Staff Report

Melanie Patricia Merrell and Matthew Little Harkey were married on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 4:30 in the afternoon.

The traditional ceremony was held at St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina with Dr. Richard Randolph officiating.

A reception followed at the Doubletree Hotel at SouthPark.

The bride is the daughter of Linda Ellen Horton of Charlotte and H. Chandler Merrell, Jr. of Atlanta.

She is the granddaughter of Patty McCoy Horton and the late Clarence William Horton of Demopolis, AL and Charlene Gilmer Merrell and the late Howard Chandler Merrell of Birmingham, AL.

A magna cum laude graduate of Montreat College, Melanie is the Domestic Customer Service Manager for a local manufacturing company.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Sigmon of Sherrills Ford, NC and the late Willie Charles Harkey of Denver, NC.

He is the grandson of the late Mozon and Lucy B. Little of Sherrills Ford and the late Brody and Louise Harkey of Denver.

He is currently studying to receive his degree in Radiological Technology and is employed at an area hospital.

The bride was given in marriage by her father.

Maid of honor was Christine Mary Lindahl of Charlotte.

Bridesmaids were Jennifer Ann Cockrel of Nashville, Tennessee, Holly Blake Royal of Charlotte, and the bride’s cousin, Elizabeth Denise Horton of Birmingham, Alabama.

The bride wore a white organza A-line gown which featured beaded embroidery on the bodice and halter neckline and flowed from a deep, inverted back pleat to a cathedral-length train with similar beading.

Of special significance was the bride’s “something old” – a lace rose created from her maternal grandmother’s wedding veil and sewn into the inner seam of her gown to represent long-lasting love and happiness.

The bride carried a bouquet of Black Magic roses, autumn leaves, and seasonal berries.

The bridesmaids wore formal chiffon gowns of deep autumn red and carried bouquets of orange, yellow and dark red roses accented with autumn leaves.

Brody Lee Harkey of Sherrills Ford, served as his brother as best man.

Groomsmen were the groom’s brother, Wesley Charles Harkey, and his nephews, Daniel David Harkey and William Charles Harkey, all of Sherrills Ford; the bride’s brother, Brett Chandler Merrell of Atlanta; and the bride’s cousin, William Reid Horton of Birmingham.

Greeters were Julie Kristin Mederos and Stony Donald Jones of Charlotte and Lindsay Grace Horton, cousin of the bride, of Birmingham.

Wedding music was provided by Dr. Michael Lehtinen, organist, and Jennifer Frisina, cellist.

Friends of the bride’s mother entertained with a bridesmaids’ luncheon at The Charlotte City Club, and the groom’s parents hosted the rehearsal dinner at The Doubletree Hotel at SouthPark.

Following their honeymoon in Belize, Melanie and Matthew are at home in Charlotte.