Couples: July 6, 2008

Engagement: Scott and Hammett

Mr. Lee Edward Scott and Mrs. Ira Smith Scott-Young, both of Natchez, announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. La'Toya Antoinette Scott to Desmond Fredric Hammett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willie and Fredericka E. Hammett of Marion, Ark.

The bride-to-be is a 1997 honor graduate of Cathedral High School in Natchez. She received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Tougaloo College, in Tougaloo, a master of science degree in elementary education from Alcorn State University and a doctorate in educational administration, supervision, and leadership from Jackson State University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. Henry Lee Smith Sr. and the late Mrs. Thelma W. Smith, of Natchez, the late Mr. Monroe Scott and Vivian P. Williams of Vicksburg.

The groom is a 1998 graduate of Marion High School, in Marion, Ark. He received a bachelor of science degree in health and physical education from Alcorn State University in Alcorn State. He is currently pursuing a master of science degree in guidance and counseling at Alcorn State University. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Chapter.

He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Lillie “Pool” Eichelberger Fennel, of Magnolia, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Billy Grover Hammett of Natchez.

The wedding will be at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Dunleith in Natchez. A reception will follow at the Natchez Convention Center.

Formal invitations will be sent.

Engagement: Verucchi and Cook

Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Verucchi, of Sterlington, La., announce the engagement of their daughter, Stacy Lynn Verucchi to Russell Leo Cook, son of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Cook Jr. of Vicksburg.
The bride-to-be is a graduate of Cathedral High School, in Natchez, and attended the University of Louisiana, at Monroe, and Alcorn State University, in Natchez, where she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing. She is employed by Natchez Regional Medical Center.
She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Sue K. Norman, of Monroe, the late Mr. Jack C. Norman and Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Verucchi, all of Natchez.
The groom is a graduate of Warren Central High School, in Vicksburg, and is a graduate of Mississippi State University, in Starksville, with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He is employed by Cook Lawn and Tractor, in Natchez, as store manager.
He is the grandson of Mrs. Retha Tanner, the late Mr. Charlie Sims and Mr. and Mrs. William S. Cook, all of Vicksburg.
The wedding will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at First Baptist Church in Natchez. A reception will follow.
Family and friends are invited.
Formal invitations will be sent to out-of-town guests only.

Engagement: Lewis and Michgelsen

Wayne Lewis, of Alexandria, La., and Travis and Marilyn Leggett, of Natchez, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Pearl Lewis to Petrus “Peter” Johannes Gerardus Michgelsen, son of Hans Michgelsen of Brada, Netherlands and Hetty Michgelsen-van Hilten of s'Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.

The bride-to-be is a graduate of Natchez High School and a graduate of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. She will be employed as a teacher, in Baton Rouge, in the fall.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Allred, of Natchez, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Lewis, of Hazlehurst, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilkerson of Newton.

The groom is a graduate of Ocean Springs High School, in Ocean Springs, and is also a graduate of Mississippi University for Women. He is employed by the State of Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality in Baton Rouge.

A private ceremony will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at Auburn in Natchez.

Invitations will be sent to close friends and relatives.

Engagement: D'Aquila and Soulier

Mr. Louis M. D'Aquila, of Woodville, and Mrs. Patti B. Richardson, of Gloster, announce the engagement of their daughter, Katherine Jean D'Aquila to Joseph Edwin Soulier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey J. Soulier of St. Francisville, La.
The bride-to-be is a graduate of Centreville Academy, in Centreville, and is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge.
She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. D'Aquila, of Woodville, the late Mr. Ted W. Barker, of Gloster, and Mrs. Imogene Barker of McComb.
The groom is a graduate of Wilkinson County Christian Academy in Woodville. He is a veteran of Louisiana National Guard, having served in operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Soulier, of New Roads, La., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Landry Hebert of Baton Rouge.
The wedding will be at sunset on Thursday, July 24, 2008, on the beach in Kona, Hawaii.

Wedding: Baber and Pugh

Kristin Paige Baber, of Pascagoula, and Parker Nelson Pugh, of Brooksville, were united in marriage Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 5 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, in Pascagoula, with the Rev. Robert Kates and the Rev. James Twiner officiating.

Parents of the couple are Shannon and Cynthia Strunk, of Pascagoula, and the late James Barry Baber and Paula Pugh, of Willis, Texas, and the late Jack J. Pugh IIIinois.

