Nakia Summer Lanier and Taylor Zane Knott were united in marriage Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011. Darby Farms in Calhoun was the venue for the evening wedding. Rev. Mike Zwemke officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Rick and Lynn Lanier of Cartersville, the granddaughter of J.W. and Sylvia Austin of Trion, Renard and Ann Lanier of Summerville and the late Dora Lanier.

The groom is the son of Amy and Darin Stephens and Don Knott, the grandson of Hubert and Betty Woodward, Mrs. Marty Knott, the late Donald Knott, and Dan and Frances Stephens, all of Cartersville.

The plantation home served as the backdrop for the ceremony. Because of the beautiful landscape, off white lanterns, adorned with ivory colored iridescent bows, hanging from black shepherd hooks, placed on both sides of the front entranceway, were the only decorations used.

As guests arrived, Candace Teems, friend of the bride, greeted them as they registered their attendance by placing their fingerprint and signature on a canvas with a tree drawn by Jessica Lanier, sister-in-law of the bride. This will be framed and placed in the couple’s new home, as a momento of all who shared their special day. In addition, five burning ivory candles were displayed on the registry table honoring the memory of deceased family members of the bride and groom.

A program of music was played while the guests were escorted by Hayden Chandler, cousin of the bride, and Josh Robbins, nephew of the bride, to their seats around the flowing water fountain.

As the grandparents were escorted to their seats, a red rose was presented to each grandmother. In memory and honor of the bride’s late grandmother, Dora Lanier, Tammie Lanier Shields, aunt of the bride, was seated with the grandparents. A red rose and an ivory rose were presented to Ms. Shields.

The bride, escorted by her father, entered to the song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. She wore an elegant Oleg Cassini ivory gown. The strapless gown was designed with a chiffon bodice, detailed with sequins and a small chiffon flower. The full, flowing skirt was made of several layers of tulle. The bride wore a simple headpiece that was the bottom portion of her mother’s veil worn thirty-two years ago on her own wedding day to the bride’s father. Dawn Ladd, friend of the bride, designed the headpiece. The bride’s jewelry was crystal earrings and necklace, a gift from the groom, and waterfall diamond ring, left to her by her late “Granny Lanier.” She carried a hand-tied bouquet of red roses and hydrangeas.

Prior to the father presenting the bride to her groom, he was joined by her mother for a special presentation. As a token of love, a Pandora charm was tied to the wrist of the bride. The charm was a representation of the closeness she and her mother share as best friends. The mother of the bride received the same charm.

After the exchange of rings and prior to the couple pouring the unity sand, the minister asked the mothers of the couple to come forward. The mothers had no knowledge of what was about to take place. Before the couple united and kissed, they wanted to receive one last kiss as a single person, from the person that gave them their first kiss in life. This was a very emotional and special moment for both mothers. After the kiss, each mother poured a small amount of the ivory and black sand in the vase, followed by the couple, to signify their union.

Courtney Chandler of Trion, cousin of the bride, and Jessica Lanier of Emerson, sister-in-law of the bride, served as maid and matron of honor. They wore short strapless dresses of black and white floral print, with black shoes. Serving as bridesmaids were Paige Robbins, special friend of the bride, Savanna Wyatt, Ashley Fowler, and Christa Womack, all of Cartersville, Lauren Adair of Gadsden, Ala., and Alexis Helms of Oxnard, Calif., all friends of the bride. They wore short strapless black dresses with black and white floral print shoes. All of the attendants wore pearl necklaces and matching bracelets, a gift from the bride. Serving as junior bridesmaids were Chloe Knott and Chalie Stephens, both sisters of the groom, Juliana Robbins, niece of the bride, all of Cartersville, and Kyra Calaway of Trion, cousin of the bride. They wore short black dresses and black shoes. Each of the attendants carried a hand-tied bouquet of ivory roses. Flower girls were Kaymin Calaway of Trion, cousin of the bride, Madi Woodward, niece of the groom, and Kalee Wyatt, friend of the bride, both of Cartersville. They were dressed in floor-length ivory dresses, made of satin and tulle, accented with sequins on the skirt and a sash that tied in the back. Each flower girl carried a ball of red roses.

The groom wore a Ralph Lauren black tuxedo, with ivory vest and tie. Julian Woodward, brother of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Lanier, Daniel Lanier, brothers of the bride, Christian Stephens, brother of the groom, Austin Wyatt, Dan Neal, Lyle Allen and Cody Chupp, all of Cartersville. Each wore Ralph Lauren black tuxedos, with a white shirt, black vest, and tie. Kaleb Lanier, nephew of the bride, was ring bearer. He wore a tuxedo matching the groom. He carried an ivory ring pillow made by the bride’s grandmother, Sylvia Austin. The groom, the father of the bride, the ushers, and ring bearer, all wore red rose boutonnieres. The best man and groomsmen all wore an ivory rose boutonniere.

The mother of the bride chose a black short dress. The mother of the groom chose a blue short dress. Each mother was presented a long-stemmed red rose.

Immediately following the ceremony, a formal dinner reception was held along the poolside and deck of the home. Hosts, Karen Chandler and Sandra Bethune, aunts of the bride, and Jerri Kaye Turner, cousin of the bride, greeted the guests. Each guest was seated at round tables covered with ivory tablecloths, with red hydrangeas, mums and black feather accent centerpieces, placed on a single black napkin, surrounded by tealights. As the guests enjoyed the menu of pulled pork with various sauces, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, various fruit bowls, rolls, sweet tea, fresh lemonade, water and the bride and groom’s cakes, a variety of music was played by Chris Fowler and Lily Paige.

The couple enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife to the song “Sunshine,” by Steve Azar. The bride chose the song, “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder for her father/daughter dance. The groom chose “God’s Speed” by the Dixie Chicks for his mother/son dance.

After an evening of dancing and celebrating, the guests formed a pathway with sparklers and bubbles as the couple left for a weeklong honeymoon in Destin, Fla. The couple will reside in Emerson.

Melody Edwards, aunt of the bride, and Hope Calaway, cousin of the bride, directed the wedding.

A dinner, hosted by the groom’s parents, was held at Darby Farms after the rehearsal on Friday night. Stonewall Manor in Cartersville, catered the event. The menu consisted of chicken, tea, green beans, new potatoes, macaroni and cheese, steamed broccoli and vegetables, salad, various desserts and tea.