Monica Celia Baehr and Thomas Gray Cotton were united in marriage at the home of Jimmy and Sheila Baehr in Grand Bay, Ala., on Oct. 8, 2011
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Baehr and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Ronald Harrison and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Norman Baehr. The bride’s sisters are Amanda Keesee and Jamie Baehr. The groom in the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Cotton and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Pat Marchand and Mr. and Mrs. William Cotton Sr.
Given in marriage by her father, the two were married under a large oak tree adorned with a cotton cross designed by Ron Barrett of Zimlich Brothers. The bridal party was dressed by I Do Bridal and Formal. The ceremony was performed by Mr. Doug Estle, who had been the couple’s principle during their time at Murphy High School. After the groom kissed his bride and Odessa Hatfield began to play “The Lord’s Prayer” on the harp, the horses ran to the fence to watch the bride and groom walk down the aisle.
After the ceremony, the parents of the bride invited friends and family to make their way to the reception at the barn where Odessa was playing the Baby Grand Piano. The white and ivory flower arrangements complimented the natural setting as guests enjoyed relaxing on the porch while children fed carrots to the horses.
Georgia, of Georgia Roussos Catering, worked with Ron to ensure that the day was perfect. The guests enjoyed the Southern-style grits bar while listening to Elaine Petty sing and play the guitar. Georgia’s staff was friendly, professional and the picture of Southern hospitality.
Jaclyn and Bill Robinson, from Robinson Studio and Design, photographed the day as it unfolded and paid close attention to every detail. The husband and wife team were the perfect example of what a marriage should be and were wonderful role models for the newly married couple.
After a honeymoon to Water Sound, Florida, the couple took time celebrate with friends in Auburn, Ala., where they attended college. They now reside in Grand Bay.
