Mattie Catherine Talbert and Dean Harold Smith, both of Chapin, were united in marriage Dec. 16 at the Episcopal Church of Saint Simon and Saint Jude in Irmo. The Rev. Mark A. Abdelnour officiated the 2:30 p.m. ceremony. A reception followed at Senate’s End in Columbia.

The bride is the daughter of Roy and Missy Talbert of Irmo. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Jane Kramer and the late William Burnett Jr. of Piedmont and Mrs. Betsy Gilkeson and the late Lt. Cmdr. Louis Gilkeson of Lexington. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina. She is employed with Newberry County Schools as an English teacher at Newberry High.

The groom is the son of Harold and Becky Smith of Newberry. He is the grandson of the late James M. and the late Laurene Dean of Greenville and the late Harold A. and the late Ernestine Smith of Columbia. After earning a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and education, he earned an associate degree in physical therapy assistance from Midlands Technical College. He is employed with Progressive Physical Therapy as a physical therapy assistant.

The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents. Soloists Neal Clamp and Nicole Derrick and organist Beth Johnson provided music.

Maid of honor was Catherine Kilburn of Irmo. Bridesmaids were Dana Jablonski and Julie Crooks, both of Irmo and Nancy Smith of Columbia. Lily Chandler of Wilmington, North Carolina, was flower girl.

Best man was John DuBose of Elgin. Groomsmen were West Talbert and Brian Crooks, both of Irmo, and Bert Collins and Perry Cate, both of Columbia. Chandler Ford of Columbia and Max Benjamin of Simpsonville were ring bearers.

Other participants were Sam Derrick and Stone Derrick, both of Blythewood; Isabella Benjamin of Simpsonville; Cami Chandler of Wilmington; and Kyle Waters, Allie Drennan and Mollie Waters, all of Greenville.

After their honeymoon in Palm Springs, California, the couple will reside in Chapin.

In their own words

Q: How did you meet?

A: Match.com.

Q: When did you know your spouse was "the one"?

A: Shortly after the first date.

Q: Tell us about the proposal.

A: Dean planned a weekend getaway to North Myrtle Beach after Mattie got out of school for Christmas break. He proposed on the beach.

Q: What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

A: Having our family and friends there, the food, the whole day! Especially saying “ I do.”

Q: How did you choose the venue where you were married?

A: It was the church Mattie grew up in.

Q: What was the significance of the music played during your ceremony?

A: We talked with our parents, the organist, and the reverend to pick the music.

Q: What were your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?

A: Mattie’s mom had an antique handkerchief custom sewn with blue thread for the bouquet. She borrowed her mom’s pearl bracelet and earrings, and her dress was new.