Ashley Lauren Huggins of Kinston and Justin O’Neal Fordham of Snow Hill were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Sept. 6, 2014, at Bethel Free Will Baptist Church. Ministers Bert Potter and Chris Truett officiated the ceremony.
Escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the bride is the daughter of Ruben and Angela Huggins of Kinston. She is the granddaughter of Mary Elizabeth Reynolds of Trenton, and Ruby Scott Huggins of Kinston.
A 2006 graduate of Bethel Christian Academy, she received a BS in Middle Grade Education from ECU in 2011. She is a 4th grade teacher at Bethel Christian Academy.
The groom is the son of Gregory and Bernice Fordham of Snow Hill. He is the grandson of Mary Lou Jones of Snow Hill and Barbara Ann Fordham of Kinston.
A 2002 graduate of Bethel Christian Academy, he is a corporal with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Department.
The bride wore a Lilian West gown by Justin Alexander. The ivory, lazer cut organza, tiered ruffled ball gown featured a sweetheart neckline with a beaded corded lace bodice and satin buttons down the back that flowed into a chapel length train. Her ivory Venetian tulle veil with a small wavy edge was scattered with crystals, rhinestones, silver bugles and pearls. She carried a bouquet of orange Calla lilies, cayenne orange roses, yellow freesia lilies, with orange hypericum, yellow Craspedia Billy Balls, and her great-grandfather’s pocket watch. She also wore her grandmother, Ruby Huggins’ garter.
Matron of honor was Lauren Fordham Sowers, sister of the groom of Snow Hill.
Maid of honor was Heather Noel Huggins, sister of the bride of Kinston.
Bridesmaids included Misty Leigh Brasch of Trenton and Mary Emma Ives of Grifton, cousins of the bride; and Jamie Martin Kennedy of Hookerton.
Meredith Lynlee Kennedy of Hookerton was the flower girl.
Best men were the groom’s father, Gregory O’Neal Fordham and Joshua David Kennedy, both of Snow Hill.
Groomsmen included Robert Earl Everett of Kinston; Steven Andrew Sowers, brother-in-law of the groom of Hookerton; and Aaron Paul Wells of Orlando, Fla.
Ring bearers were the bride’s cousins, Andrew Thomas “Drew” Barefoot of Kinston and Brendan Emory Dawson of Grifton.
Wedding music was provided by pianist, Kim Truett, and vocalist, Ed Chase.
The wedding was directed by Lisa Sowers, Lori Pickard, and Hope Pridgen.
Register and program attendants were Brandi Jones Holland and Taylor Lynn Howard, respectively.
After a wedding trip to Savannah, Ga., the couple resides in Snow Hill.
Reception/parties
Following the ceremony, the parents of the bride hosted a reception at the Community Council for the Arts in Kinston. Greeters included Donna Ives, David Howard, and Fran and Danny Cockrell, aunts and uncles of the bride. The wedding cake was made by the bride’s aunt, Lisa Huggins Barefoot.
On May 3, an engagement party was given by the bride’s parents, her grandmothers, Mary Reynolds and Ruby Huggins; aunts and uncles Lisa and Andy Barefoot, Fran and Donny Cockrell, Shelia and David Howard, Donna Ives, and Lori and Mark Pickard. Music was provided by Mason Jar Bonfire.
On June 10, a Pampered Chef shower was given by the groom’s sister, Lauren Fordham Sowers, his mother, Bernice Fordham, and Jamie Kennedy.
On July 19, a Christmas in July shower was given by Alice Boone, Loretta Campbell, Teresa Sutton, Margie Thurman, Wendy Wiggins, Lauren Fordham Sowers, sister of the groom, and the groom’s mother, Bernice Fordham at Bethel FWB Church.
On July 26, a bridal shower was give by the bride’s grandmothers and aunts, Mary Reynolds, Ruby Huggins, Lisa Barefoot, Misty Brasch, Shelia Howard, Heather Huggins, Donna Ives, Emmie Ives, and Lori Pickard at Bethel FWB Church.
Aug. 1-3, a bachelorette weekend and lingerie shower was given by Heather Huggins, sister of the bride, and Lauren Fordham Sowers, sister of the groom in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
On Aug. 30, a bridal luncheon was hosted by the mother of the bride at Olive Garden in Greenville.
On Sept. 5, a rehearsal dinner was given by the groom’s parents at Bethel FWB Church; catered by Kevin Lowman.
Upon her returning to work, the bride’s co-workers at Bethel Christian Academy surprised her with a stock the pantry and recipes shower.