Amber Lauren Best of Albertson and Brandon Thomas James of Pink Hill were united in marriage at 6:30 p.m. April 20, 2013, at Kinston First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Kinston. The Rev. Gerald Hollamon was the officiating minister.
Escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marty Best of Albertson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harrell Thigpen of Kinston and the late Anna Herring, who lived in Albertson.
A graduate of Wayne Community College with an associate’s in applied science degree in dental hygiene, she is a registered dental hygienist with Dr. Cheryl Carraway in Snow Hill.
The groom is the son of Debra Arnette Howard of Fremont and Rodney James of Pink Hill. He is the grandson of Rachel Arnette of Pink Hill and the late Lester Arnette, and Dorothy Philyaw of Richlands and the late Butler James.
A graduate of UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, he is a self-employed independent insurance agent and a real estate broker with Grady Team Realty.
Following a wedding trip to Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, the couple resides in Pink Hill.
The bride wore a fitted A-line gown designed by Maggie Sottero. The intricate illusion bodice with corded lace featured a deep V-neckline, delicate cap sleeves, and button/loop closure covered with Swarovski crystals. The asymmetrical skirt of soft shimmer satin featured pleating and voluminous bustles throughout, accented by beaded embellishments.
Her single-tier fingertip-length veil featured a satin cord edge. She carried an arc shaped bouquet of coral and white peonies accented with diamond clusters. The stems were wrapped in ivory lace and pearl buttons from the sleeve of her grandmother’s wedding dress, which added a special and personal touch.
Robyn James Swinson of Deep Run, the groom’s sister, was matron of honor.
Brittany Wallace of Kinston, the bride’s cousin, was maid of honor.
Bridesmaids were Candice Marshburn and Meredith King, both of Greenville; Kellen Skinner of Wilson; Megan Renfro Miller of Beulaville; and Shelly Dawson of Kinston.
Kellynn Swinson of Deep Run, the groom’s niece, was flower girl.
The groom’s father served as his son’s best man.
Groomsmen were Alberto Chedrani of Morrisville; Austin Hardison, Dusty Murphy, and the bride’s brother, Derek Sutton, all of Kinston; the groom’s brother, Kevin James of Fremont; and the groom’s brother-in-law, Terry Swinson Jr. of Deep Run.
The bride’s cousin, Connor Alcock of Kinston, was the ring bearer.
Wedding music was provided by Blair Mozingo of Albertson, vocalist, and Tricia Tanner of Cary, harpist.
The wedding was directed by Renae Banks of Trenton.
Register attendant was Jessica Sanchez of Deep Run. Program attendants were Amy Albertson of Kinston and Logan Turner of Grifton.
Reception/parties
Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the Lenoir County Shrine Club. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Davis greeted guests. Wedding rice attendants were Hailey Alcock and Kelsi Swinson.
On Oct. 12, an engagement party was given by Candice, Paige and Sandy Marshburn at their home in Pink Hill.
On Feb. 10, a lingerie shower was given by Megan Miller and Bridget Sherrod at the Miller home in Beulaville.
On Feb. 13, a wedding shower was given by the groom’s co-workers at Woodmen of the World in Kinston.
On March 9, a wedding shower was given by the bride’s and groom’s families at Kinston First Pentecostal Holiness Church.
March 22-24, a bachelorette weekend, organized by Shelly Dawson and given by friends of the bride, was held in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
On April 7, a monogram shower was given by Meredith King, Meghan King, Anna King, Donna Archuleta and Lesley Minor in Greenville.
On April 12, a bachelor party given by the groom’s friends was held in Raleigh.
On April 13, a bridesmaids’ luncheon was given by the bride’s family at The Folded Napkin Bistro and Catering in Kinston.
On April 16, a wedding shower was given by the bride’s co-workers at the office of Dr. Cheryl Carraway, DDS, in Snow Hill.
On April 19, a rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at The Folded Napkin Bistro and Catering in Kinston.