Mayor Daniel Brown dances with his bride, the former Cathy Smith, at their wedding reception Saturday.
2011 has been quite the year for Dan Brown. First, the freshman City Council member was elected by his peers to fill the unexpired term of former Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam when Haslam was elected governor. Seven months later, Brown, a long-time bachelor, took the plunge and this past Saturday became a married man again.
When I first got to know Mayor Brown, I noticed that at social occasions he often was in the company of the sweet and pretty Cathy Smith. One time I asked him how I should describe her if I took her photo or wrote about her in The Blue Streak. “Should I call her your girlfriend?” I asked. “Call her my friend,” he responded.
It was only a little over a month ago that my friend Bill Lyons, senior director of policy and communications for Mayor Brown, gave me an update. “The Mayor has finally admitted that Cathy is more than a friend,” Lyons confided. “So I can call her his girlfriend?” I asked. “Yes, I think so,” Lyons said.
That weekend we received the wedding invitation in the mail.
I guess when Mayor Brown makes a decision, he doesn’t waste any time implementing it!
The 3 p.m. wedding was at First A.M.E. Zion Church on McCalla Avenue and was followed by a reception at Cherokee Mills. The crowd of about 200 was studded with politicians and other well-known Knoxvillians including former mayors Randy Tyree and Victor Ashe.
Brown and Smith actually have known each other nearly 20 years. The couple said they started officially “dating” about a year ago. When I asked how they decided to finally get married, the mayor explained, “It evolved.”
Here are some sights from the festive afternoon.
County Commissioner Sam McKenzie and his wife, Gwen, sat in front of us at the church.
The bride was escorted down the aisle by her son, Jason Kelso Cloud.
The Rev. Michael J. McNair performed the 20-minute ceremony.
Former County Commissioner Diane Jordan in the church lobby after the ceremony.
The bride and groom shortly after their arrival at the reception.
City Councilman Nick Pavlis and his wife, Joy.
From left, Marsha and Councilman Duane Grieve, Alan Carmichael and Police Chief David Rausch.
From left: Bill Lyons, Deputy to the Mayor Larry Martin, Gay Lyons, Pam Reeves and City Council's attorney Charles Swanson.
The city's director of community relations, Tank Strickland, and his wife, Terry.
State Rep. Joe Armstrong and his wife, LeTonia.
Michael and Judith Foltz, on left, with Randy Kenner. Judith is the city's director of special events and Randy is in the communications office.
Jonida and Theotis Robinson
Joan and former Mayor Victor Ashe.
From City Council's office, from left, Cindy Mitchell, Susan Wilson and Melissa Peters
Former Mayor Randy Tyree, left, with Councilman Brenda Palmer and her husband, Don.
The buffet table was a big hit!
Catering was by Rosa's.
Sam and Gwen McKenzie, left, with City Councilman Marilyn Roddy, who is running for state Senate.
Mayoral candidate Madeline Rogero, left, with Jean James of the Mayor's Office. Rogero used to be the city's director of community development.
Interesting huddle. When I asked what these three were discussing, Ashe responded: "She wants to join our club!" That would be the Former Mayors Club.
Lisa M. McClain played the piano and sang at the wedding ceremony. She was great.
Music at the reception was provided by Groove Therapy.
Larry Martin poses with Cathy Chesney of the Mayor's Office.
The bride took a spin around the dance floor with her son.
While the groom danced with his daughter, Stephanie Nicole Burgess.
Then, of course, the Electric Slide broke out!
I'm thinking Madeline Rogero might be the only mayoral candidate who can dance the Electric Slide!
Look at all these cakes!
Time to cut!
The obligatory cake-feeding shot
The couple listening to a toast by Janice Robinson.
Instead of throwing the bouquet, the bride gave it to a dear friend, Rosella Thompson. (I liked this idea. So much more dignified.)
And then the groom blew everyone away by taking the microphone and serenading his new wife with "What Love has Joined Together" by the Temptations. So sweet.
Three mayors pose with the bride.
Bill Lyons and Mayor Brown celebrate.
Alan's favorite part!
Thanks Cynthia, indeed more than a friend! It was a great joyous celebration and we had a terrific time. The mayor really surprised us with the serenade. He has some talent!
Bill: I agree about the mayor having talent! Who knew he really could sing? What a wonderful surprise.
What a great occasion—I loved it when Cathy gave her friend the bouquet, and then the mayor’s singing. Talented guy! They are a sweet couple, and we wish them the best.
Thanks for continuing to provide such great updates from home, Cynthia. So good to see so many familiar faces!
Thanks, Hannah! We miss you but are happy for you having your fun Nashville adventure. Gay: totally agree!
They make such a wonderful couple! I heard this is the first time a Knoxville Mayor has been married while in office. That Dan is all about making history 🙂 Wish them both the best in life! Great pictures Cynthia!
Thanks, Gwen! Agree about the history making!
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