Mrs. Andrew Howell Davidson
Under the canopy of twin oak trees on a lovely spring morning surrounded by immediate family, Anne Watkins Tyson and Andrew Howell Davidson were united in holy matrimony on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the home of the Davidsons in Brandon, Mississippi. The Reverend Brian Dale Sorgenfrei officiated the double ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Emmon Tyson Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Russell Dumas Jr. of Prentiss, Mississippi, and the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert Emmon Tyson of Holly Springs, Mississippi. She earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications from the University of Mississippi and is employed with Texans for Governor Greg Abbott in Austin, Texas.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stacy Davidson of Brandon, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Mrs. June East Lofton of Madison, Mississippi and the late Mr. Charles Edward Lofton of Brookhaven, Mississippi and Mrs. Fay Spruill Davidson and the late Dr. Littleton Stacy Davidson Jr. of Oxford, Mississippi. He earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications from the University of Mississippi and is employed with BigCommerce in Austin, Texas.
The bride was escorted by her father down the aisle to “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” and given in marriage by her parents. Violinist Mary Patton Murphy of Jackson, Mississippi provided the music, which included a solo of “Ave Maria” ( Gounod). The couple recessed to “Ode to Joy,” which defined the spirit of the day.
Virginia Boyd Tyson James, sister of the bride, of Corinth, Mississippi, was the matron of honor. Jessica Phillips Tyson of Washington, D. C. and Ruth Emmon Tyson of Columbia, South Carolina, sisters of the bride, were the maids of honor. Laura Caroline Davidson of Brandon, Mississippi and sister of the groom was the bridesmaid.
John Stacy Davidson, father of the groom, served as best man. John Brantley Davidson of Memphis, Tennessee, and Samuel Walker Davidson of Jackson, Mississippi, brothers of the groom, were groomsmen.
Katherine Grace Davidson of Memphis, Tennessee, and John Adkins James of Corinth, Mississippi read Genesis 2:20-25 and 1 John 4:7-12 as testaments to Anne Watkins’s and Andrew’s faith and desire to grow together as one in love through Christ.
The families enjoyed an intimate wedding luncheon on the beautiful front porch of the Davidson’s home and celebrated the marriage with heartfelt toasts and a delicious wedding cake created by dear friend Georgie Barbour of Yazoo City, Mississippi. Anne Watkins and Andrew enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Following the wedding luncheon, close family and dear friends celebrated the newlyweds with a joyous parade, showering the couple with balloons, honking horns, cheers, and blown kisses and hugs.
The night before the wedding, the Davidsons hosted a special dinner on the front porch for the two families. The bride and groom were celebrated through a wonderful video of heartfelt and memorable toasts from their dearest friends…the original wedding party. These toasts reminded the couple that the love of family and friends is ever-present even if the trials of a pandemic kept them apart.
The original wedding party included the following bridesmaids: Elizabeth Byrd Oellerich of Charlotte, North Carolina; Catherine Reid Griffin of Charleston, South Carolina; Ann Wilson Reich Eber of Memphis, Tennessee; Mary Claire Lee Hayes of New York, New York; Lyle Jennings Lawson of Austin, Texas; Lauren Kaye Losordo of Tupelo, Mississippi, Hart-Lee Gabbert Grice of Durham, North Carolina; Madeline Rae Wyatt of Jackson, Mississippi; Anne Russell Webb of Auburn, Alabama; and Martha Elizabeth Rose McIntosh of Divonne les Bains, France.
Groomsmen included the following: Joseph James Cook of Flowood, Mississippi; Hunter Reed Harrison, Jeffrey William Lancaster, William Schaeffer Pringle, and James Burkhalter Mitchum all of Memphis, Tennessee; Grant Huston Lamb of Dallas, Texas; Nathan Troy Joseph Lowery of Austin, Texas; Patrick Lee Oellerich of Cleveland, Tennessee; William Grafton Peaster of Washington, D.C.; and Kyle Christopher Thigpen of Nashville, Tennessee.
Even though COVID- 19 recalibrated the original wedding plans to marry at Camp DeSoto on May 9 and prevented dear family and friends from celebrating in person, Anne Watkins and Andrew were so blessed to be married on a perfect day made just for them through God’s grace and the hands, love, and prayers of the many who were there with them in spirit.
The couple enjoyed a brief honeymoon at the historic Fairview Inn in Jackson, Mississippi before returning to Austin, Texas, to begin their new life together. Continued wedding celebrations and a honeymoon are hoped for; yet, Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are thankful for their unique and wonderful journey to the altar.
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