Stephen and Kathy Williams of Edwards announce the engagement of their daughter, Ayla Shalimar of Atlanta, to James Hurst Carey Jr., also of Atlanta. Mr. Carey is the son of Jim Carey and Laurie Carey, both of Nashville, Tenn.

Miss Williams is the granddaughter of Mary Alice Williams and the late Roger Williams of Terry and Patsy Mullins and the late Joe Mullins of Vicksburg.

Mr. Carey is the grandson of Jenni “GiGi” Berry and the late John “Pecan” Berry of Tampa, Fla., and Jane “NaNa” Carey and the late Robert Carey of Camptown, Pa.

The bride-elect graduated as valedictorian of Porters Chapel Academy, where she was a member of the basketball, softball and track teams. She was a cheerleader and member of the Student Council and Key Club.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority, Southern Style and Campus Crusade for Christ.

Miss Williams is a registered nurse in ICU at Well Star Kennestone Hospital.

The prospective groom is a graduate of Brentwood High School, where he was on the football and swimming teams. He majored in marketing at Middle Tennessee State University, where he was a national swimming qualifier and member of Kappa Alpha Order.

Mr. Carey is self-employed in medical device sales.

The wedding will be at 4 p.m. April 11, 2009, at Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. A reception will follow at Villa Rosa. All relatives and friends are invited to attend.