Matthew Lane Durham and Stephanie Ann Swillie were married at 2 p.m. July 11, 2009, at First Baptist Church. Dr. Matthew Buckles officiated at the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Scotty and Georganne Swillie of Vicksburg. She is the granddaughter of George and Wanda McGuffee of Monroe and Joyce Parkerson and the late Rufus Swillie of West Monroe.

The groom is the son of Ragan and Carol Durham of Monroe. He is the grandson of Lester Shivers and the late Julia Shivers and Dorothy Durham and the late Sonny Durham, all of Monroe.

Given in marriage by her parents, the bride’s chosen colors were persimmon, peach and sunshine yellow.

A program of nuptial music was presented by Jane Joseph, organist; Judy Buys, soloist; and Terry and Tammie Slawson, duet vocalists.

Maids of honor were Ashley Lauren Swillie and Emily Claire Swillie, both of Vicksburg. Bridesmaids were Meredith Lipscomb Garner and Samantha Kaye Mathis, both of Monroe; Bonnie Lee Henry of Vicksburg; and Laura Sears Alexander of Brandon.

Mark Wayne Durham of Monroe and Warren Joshua Durham of Dallas, Texas, served as best men. Groomsmen were Robert Lawler Garner and Phillip David Ingram, both of Monroe; William Joseph McMillan of Humble, Texas; and Brian Eric Ellzey of DeRidder, La.

Ushers were Sidney Phillip Accardo of West Monroe and Austin Ryan Pilgreen, Alex Blake Pilgreen and Nicholas Casey Pilgreen of Monroe.

Flower girl was Piper Olivia Connell of Vicksburg. Ring bearer was Jacob Connor Brister of Vicksburg.

Serving as program attendants were Bailey Anne Anderton, Emmeline Grace Connell, Kayla Graham Waddell and Blair Elizabeth Webb. Rose petals were distributed by Erin Elizabeth Ingram and Rachel Elizabeth Rhett.

Special wedding assistant was Carol Ann Oakman.

A reception followed at the B’nai B’rith Literary Club.

Guests were entertained with music by Rewind.

For a wedding trip, the couple traveled to Nassau, Bahamas. They will make their home in Monroe, where the bride is employed at Landmark Nursing Home and Rehab and the groom is employed at Synergy Home Care.

Rehearsal dinner

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner for the wedding party and family at the B’nai B’rith Literary Club.

Bridesmaids’ luncheon

The bride and her attendants were honored with a bridesmaids’ luncheon at Anchuca the day before the wedding. Hostesses were Debbie Garner, Bonnie Henry, Kay Lee, Marilyn Lipscomb and Lynn Sears. The bride chose this time to present gifts to her attendants.

Bachelorette celebration

The bride was honored with a bachelorette celebration and lingerie shower at Caney Lake in Louisiana. Hostesses were Pam Accardo, Ashley Swillie and Emily Swillie.

Bachelor party

The groom was honored by his groomsmen with a bachelor party and deep-sea fishing trip to New Orleans.

Showers

The bride was honored with a miscellaneous shower at First Baptist Church. Hostesses were Cherie Anderton, Jan Blackledge, Lori Edney, Kim Farris, Peggy Harper, Janet Holland, Lisa Ingram, Beckie Kerut, Regena Liddell, Candace Logue, Donna Markle, Shellie Matthews, Rita Mendrop, Susan McKinnie, Carol Ann Oakman, Sandra Peters, Denise Poe, Gail Rhett, Gwen Robertson and Cindy Waddle.

The bride was honored with a muffins and monogram shower at the home of Kay Chaney. Assisting in hostessing were Teresa Chaney, Mary June Cooksey, Janie Easterling, Debbie Freeman, Sharon Ladd, Susan Mims, Linda Strong and Janell Thames.

A honey-do shower honoring the couple was given at the home of Debra and Bob Pritchard in Monroe. Co-hosts were Dee and Mike Nickels and Cheryl Poindexter.

The bride and groom were honored with a miscellaneous shower at the home of Mrs. Bill Arrington of Monroe. Co-hosts were Laura Arrington, Francis Crim, LaQuita Dana, Nancy Davis, Elise Finch, Celie Flynn, Debbie Garner, June Jennings, Marilyn Lipscomb, Mary Ann Lipscomb, Sarah Masling, Willie Mae Reitzel, Marjo Stephens, Sandy Swiney and Jane Washam.

The bridal couple was honored with an around-the-clock shower at the home of Donna and Stewart Cathey in Monroe. Hosts were Laura and Kent Arrington, Nancy Davis, Debbie Garner, June and Danny Jennings, Marilyn and Cecil Lipscomb and Tammie and Terry Slawson.