| bridal scene: Marshall Miller Designs |
Emma Kate Whatley & Thomas Zane Grace Wedding
Photography by Jenna Lindsay Photography
On a picture-perfect autumn day, Emma Kate Whatley and Thomas Zane( TZ) Grace were united in marriage on November 9, 2024. The ceremony was held at First Baptist Church of Moultrie, a place dear to the bride’ s heart, where she spent her entire youth and built lifelong memories of faith, community, and family.
Emma Kate is the daughter of Kelli and Keith Whatley of Funston, Georgia. TZ is the son of Zane and Jolie Grace of Leesburg, Georgia. The couple’ s story began in high school when they met through mutual friends, and their connection blossomed over time. After high school, both Emma Kate and TZ attended Georgia Southern University, and their romantic journey officially began shortly after Emma Kate graduated with a degree in Business Management.
The ceremony, directed by Mary Ann Smith, was a beautiful, traditional affair steeped in elegance and reverence. The couple was married by Reverend Matt Peek, Emma Kate’ s former youth pastor and current lead pastor of FBC Moultrie. In a nod to timeless style, Emma Kate walked down the aisle in a stunning fit-and-flare mermaid gown by Jesus Peiro, featuring classic ruffled cap sleeves, from Bridals by Gilbert in Perry, Georgia. TZ complemented her perfectly in a tailored black tuxedo from Lazarus of Moultrie.
Emma Kate was surrounded by her bridesmaids, each wearing elegant black gowns from the Dessy Group. The bride wanted her bridesmaids to feel confident and beautiful, so she encouraged each of them to select the style and fit that
30 MoultrieScene JULY 2025