KITTY HAWK, N.C.—The marriage of Ashley Nicole Johnson and John Wesley Fowler took place April 14 at 5 p.m. on the oceanfront of Kitty Hawk, N.C.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dewey Johnson of Boykins. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Gene Matthews Sr. of Newsoms and Mr. and Mrs. Alvis Earl Johnson of Boykins.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Floyd Powers of Courtland and John Wayne Fowler also of Courtland. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Ryland Eldrige Powers of Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Harry McCoy Ellis of Courtland, Mr. and Mrs. David Fowler, also of Courtland, and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Norfleet Ward of Courtland.

The Rev. Tanya K. Young of Kill Devil Hills, N.C., officiated the double-ring ceremony. The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents. The traditional Hawaiian sand ceremony was performed, and beautiful wedding music was played.

Kelsey Beth Johnson of Boykins served as her sister’s maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Debra Christine Matthews of Virginia Beach, aunt of the bride; Brandi Michelle Wilkerson of Franklin; Meredith Suzanne Rogers of Franklin; Kelly Christine Marks of Capron, all friends of the bride; Christina Faye Fowler of Courtland, sister of the groom.

Brianna Kelsey Johnson of Boykins and Victoria Kristen Kelly of Mechanicsville, both cousins of the bride, served as junior bridesmaids.

Dustin Floyd Powers of Courtland, served as his brother’s best man. Groomsmen were Brandon Eric Scott of Suffolk, Jonathan Thomas Cornwell of Chesapeake, Charles “Chip” Rowland Taylor of Franklin and Jonathan Quinton Jarratt of Chesterfield, all friends of the groom.

Robert Alexander Williams and Aaron Chandler Williams of Carrollton, cousins of the groom; and Levi Stone Oakley of Clayton, N.C., cousin of the bride, served as junior groomsmen.

Alexandra Shaye Holdren of Halethorpe, Md., cousin of the groom, was the flower girl. Aiden Lee Paschall and Bailey Jackson Paschall, of Norfolk, twin cousins of the groom were ring bearers.

Meadow Johnson Kelly of Mechanicsville, aunt of the bride, served as mistress of ceremonies.

Darlene Wilkerson of Franklin, friend of the bride, presided at the guest book. Eli Thomas Matthews of Newsoms and Jeffrey Andrew Johnson of Franklin, both cousins of the bride, were program attendants.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents entertained guests at a reception in the ballroom of the Hilton Garden Inn of Kitty Hawk. Toasts were given by the best man, bridesmaid, and parents of the bride, wishing the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness together. Dinner and dancing were enjoyed by all. Music was provided by Don and Donna Rogers.

Marguerite “Molly” Mary Marks and Caitlin Leigh Wilkerson both of Franklin, friends of the bride, served as favor and gift attendants.

Following the reception the couple honeymooned at Kelly’s Ketch cottage in the Outer Banks. They are now residing in Boykins.

Parties

On Dec. 10, a Christmas shower was given by the bride’s great-aunt, Amelia Spivey, at her home on Dogwood Bend in Franklin. Many ornaments and Christmas decorations were presented to the bride-elect. The guests were treated with refreshments.

On March 3, the ladies of Barnes United Methodist Church entertained the bride-to-be with a miscellaneous bridal shower. Many gifts were presented and refreshments were served.

An engagement party was given for Ashley and Wesley on March 9 at the Regional Workforce Center by Lisa and Robert Williams. Music was provided by the band, Fine Swiss Cheese, and a delicious meal and dancing were enjoyed by all.

A bridal tea was given for the bride-to-be on March 24 at Pam’s Tea Room by Madeline and Molly Marks. Guests were treated to hors d’ oeuvres and peach tea. Many wonderful gifts were presented to the bride-elect.

On March 25, Patsy and Kelly Marks gave a lawn and garden shower at their home. Many useful gifts and lawn decorations were received. Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments.

A bachelorette party was given by Brandi Wilkerson in Norfolk on April. 7. They enjoyed games and refreshments at Wilkerson’s home, and a night out on the town.

The groom was also given a bachelor’s party the same night by his groomsmen. They also enjoyed dinner and a night out on the town in Norfolk. A good time was had by all.

On April 13 the groom’s parents held the rehearsal dinner at the Black Pelican Restaurant in Kitty Hawk. A delicious meal was served. The groom presented gifts to his wedding party at this time. A toast was given by the groom’s parents wishing the happy couple a lifetime of happiness.

A bridal luncheon was given in honor of the bride-elect before the wedding on April 14 at Kelly’s Ketch cottage in Kitty Hawk by Marilyn Bertrand, great-aunt of the bride.

The bride chose this time to present gifts to her wedding party.