Torise Anderson Battle of Atlanta and Cecil Rogers Young Jr. of Athens, Ga., were united in marriage Dec. 16, 2012, at The Classic Center Firehall in Athens, Ga. The Rev. O’Marr Curry of Rhema Christian Fellowship in Athens, Ga., performed the ceremony.
Escorted by her father, the bride is the daughter Ronnie and Birta Battle of Kinston. She is the granddaughter of Myrtle Farrow Battle of Grifton and the late Raymond “Buddy” Battle; and Veralene Colvin Anderson of Atkinson and the late Roy Pinaud Anderson.
A 1998 graduate of Kinston High School, she received a bachelor’s degree in 2002 from UNC, and earned a master’s degree in 2006 from the University of Georgia.
She is a marketing and communications officer for Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in Atlanta.
The groom is the son of Cornelia Cannon Young of Athens, Ga., and the late Cecil Rogers Young Sr. He is the grandson of the late Sam and Susie Cannon, and the late Eugene and Ollie Bell Young, all of whom lived in Athens, Ga.
A 1997 graduate of Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, Ga., he received a bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Georgia Southern University, and earned a master’s degree in 2011 from Ashford University.
He is a special education teacher for Montclair Elementary School, with the DeKalb County Public Schools in Atlanta.
Following a wedding trip to Las Vegas, the couple resides in Atlanta.
The bride wore a Mori Lee for Madeline Gardner gown from the BLU Collection. It featured a fitted, drop waist bodice complimented with asymmetrical ivory tulle pleating, a classic strapless sweetheart neckline and a cascade of buttons down the back. The ivory tulle skirt flared just above the knee. The gown was adorned with a satin jeweled sash.
Her simple elbow-length veil with a beaded edge, peacock blue teardrop earrings, a jeweled peacock hair comb and peacock blue jeweled pumps completed the look.
She carried a bouquet of plum lisianthus, green dendrobium orchids, hypericum berries and peacock feathers, tied with an ivory ribbon.
Matrons of honor were Tyra Richardson of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Angel Wells of Charlotte.
Maid of honor was Shakena Hussey of Kinston.
Bridesmaids were Phyleia Battle of Kansas, City, Mo., cousin of the bride; Stephanie Buford of Byron, Ga.; and the bride’s cousins, Connie Lee of Fayetteville, and Lauren Lee of Buies Creek.
Veronica Fairley of High Point, future sister-in-law, was lady in waiting.
The groom’s niece, Danielle Hall of Norcross, Ga., was the flower girl.
Best man was Travis Bailey of Athens, Ga.
Groomsmen were Troy Brookins of Winterville, Ga.; Preston Browner, Travis Browner and Larry Gresham, all of Athens, Ga.; Martin King of Jonesboro, Ga.; and Johnathon Watkins of Decatur, Ga.
Elijah Echols of Athens, Ga., was ring bearer.
Sandra Goolsby of Athens, Ga., directed the wedding.
Lighting memorial candles were Ronnie Joel Battle of Greensboro, the bride’s brother; and the groom’s niece, Jasmine Dandridge of Madison, Ala.
Vocalists were Susan Young Hall of Norcross, Ga., sister of the groom, and the groom, who sang “Yes I Do,” which he composed especially for the bride as she walked down the aisle.
Hostesses were the bride’s cousins, Sharletta Battle of Wilson and Katina Graham of Kinston.
Reception/Parties
Following the ceremony, a wedding reception was held at The Rialto Room at Hotel Indigo in Athens, Ga.
On Sept. 1, a bridal shower was hosted by the bride’s mother and bridesmaids at Our Picnic Basket in Kinston.
On Dec. 15, a family meet-and-greet/rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s mother at Rhema Christian Fellowship in Athens, Ga. Bride’s and groom’s nights out followed in Atlanta and Athens, Ga., hosted by the wedding party.