Gower-Everett

Ashley Gray Gower and Robert Earl Everett, both of Kinston, were married at 4 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008, at Queen Street United Methodist Church in Kinston. The Rev. Lawrence Taylor officiated.

Escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven H. Gower of Kinston. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Louis Alexander, who lived in Raleigh, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gower, who lived in Smithfield.

A graduate of Kinston High School and Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., she is an administrative assistant with Dr. Max Kasselt.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lynwood E. Everett of Kinston. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. George Everett of Kinston and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hall of Hugo.

A graduate of Bethel Christian Academy, he attended East Carolina University and is a partner in Everett Farms.

Following a wedding trip to Jamaica, the couple will reside in Kinston.

The bride wore a candlelight couture gown created by Augusta Jones of London. The formal gown was designed entirely of hand beaded re-embroidered Alençon lace over Italian satin. The three-quarter length sleeves were fashioned from sheer beaded lace, which also enhanced the yoke on the Sabrina neckline.

Covered buttons flowed down the entire back of the gown to the end of the cathedral train. The princess silhouette was enhanced by the narrow A-line skirt.

Her cathedral-length, waterfall styled veil of sheer illusion was marrow edged. She carried a bouquet of Mozart calla lilies; Ariana, Avalanche, Prima Donna and Vendela roses; with accents of green hydrangea and hypericum berries. The bouquet was tied with satin ribbon and pearl pins.

The bride's sister, Whitney Worley Gower of Raleigh, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Amanda C. Harvey of New Bern; Nicole Douglas of Dallas, Ga.; sister of the groom Kimberly Everett of Kinston; Dr. Wheeler Burns of Gainesville, Fla.; and Stacy S. Montague of Frederick, Md.

The bride's cousin, Sheridan Lemon of Wichita, Kan., was flower girl.

The groom's father, Lynwood Earl Everett, was his son's best man.

Groomsmen were James Daughety, Justin Fordham and Shelton Rhodes, all of Kinston; and Justin Hayes of Chadbourn.

Ushers were John Shallcross Jr. of Smithfield, the bride's godfather; and William Barnes of Snow Hill.

The bride's cousin, Griffin Bunce of Raleigh, was ring bearer.

The wedding was directed by Mary Catherine White.

The bride's cousin, Kelly W. Brinson of New Bern, was register attendant. Kayla Barnett of Kinston, the groom's cousin, and Reagan Hardy of Atlanta were program attendants.

Music was provided by organist Jacob Mewborn and vocalist Allen O'Neal.

Reception/Parties

Following the ceremony, a reception was given by the bride's parents at the Kinston Country Club. Reception greeters were Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Pollock and Mr. and Mrs. Brad Albritton.

On May 19, an engagement party was given by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Gower and Mr. and Mrs. Lynwood Everett at the Gower home in Kinston.

On Sept. 21, a bridal shower was given at the Wheat Swamp Christian Church fellowship hall by the Everett family and Wheat Swamp Christian Church.

On Oct. 2, a bridal shower and brunch was given by Ann Marie Hill at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Broadway in Kinston.

On Oct. 10-12, a bachelorette weekend and a lingerie shower were given by the maid of honor and bridesmaids in Wrightsville Beach.

On Oct. 25, a his and hers shower and cookout were given by Mr. and Mrs. George Strickland, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Johnson, Larry Strickland of Pine Level, and John Shallcross Jr. of Smithfield, at the George Strickland home in Pine Level.

On Nov. 1, a Christmas shower was given by the groom's aunt, Debbie Hall, at her home in Kinston.

On Nov. 13, a "Pamper the Bride Spa Day" was given by friends of the bride's family at Alison and Co. Spa in Kinston.

On Nov. 14, a bridesmaids' luncheon was given by Ann Jones, Patsy Cochrane and Mary Jones, aunts of the bride, at The Broken Eagle Eatery in Kinston.

On Nov. 14, following the rehearsal, a rehearsal dinner was given by the groom's parents at the Kinston Country Club.