Abigail Grace King and Aaron Lee McKenzie were united in holy matrimony at two
o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Columbia, Mississippi. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by the Reverend J.T. Champion.
The bride is the daughter of Brent and Lori King of Columbia. She is the granddaughter of Janet Williamson and the late Rocky Williamson, and the late Paul and Jean King. The groom is the son of Dan McKenzie, Jr. and Valerie McKenzie of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Donna McKenzie of Columbia. He is the grandson of the late Dan W. McKenzie, Sr. and the late Ruth McKenzie, and Barbara Kendrick and the late Clifford Kendrick.
Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a Justin Alexander ballgown featuring a gathered off-the-shoulder neckline and beautiful belt. Her cathedral-length veil complemented the gown’s classic silhouette. She carried a bouquet of hydrangeas.
The ceremony began with “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” sung by Gracie Jones and Riley Spiers and accompanied on piano by the groom. The parents were seated as “Canon in D” was played on piano. The bridal party entered to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” played on the organ, and the bride made her entrance to “How Great Is Our God,” performed on piano.
A special moment of congregational worship followed, led by Molly Bennett and Riley Spiers, with the groom accompanying on piano as the bride joined him. Together, they shared in a medley of “Goodness of God” and “The Blessing.” The couple was presented to guests, and the bridal party recessed to Handel’s “Hornpipe.” Music was provided by pianist Amy Carley and organist Dr. Bob Knupp.
Attending the bride as matron of honor was Elizabeth Potratz. Maids of honor were Kayla Hammond and Gracie Jones. Bridesmaids included Tana Hobgood, Carley Davis, Riley Spiers, Joy Davis, Kara Eldin, Anna Kerley, Katie Price, and the bride’s cousins, Katelyn Morris and Pryce Stephens. Sawyer Oglesbee served as flower girl.
Serving as best men were Dan W. McKenzie, Sr., Nathan McKenzie, and Cody King. Groomsmen were Cole Oglesbee, Gabriel Story, Ras Pace, Allen Boutwell, Lane Smith, Parker Dungan, Jack Potratz, Tyler Broom, and Peyton Walley. Warren Oglesbee served as ring bearer.
Following the ceremony, the couple exited the church amid celebration and departed in a restored 1977 Ford Bronco lovingly restored by the groom’s father.
A reception was held at the Columbia Academy Fine Arts Building, decorated by Katie Ball. The venue featured white tablecloths layered with delicate cheesecloth and accented with floating candles. Select tables were adorned with floral arrangements for an elegant touch.
The bride’s four-tiered almond cake, baked by Melanie Russell, was decorated with roses and hydrangeas. The groom’s cake, a replica of a grand piano, was a sweet potato confection. Guests enjoyed chicken salad quiche, open-faced tomato and cucumber sandwiches, corn dip, and jambalaya prepared by Richard and Donna Prejean. Catering was coordinated by Dana Monk, with assistance from Suzy Adams, Loren Monk, Landon and Mikala Monk, Richard and Donna Prejean, Lula Ball, Alison LaVine, and Molly and Caleb Bennett.
The couple shared their first dance to “When I Say I Do” by Matthew West.
Following a honeymoon in
Jamaica, the couple resides in
Columbia. The groom is a loan
officer at First Southern Bank, and the bride is employed with Regions Bank.
