Nearly 62 years ago, Nada Keeley, the new bride of a young Marine, wrapped her satin wedding dress in acid-free paper, secured it in a cardboard box and stored it at her mother’s house.

On Sept. 20, her great-granddaughter, Amberlyn Hales, wore the dress when marrying William Bates in a Spartanburg ceremony, which was attended by Nada and Robert Keeley, the Marine to whom she has been married for more than six decades.

The size 10 dress was altered just a bit in the bodice to fit Amberlyn, but overall was “exactly what I wanted,” the bride said.

Amberlyn said her great-grandmother offered the dress upon hearing of fruitless searches for the perfect dress.

“I’m a very old-fashioned black-and-white gal,” Amberlyn said before the wedding. “The fact that my great-grandmother wore the dress, and I am wearing it means a lot to me.”

Nada said she was touched that her great-granddaughter wanted to wear the dress. She described it as creamy white with a long train, long sleeves fitted with buttons, with seed pearls and sequins at the waist.

She said she had no idea what shape she would find the dress in until she opened the box with her great-granddaughter there.

“I hadn’t seen it for years,” Nada said. “It was just like brand new. I laid it out on my bed and said, `You may not like this. It’s not the style used now.”‘

Amberlyn loved the dress.

“It was very simple, very elegant,” Amberlyn said.

While rediscovering the dress, Amberlyn said her great-grandmother reminisced about her long-ago wedding day.

“I was going to get married in a suit. I didn’t have a lot of money,” Nada remembered. “I was working at Dow or Bell Telephone. I was walking down the street, I think in Bay City, and I saw a wedding gown in the window.” Inside, she found a dress on sale.

“I tried it on and it looked beautiful and it fit perfectly.”

She paid $50 for the dress.

The Keeleys were married Dec. 19, 1946, in Midland. Robert Keeley, a U.S. Marine stationed in North Carolina, was home on leave. Nada moved to North Carolina shortly after and got a job there. About a year later, the couple moved back to Midland and have lived on Tennessee Street, with her wedding dress and his military uniform stored in the attic.

Nada said she recently remarked to Robert how small her wedding dress seemed and that she never would be able to fit in it again. Robert, however, maintained he still could fit into his uniform, but that proved not to be the case.

“Maybe the hat would still fit,” Nada quipped.

While in the attic, Nada also found her ring bearer’s pillow, which was made for her by her mother. “It was in perfect shape.”

Keeping with the theme of sentimentality, Amberlyn, who lives in Moore, wore the street dress her great-great-grandmother was married in to her bridal shower.

Sandra Cheryl Moody and Dennis Wayne Fowler were united in marriage on September 27, 2008 at 4 o’clock in the afternoon at Dillon Congregational Holiness Church with the Reverend Jeffery Britton of Murrells Inlet performing the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of the late Mrs. Doris Moody – and the late Edward James Moody, of Dillon. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. Cye and Mrs. Mary Brown of Dillon and the late Mr. Grover and Mrs. Ruby Moody, of Lake View.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. Allen and Mrs. A. Hain Hill of North Myrtle Beach, and the late Mr. Jack Fowler of Tabor City. He is the grandson of the late Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Aire Edge and the late Mr. Boyd and Mrs. Fannie Fowler, all of North Myrtle Beach.

The bride was escorted down the aisle and given in marriage by her brother, Mr. Roger Moody, of Dillon.

The Matron of Honor was Mrs. Jackie Davis, sister of the groom from Green Sea. The maid of honor was Ms. Jean Allen, sister-in law of the bride from Dillon. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Jessica Altman, special friend to the bride and groom, from Nichols, and Mrs. Connie Tyler, special friend to the bride, from Latta. The honorary bridesmaid was Ms. Megan Moody, niece to the bride, from Dillon. The flower girl was Ms. Courtney Faulk, niece to the groom, from Green Sea.

The miniature bride was Ms. Stephanie Davis, great niece to the groom, from Aynor.

