Ashleigh Lauren Heath and Jonathan Evan Simpson, both of Richlands, were united in marriage at five o’clockin the evening on June 30, 2012, at Whitford Plantation on the Trent River. Joe Ard, pastor, officiated the double-ring outdoor ceremony under an arbor handmade by the groom for the bride.
Given in marriage by her parents, the bride is the daughter of Jimmy and Beth Chadwick of Comfort. She is the granddaughter of Marian and Barry Jones of Comfort, and the late Ernestine and Johnnie J. ChadwickSr., who lived in Trenton.
The bride is a 2004 graduate of RichlandsHigh Schooland a 2011 graduate of CravenCommunity Collegewith an Associate in Arts degree. She is pursuing an elementary education degree at EastCarolinaUniversity. She is employed with Onslow County Schools.
The groom is the son of Eric Simpson of Richlands and the late Linda Pike Simpson. He is the grandson of Edith Simpson and the late Edwin Simpson, and the late Carol and Gardner Pike, all of whom lived in Richlands.
A picture of the groom’s mother was placed on a chair reserved in her memory, adorned with a lime green peacock feather. The groom placed a bouquet of red roses and hydrangeas on his mother’s seat.
Heis a 2001 graduate of RichlandsHigh School, and served four years in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Portsmouth, Va.He is an electrician with the Department of Navy at Cherry Point.
After a honeymoon trip to the Western Caribbeanand Beaufort, the couple resides in Richlands.
The bride wore a fit and flare, strapless gown created in ivory silk by Anaiss. The sweetheart neckline gave way to asymmetrical pleating and a drop waist, adorned with an ivory-on-ivory flower sash accented with crystal beading. The back of the gown was accented with covered buttons with matching ivory-on-ivory flowers and crystal beading that flowed into a chapel-length train.
She wore a matching flower with crystal beading in her hair while carrying a bouquet of purple hydrangeas, green Fujimums, green button mums, grapevines and peacock feathers. The bouquet handle was wrapped in purple satin with a teal bonjour ribbon braided overlay.
Keepsake lockets were intertwined in the bouquet in loving memory of the groom’s mother, Linda Simpson; the bride’s great-grandmother, Sybil B. Dail; and two of the bride’s closest friends, Lauren-Anne Monique French and Lauren Dorey Shaw. She also carried a small peacock feather eye from her granddaddy J.J.’s hat as a special token.
Kelsey Whaley Metts of Comfort served as the matron of honor.
Bridesmaids were Kari Maready and Caitrin Coheneller, both of Jacksonville, and Katy Dawson of West Virginia.
Jasmyn Frye, cousin of the bride, served as the flower girl.
Cory Simpson of Richlands, the groom’s brother, and Joshua McGowan of Atlantic Beach, Fla., served as the groom’s best men.
Groomsmen were Jeremie Fountain of Chinquapin, Jeremy Lee of Jacksonvilleand Matthew Likens of Richlands.
Dakota Frye, cousin of the bride, served as the ring bearer.
Wedding music was provided by Joshua McGowan and Kyle Metts.
The wedding was directed by Katelyn Mills of Jacksonville.
The guest book attendant was Sarah Picklesimer, who helped guests create a thumb-print signature on a custom-made art canvas for the bride and groom.
Stephanie Zepeda served as greeter and program attendant.
Cooper Michno of Clayton and Ali Chadwick of Kinston, cousins of the bride, served as sign holders.
After the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception on the grounds of Whitford Plantation. For the occasion, the bride changed into an ivory vintage-styled dress, complete with one-shouldered structured layer detail and a feminine peplum waist by M. M. Couture.
The bride and groom’s first dance was choreographed by Jenna Christmas of Richlands. Reception music was provided by Music Mobility. The wedding cake was served by the bride’s aunt, Pansy Chadwick of Kinston.
On May 6, a bridal shower was hosted by the bride’s grandmother, mother and Katie Thomas at HominySwampCommunityBuildingin Richlands.
On May 19, the couple was honored with a surprise bridal shower and meal hosted by the groom’s father; his aunt, Lorre Metts; and Gaye McClanahan at BethlehemFWBChurchin Chinquapin.
On June 3, a lawn and garden shower and meal was hosted by the bride’s aunt, Pansy Chadwick, and the bride’s cousin, Rolanda Michno, at the Southwood Volunteer Fire Department in Kinston.
In June, a bachelorette weekend in Wilmingtonwas hosted by Kelsey Metts, while a bachelor weekend was held at the Trent River Campgrounds.
On June 9, a surprise monogram shower was hosted by bridesmaids and friends at The Oceanic in WrightsvilleBeach.
On June 28, a bridal luncheon was given by Vickie Whaley at Our Picnic Basket in Kinston.
On June 29, a rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s father on the grounds of Whitford Plantation. The groom’s guitar cake was served.