Whitney Smith, Joe Boyd marry

Whitney Lynn Wall Smith and Joe Louis Boyd Jr., both of Columbia, were united in marriage July 9 at Upper Richland Community Center in Columbia. Pastor John Cardamone officiated the 5 o’clock ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Dolores Jean Wall and the late James K. Wall Jr. and the granddaughter of James K. Wall Sr. and the late Fannie B. Wall. A graduate of W.J. Keenan High School, she is pursuing a nursing degree at Midlands Technical College, and she is employed with Lexington Medical Center.

The groom is the son of Joe Louis Boyd Sr. and Ruthan (John) Lewis. He is the grandson of the late Walter Lee and Mary Lee. A graduate of Eau Claire High School, he is employed with Charles Yon Body Shop.

The bride was escorted and given in marriage by Antwan Williams Sr. DJ Slim provided music.

Maid of honor was Kortney D. Wall of Columbia. Matron of honor was Roshell Stroman of Columbia. Bridesmaids were Bernetta Williams of Colonial Heights, Virginia; Asley Greer of Hopkins; and Kormorah A. Majeed, Johanna L. Boyd, and Jada S. Boyd, all of Columbia. Nalah and Gabriel Greer were flower girls.

Best man was James K. Wall Jr. of Columbia. Groomsmen were Antwan B. Williams Sr. and Antwan B. Williams Jr., both of Colonial Heights, Virginia; and Marqueze Williams-Boyd, Dedric S. Smith Jr., Johan J. Boyd, and Raheem A. Majeed, all of Columbia. Xavier A. Kennedy of Columbia was ring bearer.

Tiffany Milhouse and Alyssa Langford served as coordinators.

A reception followed at the Upper Richland Community Center.

The couple will reside in Columbia.

In her own words

Q. How did you meet?

A. I needed a new paint job for my truck. He did repairs and painted it so beautifully, I sold it a few months later!

Q. When did you know your spouse was “the one”?

A. The day I met him. He was so calm and unrushed.

Q. Tell us about the proposal.

A. Well, we have been together for 11 years. We were in the pawn shop looking for speakers for his car. He asked me if I liked this particular ring, he said try it on, I did, and he said, “Do you like it? It’s yours!”

Yep! Just like that! And I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Q. What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

A. When we made our vows – to have and hold, til death – I do!

To hear him say “I do” was priceless. Being announced as Mr. & Mrs. Joe Louis Boyd Jr.

Q. How did you choose the venue where you were married?

A. To be honest, we chose a venue that was affordable for our family and would hold all of our guests.

Q. What was the significance of the music played during your ceremony?

A. “At Last” by Etta James – At last I was marrying my best friend and soulmate!