Extracted from The Port Arthur News (Port Arthur, TX)
Sunday, March 27, 1955

Marriage Takes Place

Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Matthews left Friday for Monterrey, Mexico following their marriage in the First Baptist church of Bridge City. The bride, before her marriage, was Betty Jane Parker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence G. Parker of Bridge City. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Matthews of Augusta, Ga.

The Rev. C. S. Myers read the nuptials beneath an archway of flowers and greenery with palms and branched candelabra forming a background. Marilyn Miers sang the bridal solos accompanied by Joanne Webb at the organ.

    Tulle and Lace

The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a floor-skimming gown of nylon tulle and lace. The demure high necked bodice had a Peter Pan collar and a yoke of tulle. Two billowing tiers of tulle edged with lace cascaded from the waistline to complete the gown's swirling skirt. She carried white roses with stephanotis and ribbons. Her veil of illusion fell from a fitted cap of lace outlined in pearls.

Mrs. L. S. Harrison attended her sister as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Neva Davis and Norma Davis of Port Neches with Diana Baker, niece of the bride, as junior bridesmaid. All attendants wore waltz length frocks of shrimp color styled with strapless bodices and three tiered skirts of net over taffeta. Their stoles of net and headpieces were of matching shade. Sharon Baker of Pineville, another niece, was flower girl.

Best man was L. S. Harrison while Ralph Youngblood of Beaumont and J. R. Baker of Pineville were groomsmen with Danny Sudduth of Port Arthur as junior groomsman. Ushers and candlelighters were H. D. Howard, Jr., Earl S. Darby, Danny Baker, and C. B. Shanan.

A reception was held in the educational building of the church following the ceremony. Candles centered by carnations, stock and iris provided the centerpiece on the bride's table which held a crystal and silver service. The three tiered cake was served by Mrs. J. R. Baker of Pineville and Octavine McGraw of Port Neches. Mrs. C. B. Shanan of Port Neches and Bessie Howard of Bridge City served the punch. Becky Kyzer, sister of the bride, was in charge of the guest book. Assisting in serving were Bessie Howard, Marilyn Miers of Bridge City and Ruth Parker of Port Arthur.

On their return from Mexico, the young couple will make their home at 703 West Ella street in Kingsville. For traveling the bride chose a steel gray ragney suit with black accessories.