Melissa Deanne Tolbird and John David Dunson were married on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at the Tolbird home. The sunset ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Billie Tolbird, grandmother of the bride.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Miles Dean Tolbird of Bailey and the the late Mr. and Mrs. John Leonard Jr. of Tallassee, Ala.

Grandparents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Tolbird and Bea Beasley and the late Kenneth Beasley, all of Meridian.

Grandparents of the bridegroom are the late Mr. and Mrs. John Leonard, Sr. of Ecletic, Ala. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Roy Warren of Tallassee.

A string quartet from Hattiesburg provided music for the outdoor ceremony and accompanied soloists Barry Brand and Holly Brand of Meridian.

The bride was escorted by her father. She wore a diamond white, strapless gown made of Duchess satin with a sweetheart neckline. The modified A-line design featured a cross-over draped bodice with a side brooch and satin covered buttons extending down the court-length train. Her single layer angel cut veil was embellished with rhinestones and pearls, and was anchored with a diamond and pearl comb. The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of Casablanca lilies.

Crystal Lynn Tolbird, sister of the bride, was maid of honor.

Douglas Roy Dunson of Montgomery, Ala., brother of the bridegroom, served as best man.

Michael Kenneth Miller of Houston, cousin of the bride, served as usher.

Taylor Anne Miller of Houston, cousin of the bride, greeted guests as they arrived at the Tolbird home for the ceremony. She also served as ceremony reader.

Following the lakeside ceremony, a tented reception was held on the grounds of the front lawn.

After a honeymoon touring Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and other French Polynesian islands, the couple is at home in Mobile, Ala.