Celebrating Black Brides: Profile #11

Couple: Ida Smith and Nathaniel Sanders

Date of Wedding:  February 4, 1950

Place: Private home in Smithfield, NC at the bedside of the officiant

Officiant: Reverend William H. Mitchener

Fun facts: 

The marriage ceremony was performed at the bedside of Rev. Mitchener, the groom's pastor, who was ill.

The groom, a World War II veteran, escorted the bride to her 1945 senior prom wearing his Army uniform.

The love affair did not end with the groom’s death in 1991.  The bride continued celebrating her wedding anniversary every year until her own death in 2000.

The couple's anniversary picture c. 1988.

The bride's nursing school photograph, taken about a year before marrying Nathaniel Sanders.