The Best man was Mr. James Moody, brother of the bride, from Latta. Groomsmen were Mr. Bobby Moody, brother of the bride, from Dillon, Mr. Jason Brown, cousin of the bride, from Dillon, Mr. Travis Hyatt, special friend to the bride and groom, from Dillon, and Mr. Darryl Elliot, Special Friend to the bride and groom, from Green Sea. The Honorary groomsman was Mr. Damion Davis, great nephew of the groom, from Aynor.

The ring bearer was Mr. Matthew Austin, special little boy to the bride, from Latta.

Special candle-lighters were the groom’s two nephews, Mr. Shane Davis, of Green Sea and Mr. Steve Davis, of Aynor.

Special singers were Ms. Kathy Myers, special friend to the bride from Coward with a solo “From this Moment”. Also providing music was Mr. Billy Gaddy, special friend to the bride and groom, with a solo “Keeper of the Stars”.

The wedding director was Mrs. Sandra Hardy, special friend of the bride, from Marion.

Photography was provided by Mr. Jimmy Bryant, special friend of the bride and groom, from Dillon.

A reception was held after the ceremony in the church fellowship hall. Guests were greeted by Mrs. Dottie Graves, lifelong friend of the bride, from Dillon.

Everyone enjoyed many delicious foods and drinks catered by Mr. James Moody. A three tier wedding cake was served along with a tasty punch that was a special recipe from Mrs. Elaine Gibson, cousin of the bride, from Dillon.

The guests enjoyed an evening of music by Mr. Eddie Collins, from Florence. They enjoyed dining and dancing to this music.

A very special thank you to Mr. James Moody for some of the beautiful arrangements placed throughout the event made by himself. Also thanks to Mrs. Connie Tyler for all her wonderful help throughout the wedding event.

After a wedding trip to Maggie Valley, North Carolina and Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The happy couple will be making their home in Latta.


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Here is a absolutly beautiful Charleston Wedding. The bride and groom didn’t want to be named in this post, but I hope you enjoy the video. If you would like to be featured on the Weddings.sc Wedding Blog, email in your information, photos, or a link to your video, to Info@Weddings.sc. You can give as little or as much information about your wedding as you would like.

Lisa McDonald and Andre Nerlinger won a dream Charleston Wedding. This video is a really cute way to tell their story. If you would like to be featured on the Weddings.sc Wedding Blog, email in your information, photos, or a link to your video, to Info@Weddings.sc. You can give as little or as much information about your wedding as you would like.

Events from the wedding location, Charleston Place Hotel, to the Reception location, The Riviera Theater. Music provided by The Burke High School Band.. If you would like to be featured on the Weddings.sc Wedding Blog, email in your information, photos, or a link to your video, to Info@Weddings.sc. You can give as little or as much information about your wedding as you would like.

Here is a great slideshow of Lindsey and Andrew’s Monks Corner wedding from July 22, 2006. If you would like to be featured on the Weddings.sc Wedding Blog, email in your information, photos, or a link to your video, to Info@Weddings.sc. You can give as little or as much information about your wedding as you would like.

Brittany Lynn Creech and Stephen Kendall Kroening, both of Columbia were united in marriage June 28, 2008 at First Baptist Church of Barnwell. The Rev. David Richardson officiated.

The bride was given in marriage by her parents, Richard and Susan Creech of Barnwell.

The bride’s dress was a white halter with lace overlay with white flowers and beads and a medium train.

The bride carried a bouquet of canalilies which was made by the bride’s sister and grandmother.

Bridesmaids were Monica McDaniel, sister-in-law of the groom, Inga Newton, sister of the groom, Ellen McDaniel, sister-in-law of the groom and Jamie Gunsallus.

Junior bridesmaids were Rachael Creech, niece of the groom and Bree McDaniel, niece of the bride.

Gabbie McDaniel, niece of the groom and Skylar Creech, niece of the bride, served as flower girls.

