Betsy Alexandra Bowker became the bride of William Lou Christian in Franklin in the antebellum gardens of the historic Carnton Plantation on June 2.

The bride is the daughter of Dennis and Marlene Bowker of Burns, and the granddaughter of the late Mary Tidwell Holt, the late Floyd Tidwell, and the late Mary Kathryn and Richard Bowker.

Mr. Christian is the son of Donnie and Dawn Christian of Rock Island. His grandparents are George and Billie Dean Christian, and the late Don and Kay Chalfant of Smithville.

The couple chose to hold their ceremony in the garden on a beautiful, hot summer day, with the garden filled with white hydrangeas flanked by a 160-year-old Osage orange tree. They were joined together in marriage by Minister Teddy Jones of the Bluff Springs Church of Christ. The couple wrote their own vows with heartfelt lines of love, compassion and promise.

Miss Bowker was given in marriage by her father. The bride was resplendent in a white chiffon gown with intricate hand beading and rhinestones. Her fingertip veil with a beaded trim was passed down from the bride’s cousin, and will be passed to her sisters. She carried a bouquet of white and blush pink garden roses and eucalyptus, with the stems wrapped in white satin ribbon.

Lisette Garza was the maid of honor, and bridesmaids were Emma Bowker and Kate Bowker, sisters of the bride; Amanda Perry, Montana Marlin and Amelia Dap.

The attendants were attired in blush pink off-the-shoulder gowns, and carried bouquets of white and blush pink roses and eucalyptus.

Rudy Cotten was the best man, and groomsmen included Christian Wilkinson and Garrison Holmes, cousins of the groom; Bradley Steg, Patrick Harvey and Tyler Jacobs. Bennett Cochrane was chosen as the ring bearer.

The couple’s toy poodle, Laya, joined in the ceremony wearing white wedding attire.

Pronounced man and wife, the couple left the venue to the music of the David Matthews Bans song, “You and Me.” Mike Kamerman, guitarist for the band Smallpools, provided music selections during the ceremony.

A reception for the couple was given by the bride’s parents, and was held at the Franklin Marriott of Cool Springs, and served refreshments and hors d’oeuvres before moving to the Grand Champion ballroom for seating.

The bride and groom made their entrance to the song “Celebration,” and were seated on a riser at a sweetheart table filled with flowers and floating candles. Smallpools drummer Beau Kuther served as DJ for the joyous reception.  

The bride and groom chose a four-tiered wedding cake designed by the bride. It was topped with blush pink peonies, with tiers of the traditional cake and strawberry, covered with buttercream frosting. The groom chose a motorcycle-themed chocolate ganache cake topped with a replica of the groom’s Honda dirt bike.

The couple was later sent off to their Mexico honeymoon by family and friends lined up cheering and waving ribbon wands under the twinkling patio string lights.

As they start their lifetime of memories and love, the couple reside in Bellevue, and both are professionals in the nursing field.