Jillian Diana Stewart marries Robert Daniel Thornton Apr. 8

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Daniel Thornton Jillian Diana Stewart of Washington and Robert Daniel Thornton of Crawfordville were united in marriage in an impressive double-ring ceremony Saturday, April 8, at two o'clock in the afternoon at the First Baptist Church in Washington. Rev. Chris Townsend of Washington officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Stewart of Washington.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Thornton of Crawfordville.

White bows and greenery decorated the front doors to the church. The vestibule held a register table overlaid in white and decorated with a pink rose. Mrs. Myles Dawson and daughter, Whitney, of Tignall tended the guest book. The antique hall tree held a lighted candle placed in memory of the couple's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Chafin, Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. L. A. "Shorty" Edwards, and Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Martin.

Programs were given out by Austin Hardy and Brock Jackson of Washington, nephews of the bride.

In the sanctuary, the altar was decorated with tree and spiral candelabra adorned with greenery and interspersed with ferns. White bows and greenery marked the family pews.

David Hardy of Augusta and Ray Hardy of Washington, brothers of the bride, lighted the candles.

Music was presented by Peyson Moss of Lincolnton, pianist, and Mrs. Darrell Peacock of Washington, flutist. The mothers were seated to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring". "Canon in D" was the wedding party processional and the bride entered to "The Bridal Chorus". "The Wedding March" was the recessional.

Mrs. Peacock also sang "Household of Faith," "Surely the Presence" and "The Wedding Song." As a special surprise to the couple, Austin Hardy sang "The Lord's Prayer" after the invocation.

Mr. Thornton was his son's best man. Ushers were Adam Hardy of Washington, nephew of the bride, David Hardy and Ray Hardy. Anthony Corns of Crawfordville, brother-in-law of the bridegroom, served as usher-groomsman and Nicholas Corns of Crawfordville, nephew of the bridegroom, was junior groomsman.

Mrs. Steve Jackson of Washington and Mrs. Chris Leighty of Covington served their sister as matrons of honor.

Mrs. Jackson wore a long satin periwinkle blue strapless gown fashioned with an empire waist and side drape bodice.

Mrs. Leighty chose a long celadon green satin gown designed with thin straps and a dropped waist.

Junior bridesmaid, Allison Leighty of Covington, niece of the bride, wore a soft pink scoop neckline A-line gown that featured a high waist design accented with a satin band and delicate bow.

All carried bouquets of pink and white roses and gypsophila with blue and pink accents all tied with white satin and lace ribbon.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride was radiant in her white chiffon A-line gown designed with an elegant beaded side drape bodice and sweep train.

The lower edge of her elbow-length veil was scattered with delicate Swarovski crystals.

She carried a bouquet of pink and white roses and gypsophila tied with white satin ribbon. Complementing her veil and gown

were matching Swarovski crystal necklace and earrings. She also wore the engagement and wedding rings that belonged to her maternal grandmother, the late Montine Brown Chafin.

For her daughter's wedding Mrs. Stewart wore a purple linen anklelength shift dress and jacket with brocade accents.

Mrs. Thornton, the bridegroom's mother, chose an ankle-length floral print dress and jacket.

Each wore a pink and white rose corsage.

Mrs. Ben Echols of Washington, cousin of the bridegroom, directed the wedding and was assisted by Mrs. Chris Townsend of Washington.

Reception

Following the ceremony the bride's parents entertained at a reception in the Mary Callaway Burton Fellowship Hall.

Andie Moody of Washington tended the guest book.

The bride's table, placed before a screen of lattice draped in white and accented with miniature lights, was centered with a four-tiered basket weave cake topped with a crystal bridal couple. Between the tiers were deep pink roses and matching petals were scattered around the base. A pink print cloth with a sheer white embossed overlay covered the table. Serving the cake was Mrs. Myles Dawson.

The bridegroom's cake, served by Audra Chapman of Washington, was a two-layered chocolate basket weave topped with chocolate strawberries intermingled with tuxedo-designed strawberries. A John Deere tractor was to the side. Punch was also served from this table as well as from another table by Amanda Thornton of Tignall, cousin of the bridegroom, and Mrs. Janis Moore of Washington.

The refreshment table, skirted in white and topped with puddled pink print, was centered with a magnificent arrangement of deep pink roses, eucalyptus and seeded eucalyptus in a trumpet vase.

Ferns and lattice decorated the hall and outside tables held rose centerpieces.

Kermit Hocutt, Mrs. Michael Wells and Mrs. Kenneth Lindsey, cousin of the bride, of Washington decorated for the occasion.

Mrs. Larry Chapman and Audra Chapman of Washington and Mrs. Stewart Brown of Stephens, greataunt of the bride, also assisted at the reception.

Favors were given out by nephews of the bride, Tabor and Brock Jackson and Austin Hardy, and Brian Corns of Crawfordville, nephew of the bridegroom.

For traveling the bride chose black slacks and a teal blouse.

Following a cruise to the Caribbean, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton are making their home in Crawfordville.

Rehearsal Dinner

Mr. and Mrs. Danny Thornton were hosts at a rehearsal dinner honoring Jill Stewart and Rob Thornton on the eve of their wedding.

For the occasion, Miss Stewart wore black slacks and an off-white blouse.

The guest book table was covered with red bandanas and decorated with an engagement picture of the couple flanked by pictures of them as young children. A framed wedding invitation was also on the table.

A delicious buffet was served. Guests included the wedding party, family and friends.