C. J. Gunnells, nephew of the bride, served as ring bearer.

James McDaniel, brother of the groom, was best man.

Groomsmen were Fudd Newton, brother-in-law of the groom and Ray McDaniel, brother-in-law of the bride.

Junior groomsmen were Jimmy McDaniel, nephew of the groom and Austin McDaniel, nephew of the groom.

Following the wedding, a reception was held at First Baptist Church of Barnwell.

The bride is the daughter of Richard and Susan Creech of Barnwell. She is a 2006 graduate of Barnwell High School.

The groom is the son of Robert and Mera Kroening of Blythewood. He is a 2004 graduate of Ridge View High School. He is employed with Midlands Honda.

Following a wedding trip to Charleston, the couple will reside in Columbia.

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Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gavin Edwards of Columbia announce the engagement of their daughter, Alison Brooke Edwards of Columbia to Ryan Christopher Pearson of Myrtle Beach, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Alan Pearson of Aiken. The wedding is planned for Oct. 25, 2008, in Columbia.

The bride-elect is a maternal granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Call of Mt. Pleasant, and a paternal granddaughter of Mrs. Mary G. Edwards and the late Van E. Edwards of Johnston. She is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University with degrees in business administration and management and marketing. She is employed by First Citizens Bank.

The bridegroom-elect is a maternal grandson of Mrs. Jean Irwin and the late William J. Irwin of Aiken, and a paternal grandson of Mrs. Ruth Pearson and the late Edsel Pearson of Aiken. He is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a degree in physical education. He is employed by the Horry County School District.

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Here is the absolutely beautiful Folly Beach Wedding, of Holly and Shane.

Heather Denise Bledsoe of Ridge Spring and James Edward Arnold Jr. of Ruffin were married Aug. 2, 2008, at Corinth Baptist Church in New Ellenton. The bride was given away by her father and family. The bride’s grandfather read a verse out of the Bible and the Rev. Roy Morgan officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Price of Ridge Spring and Chef and Mrs. J. D. Bledsoe of Salley. She is the maternal granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Raymond H. Stone of Beech Island and the paternal granddaughter of the late Bill Bledsoe of New Ellenton and Rev. and Mrs. Kirby Bunton of Windsor.

The bridegroom is the son of Lillie Arnold of Ruffin and James E. Arnold Sr. of Greenville. He is the maternal grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Sharpe of Ruffin and the paternal grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jodie Arnold of Greenville.

Lisa Bledsoe, sister of the bride, was the maid of honor. Jade Grandy, best friend of the bride, was the bridesmaid and Malashia Arnold, niece of the groom, was the junior bridesmaid.

Jodee Arnold, niece of the groom and Trisha Bledsoe, sister of the bride, were the flower girls.

Peace Arnold, brother of the groom, was the best man. Antonio Scott, best friend of the bride, was the groomsman. Hunter Price, brother of the bride, was the junior groomsman.

Jordan Arnold, nephew of the groom, was the ringbearer.

Shelbi Oswald, cousin of the bride, was the photographer. Ricky Oswald, uncle of the bride, was the videographer. Seth Oswald served as the usher and aisle runner.

The bride’s grandmother provided the flowers for the wedding. Patsy Key of New Ellenton directed the wedding.

Following a reception across the street at the fellowship hall, the couple left for a cruise to the Bahamas.

The couple will reside in North Augusta.

The bride is a 2006 graduate of Ridge Spring-Monetta High School. She completed her state certified nursing assistant certificate at Aiken Technical College.

She is currently enrolled at Piedmont Technical College in the Licensed Practical Nursing program.

She is employed by Dr. Bland’s Family Healthcare.

The bridegroom is a 1996 graduate of Ruffin High School.

He attended The Citadel and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Columbia and Kaplan University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master of Arts in teaching and learning. He is employed by Ridge Spring-Monetta High School and is in the South Carolina Army National Guard.

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