RICHMOND HILL — Leighann Elizabeth Rutland and Ryan Mathew Cook of Richmond Hill were united in marriage on Oct. 3, 2009 with the Rev. Jimmy L Parker of Sparks, uncle of the bride, officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Kimsey and Dianne Gray Rutland of Richmond Hill. Maternal grandparents are Addie Zell Herndon Gray of Tifton and the late Delton Gray. Paternal grandparents are the late Brown and Virginia Marie Holt Rutland, formerly of Lenox.

The groom is the son of Mark Edward and Amy Crane Cook of Richmond Hill. Maternal grandparents are the late Ellen Bapson and Harry Olin Crane, formerly of Hampstead, N.C. Paternal grandparents are Marie Byrd Hughes of Bryson City, N.C., the late Carl Hughes and Samuel L. and Marney Kirton Cook of Linvingston, Ala.

The occasion was held at the beautiful University of Georgia Coastal Bamboo Gardens in Savannah with the marriage ceremony being held on the deck of one of the many fountained ponds throughout the garden. The couple spoke their vows underneath an arbor intertwined with greenery and flowers of various hues of tropical colors lovingly hand tied by her mother and aunt Lynn.

The bride was escorted by her father and wore a white satin gown with a beaded lace halter and full tulle skirt. Her fingertip veil with sleek piping completed the ensemble. She carried a silk bouquet handcrafted by her mother of miniature pink and purple roses, white roses, purple heater, baby’s breath, lime hydrangea, white carnations tipped in magenta and centered with a rose of magenta which was hand painted by her mother to match the blush of her daughter’s cheeks. The bouquet cascaded a trail of baby’s breath, ivy and hand-strung beads, all tied with ribbons of matching color.

Amanda Murphy of Richmond Hill served as maid of honor. Catherine Rutland, sister-in-law to the bride, and Heather Cook, sister of the groom, served as bridesmaids. Savannah Rutland, niece of the bride, served as flower girl.

Dray Smith served as best man with Jason Rutland and David Sanders of Richmond Hill serving as groomsmen.

The bride’s parents hosted an afternoon reception following the ceremony. The couple left for a week-long stay at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. They will reside in Richmond Hill where the groom is a retail manager and the bride is a dental assistant.