Laura Leigh Laxson of Athens and Eric Warren Prater of Decatur were joined in marriage in a 10 a.m. morning ceremony March 26 at the antebellum ‘Cotton Hill Plantation’ in Athens, with Jeremiah McElyea officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Guinn and Tammy Laxson of Athens. She is the granddaughter of Glynn and Ermogene Laxson and Fred and Robbie Nell Robertson, all of Athens.

The groom is the son of Greg and Laura Mitchell, and Bert Prater, all of Decatur. He is the grandson of Mrs. Margarita Guitart and Mrs. Emma Sue Prater, both of Decatur, and Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Lecuona, of Ormond Beach, Fla., and the late Mr. Doyle Prater and Mr. Miguel Guitart.

The bride was given in marriage by her father.

Matron of honor was Lane Alyce Aderholt, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Morgan Barksdale, Nikki Nowlin, sister of the groom, Julee Powers, cousin of the bride, Alisa Emerich, and Mallory Johnson Prater, sister-in-law of the groom.  Flower girls were Lillian Moss and Abby Moss, cousins of the bride, and Ava Prater, niece of the groom.

Best man was Patrick Doyle Prater, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Jacob Johnson, Rob Nowlin, brother-in-law of the groom, Aaron Fant, cousin of the groom, Jonathan Weatherby, and Brady Aderholt, brother- in-law of the bride. Ushers were Jordan Laxson and Jared Laxson, cousins of the bride. Ring bearers were Ashton Nowlin, Hunter Nowlin, and Owen Prater, nephews of the groom, with special attendant General Lee Laxson.

Music and vocals were provided by George A. Harris Jr. of Grady.

Sara Lail and Anna Stinnett, cousins of the bride kept the guest registry. Natalie Powers, cousin of the bride was the program attendant. 

Mia Powers, aunt of the bride was the wedding director.

A Southern-style brunch reception followed the ceremony, with ‘Just Down the Road’ performing.

After a honeymoon to Negril, Jamaica, the couple  resides in Decatur.