Courtney Lauren Henderson and Stephen Michael Speciale were united in marriage at three o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, June 8, 2013. The vows were exchanged at First Baptist Church in Holly Pond. Reverend Benjamin Smothers of Holly Pond officiated the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robin L. Henderson of Holly Pond. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Noel W. Henderson of Holly Pond and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Kean of Cullman.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Paul Speciale of Franklin, Tenn. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Ronald Caron of Summerfield, Fla., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Speciale of The Bronx, N.Y.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a formal gown of ivory duchess satin accented with silver. The gown’s focal interest was the deep-plunging neckline and back, which was emphasized with silver beading and crystals. The natural waistline featured a crisscross pattern of pleated satin that extended over the slim-fitting hips. The A-line skirt swept to an extended chapel train. Her fingertip veil of imported French tulle was edged with delicate pearl and crystal embroidery and was held by a bridal comb of pearls and faceted crystals. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of white roses, white calla lilies, white hybrid lilies, green cymbidium orchids and tree fern. The stems were wrapped in green satin ribbon and pinned with pearls. Also wrapped around the stems was her paternal grandmother’s keepsake handkerchief. The bride also chose to wear her paternal great-grandmother’s wedding ring.

Maid of honor was Callie Henderson, sister of the bride and matron of honor was Ashley Hulsey, cousin of the bride. Bridesmaids were Kimberly Speciale, Jada Smothers, Paige Carr, Kristen Walker and Lauren Cheatham. Flower girls were Sadie Pierce and Kylie Oliver.

Best man was Jonathan Patton. Groomsmen were Caleb Joseph, Zachary Henderson, Jordan Brewer, Joseph Raccuglia, Trey Horsfall, Michael McKay and Winston Gordon. Ringbearer was John David Cochran.

Program attendants were Sophie Kean and Shelby Kean. Shan Goodlett attended the bridal registry. Harpist, Stephen Miller, and soloist, Mallory Cain Arrington, provided wedding music. Heidi Walker, Donna Cain and Robin Brannan directed the wedding.

Following the wedding ceremony, a reception was held at the McGukin Civic Center in Cullman and dinner was catered by The All Steak. Music was provided by deejay, Seth Stanfield. Doris Patterson and the Cake and Eat It Too staff coordinated the reception.

After a honeymoon trip to Cancun, Mexico, the couple will reside in Cullman.

 

Pre-Nuptial Parties

Engagement parties were held July 21, 2012 at the home of the bride’s parents; and November 10, 2012 at the home of Jon Patton, the best man.

Bridal showers was held March 22, 2013 at East Elementary School by the bride’s teacher friends; and March 24, 2013, at First Baptist Church Holly Pond by the ladies of the church.

A lingerie shower was held April 26, 2013 at the home of Ashley Hulsey, and co-hosted by Renee Carr and Paige Carr.

A bridesmaid’s luncheon was held June 7, 2013 at The All Steak and by Janna Henderson.

An after-rehearsal dinner was held June 7, 2013 at The All Steak by the groom’s parents. Crooner, David Slater performed songs made popular by Frank Sinatra.