Ashley Louise McManus of Hattiesburg and James Patrick Smith of Natchez were married Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at Dunleith Plantation in Natchez with the Rev. Larry Wagoner officiating.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Larry J. McManus of Vidalia and Mrs. Pam Farris of Monterey and the late Mr. Russell Smith.

Grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilson L. Alexander of Vidalia, Mrs. Lydia T. McManus of Waterproof and the late Mr. W.J. McManus, Mr. and Mrs. Alton Thompson of Rayville, La., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Russell Smith of Winnfield, La.

The bride was given in marriage by her father, Larry James McManus. She wore a Fiona gown by Vera Wang, which was an asymmetrically draped strapless stretch Mikado mermaid gown with full tissue organza skirt with ladder technique and the signature black sash around her waist with a bow tied in the back. Her veil was a short finger tip veil. She wore pearl and diamond drop earrings which were a wedding gift from the groom.

Her bouquet was of white and cream hydrangea, calla lilies, roses and baby’s breath. Her grandfather’s rosary and lace from her mother’s wedding gown was wrapped around the bouquet and it was finished with ivory satin and pearl pins.

A reception followed immediately after the ceremony on the grounds of the antebellum home where guests were welcomed by flanks of wax illuminaria lining the historic steps and pathways. The interior of the home was decorated with large floral designs of hydrangea, baby’s breath and curly willow. As guests entered the courtyard beyond the house, they were taken to a magical sky of Japanese lanterns glowing softly under the outdoor tent. There were twinkling lights outlining the tent. The guests danced the night away and enjoyed the music of “Creativity” of Atlanta during the evening. All of the out-of-town guests stayed on the grounds of Dunleith.

After a wedding trip to Cabo San Lucas, the couple will live in Natchez.