Music for the ceremony was provided by Louis Daniel, Gary Bardwell and Virginia Williams. Vocalists were Kelly Mixon, Mark Baur, and the First United Methodist Church Choir, directed by Judy Nulta.

The bride was given in marriage by her step-father, Shannon Strunk, and twin brother, Shane Baber.

She wore an ivory silk satin gown by Casablanca. Regal beadwork heavily decorated the strapless bodice with a rounded waistline accented by a beaded band matching that used at the sweetheart neckline. Half box pleats in the front and back gave fullness to the skirt and floral embroidery beadwork decorated the semi-cathedral train and continued up to the waistline.

Her sister, Lauren Baber Wood, of Pascagoula, served as the matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Jenna Torjusen Baber, of Cordova, Tenn., Melanie Cain Clark, of Decatur, Ga., Courtney Nicole DeAngelo, of Pascagoula, Katherine Amber Morgan, of Bessemer, Ala., Jessica Banahan McNeel, of Ocean Springs, Carrie Howell Pugh, of Natchez, Rebekah Renee Williams, of Arlington, Va., and Lauren Carr Wright of Nashville, Tenn. They wore coral sleeveless satin dresses featuring a wrap style bodice with beaded trim and a princess line skirt.

Kaitlyn Faith Wood, niece of the bride, served as the flower girl.

Groomsmen were Shane Thomas Baber of Cordova, Harry Lenwood Brooks V, of Washington, D.C., Michael Brandon Cobianchi, of Ocean Springs, Christopher Michael Cooper, of Oxford, William Daniel Cotton Jr., of BonnTerre, Mo., Brandon Duane Giesbrecht and Jack Jolly Pugh IV, both of Macon, Ga., Jack Ryan Norris, of Jackson, and Andrew Tillman Powell, of Aliceville, Ala.

Ushers were Theodore Roger Burton Jr., of Oxford, Gary Steven Hall, of Memphis, Tenn., Ryan Michael Lynn, of Cordova, Jonathan Aaron Sanders, of Pascagoula, Christopher Barrett Strunk, of Columbia, S.C., and Paul Armistead Wood of Pascagoula.

Assistants at the ceremony were Nicklaus and Meredith Simpson.

A reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shannon Strunk, immediately following the ceremony.

After a wedding trip to St. Lucia and Anguilla, the couple will live in Ocean Springs.

Wedding: Watkins and Loyd

Kalandra Watkins and Bennie Loyd Jr. were married Saturday, May 3, 2008, in a candlelight ceremony at First Baptist Church, in Vidalia, with the Rev. Tracy Cusic officiating.
Parents of the couple are Ms. Debra Ann Watkins, of Ferriday, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennie R. Loyd Sr. of Ferriday.
The bride was given in marriage by her grandfather, Mr. Willie J. Watkins Sr.
She wore a strapless, champagne full A-line Maggie Sottero designer gown that featured lavish embroidery and exterior boning decorating the bodice. A bold wine sash encircled the lowered waist and was richly accented with crystals. The skirt was caught up to complete the fabulous effect of the gown. The veil was embroidered with crystals.
Janiika Watkins, of Natchez, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Shalanda Lloyd, of West Monroe, La., served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Bettina Hawkins, sister of the bride, Krystal Kelly and Ashley Dixon, all of Ferriday. They wore Jordan separates, floor length gowns by Bill Pesce.
Ja'Niya Watkins, of Natchez, and McKenzie Davis, of Ridgecrest, were flower girls.
Ja'Shun Gordon, of Ferriday, was ring bearer.
Devontae Loyd, of Ferriday, and Jalen Smith, of Lake Charles, La., were candlelighters and ushers.
Cedric Cage, of Ferriday, served as best man. Groomsmen were Darius Loyd, of Baton Rouge, Alton Bellanger, of Houston, Jackie Jefferson and Henry Hinkston, both of Ferriday.
Hostesses for the ceremony were Linda Tolliver, Linda Sherbia, Dana Morales, Sharon Davis, Terry Watson, all of Ferriday, and Jewanda Nolden of Lake Charles.
A reception was held at Vidalia Conference and Convention Center following the ceremony.
The couple enjoyed a western Caribbean cruise to Jamaica, Cozumel and the Grand Cayman Islands for their honeymoon.