Published: October 10, 2008 09:47 pm      

Loper, Sheehan

Jessica Leigh Sheehan and Ryan Michael Loper were married on Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Little Rock with the Rev. Jimmy McDill officiating.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Sheehan of Little Rock and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Loper of Decatur.

The bride is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bynum of Decatur and the late Shirley Bynum and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Sheehan of Little Rock and the late Havis Sheehan.

The bridegroom is the grandson of Pauline McElhenney and Mary Loper Lowe of Decatur and the late Clyde Loper.

Music for the ceremony was provided by Sheila McDill, organist; Emily Mayes, pianist; and Kristal Burton, Morgan Gray and Michael Fondren, vocalists.

The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents. She wore a chiffon gown featuring crystal beaded straps with draping overlaying the empire bodice. Embroidery and appliques extended onto the A-line skirt and fell into a chapel-length train.

Mrs. Ty Fondren of Hattiesburg served as matron of honor. Valerie Gibbs of Binghampton, N.Y., served as maid of honor. Other attendants were Kristi Denton of Collinsville, Casey Young of Brandon, and Lacy Loper of Decatur, sister of the bridegroom.

Morgan Gray of Florence, cousin of the bride, was junior bridesmaid.

Flower girl was Emerson Grace Bryant of Florence, cousin of the bride.

Thomas Walters of Union served as best man. Groomsmen were Adam Bout and Allen Davis, both of Decatur, David McConnell of Lake and Joshua Sheehan of Little Rock, brother of the bride.

Following the ceremony a reception was held in the church fellowship hall. Assisting at the reception were Tabetha Evans, Ashley Hasenmueller, Asthon Vance, Joanna Mowdy, Holly Jackson, Linda White, Patsy Holyfield, Angie Minor, Babs White, Susan Horne, Wanda Estes and Nichole Hillman.

Jenny Holyfield served as the registry attendant.

On the eve of the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was held at East Central Community College. A bridal brunch was hosted by Brenda Bynum and Jennifer Bryant and a bridegroom brunch hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hollingsworth.

After a honeymoon cruise to Alaska, the couple resides in Decatur.