Morgan Elisabeth Simmons and Dr. Jeffrey Reid Claiborne met through a mutual friend while living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Morgan, from Atlanta, Georgia, was in physician assistant school and Jeffrey, a New Orleans native, was in his third year of plastic surgery residency. Both in the medical field, Morgan and Jeffrey connected quickly with mutual love for family, medicine, and to Morgan’s dismay, the New Orleans Saints.
Morgan and Jeffrey quickly realized they had each found “the one.” Jeffrey began to look at rings and decided to have one of his mother’s diamonds re-set into a simple but timeless setting by Hiller Jewelry. The ring traveled up to North Carolina through family and friends and Jeffrey proposed over dessert at one of their favorite restaurants in Winston-Salem. They spent the rest of the evening calling family and friends and celebrating their engagement.
The celebratory weekend of April 23, 2016, began at the rehearsal dinner, given by Jeffrey’s parents, Dr. Martin and Barbara Claiborne, in the historic Greystone Hall at Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s largest family-friendly park.
The wedding ceremony was held at Peachtree Christian Church officiated by Reverend Jarrod Longbons. Peachtree Christian Church, established in 1925 and modeled after Melrose Abbey in Scotland, has the largest single collection of English stained glass windows outside of England. The ceremony music included organist Herb Buffington and vocalists Turner and Courtney Vaughn, friends of the bride. The Maids of Honor were Morgan’s younger sister Lindy Simmons and Claire Ashley, the bride’s best friend. The Best Man was Dr. Martin Claiborne, Jeffrey’s father.
Following the ceremony, the reception was hosted by Morgan’s parents, Dr. Neal and Andrea Simmons, in the beautiful Georgian Ballroom at The Biltmore Hotel. The delicious food was served by Affairs to Remember catering and band Az Izz had their guests dancing the entire night. The band played “With This Ring” by The Platters for Morgan and Jeffrey’s first dance. Laura Potts of Sugar Event and Design helmed the event.
Morgan and Jeffrey enjoyed a one-week honeymoon in St. Lucia and returned to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Jeffrey is completing his one-year fellowship and Morgan is working as a Physician’s Assistant.
Bride’s Wedding Gown: Anne Barge
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung
Groomsmen’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Groom’s Wedding Band: Family heirloom since 1919
Reception Band: Az Izz with Music Garden Bands
Photographer: Anchor & Veil Photography
Catering: Affairs to Remember
Flowers: Tulip
Cake Designer: Frosted Pumpkin
Bridal Party: Abbie Garrison, Britton Chauvin, Katie Shockley, Jack Carrere, Taryn Saunders, Dr. Cole Claiborne, Claire Ashley, Dr. Martin Claiborne, The Bride and Groom, Lindy Simmons, Ross Claiborne, Sallie Gurganus, Terry Kirkley, Lydia Wright, Clayton Crantford, Caroline Trammell and Chase Simmons (not pictured) Flower Girls and Ring Bearer Ellie Schmidt, Caroline Schmidt, Jane Fry and Boden Batt
Andrea Simmons, Chase Simmons, Neal Simmons, Lindy Simmons, The Bride and Groom, Ross Claiborne, Barbara Claiborne, Dr. Cole Claiborne and Dr. Martin Claiborne
