and groom, at the John Lewis home.
Refreshments were provided by Toni Yonchak, mother of Karen Lewis.
Special guests were Mr. and Mrs. Rick Keys, mother and stepfather of the groom.
Following their honeymoon in Pigeon Forge, the couple is residing in Douglasville.
