Arone Maceo Washington and Candace Patrice Bass were married at 4 p.m. May 23, 2009, at Travelers Rest M.B. Church. The Rev. Walter Weathersby officiated at the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Bernice Bass, Saul Hilliard and the late Johnny Lee Turner, all of Vicksburg. She is the granddaughter of the late Betty Bass Thomas and Katie Mae Bass.

The groom is the son of Leonard and Martha White and Mose Hearron, all of Vicksburg. He is the grandson of Steve Washington, Virgia Ellis, the late Geneva Lewis and the late Rosie Lee Buchanan.

A program of nuptial music was provided by Travanti Hill, accompanied by Michael Bunch, Thomas Bunch and Nikki Williams.

The bride was given in marriage by her stepfather, Saul E. Hilliard, and her uncle, Kevin Jessie Bass. Her chosen colors were cornflower blue, truffle and silver.

Maids of honor were Karnita Turner and Lakisha Turner, sisters of the bride, and Kimberly Harris, godsister of the bride, all of Vicksburg; and Alicia Draper of Hattiesburg. Matrons of honor were Shennelle Parker of Vicksburg and Mendessa Jackson of Hattiesburg.

Bridesmaids were LeKisha Berry and Chanel Tenner, both of Vicksburg, and Tiffany Bass of Augusta, Ga., all cousins of the bride; Crista Stirgus Turner and Charlette Hall, sisters-in-law of the bride, Mandy White, sister-in-law of the groom, Christine Goodlow, cousin of the groom, and Kimberly Smith, all of Vicksburg; Erica Williams of Jackson; and Ashley Smith of Hattiesburg.

Junior bridesmaids were Christine Brown and Monique Rogers, cousins of the bride, of Vicksburg.

Flower girls were Mya Nelson of Jackson, Rakayah Robertson of Port Gibson and Mariah Randolph and Aniya Turner, both of Vicksburg, all nieces of the bride.

Serving as best men were Leonard White III, brother of the groom, and Terrance Sims, both of Vicksburg; Toney Baldwin of Clinton; and Ken Johnson of Jackson. Christopher Washington, son of the groom, served as junior best man.

Groomsmen were Mose Hearron Jr. of Vicksburg and Aaron Hearron of Memphis, brothers of the groom; LaDale Brown of Vicksburg and Antonio Bass of Tallulah, cousins of the bride; Emanuel Ducks-worth of Hattiesburg; Fred Gaskin and Shawn Washington, cousins of the groom, and Darnelle Davis, Morris Davis and Bobby Wesley, all of Vicksburg.

Junior groomsmen were Demarcus Darden and Keyron Turner, nephews of the bride, of Vicksburg.

Ushers were Jimmy Bass, uncle of the bride, and Anthony “Amp” Rogers, cousin of the bride, of Vicksburg; and Robert “Bull” Austin, cousin of the bride, of Tallulah.

Ring bearer was Reginald Rogers, nephew of the bride, of Port Gibson.

Bible carrier was Derrick Turner Jr., nephew of the bride, of Vicksburg. The bride’s cousin, Justin Myles of Vicksburg, served as bride’s announcer.

Special wedding assistants were Marie Byrd, Georgia Hicks, Maxine Cox-Wilson, Bobbie Bass, Willie Walker, Martha White and Benita Abraham. Bridal assistants were Patricia Terrell and LaFonda Young.

A reception followed at Baltes Gym. Guests were entertained with music by DJ Duncan Smith.

Hostesses were Tiffany Mims of New Orleans and Benita Abraham, Jackie Allen, Janice Flowers, Clara Shorter, Bernice Murphy, Sharon McBride, Evelyn Villanueva, Brenda Smith, Ramona Warren, Brandi Pritchett and Marqurisa Draper, all of Vicksburg.

For a wedding trip, the couple traveled to Memphis. They will make their home in Vicksburg.

The bride is employed at Schwartz and Associates in Jackson, and the groom is employed at Save Rite Meat Department in Hattiesburg.

Surprise

The bride and groom were honored with a surprise ride to the reception in a Bentley limousine.

Rehearsal dinner

The bride’s mother and stepfather hosted a rehearsal dinner at The Ranch on Nailor Road the day before the wedding.

Bachelorette party

The bride was honored with a bachelorette party at The Ranch hosted by Shennelle Parker, Michelle Straughter and her bridesmaids.

Showers

The couple was honored with a miscellaneous shower at the home of the bride’s mother. Special guests were the groom’s mother, co-workers of the bride’s mother, members of the Hilliard family of Jackson and Martha White.

Carolyn Franklin and Rebecca Tribble, aunts of the bride, hosted a linen, lingerie and wine/cheese shower at the Knights of Columbus. Special guests were Pearlie Turner; Travelers Rest Church members; Tralisha Brown and Geraldine Larkins, aunts of the bride; and LeKeisha Berry, cousin of the bride.

Shennelle Parker and Christine Goodlow honored the bride with a miscellaneous shower at Rose Hill M.B. Church. Special guests were Michelle Straughter, bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids and the bride’s mother.

Maxine Wilson, godmother of the bride, surprised the bride with an ABC shower at her home. Special guests were Carolyn Franklin, aunt of the bride, and members of the Cox-Wilson families.

Employees of Schwartz and Associates surprised the bride with a kitchen shower. Special guests were Toney Baldwin and the bride’s co-workers.