Southern Empress Cruises

The Wedding & Reception of Michelle Bondurant and Rodney Clanton

Our Wedding

This is us...

Her story.... Rodney and I met in the summer of 1989. Not really sure what dancehall it was we were in attendance on the same evening, but I do remember him looking at me from across the room. I was only 19. He was tall and super skinny! Our eyes locked for a brief moment. I had grown up going in and out of local country and western bars aka " honky-tonks " and danced thru my teenage years. Honestly, I'm not even sure how that was legal. I remember starting as early as 15 years old. So country dancing and me, we go way back. Probably because one of my favorite all time movies was, "Urban Cowboy" with John Travolta and Sissy Spacek. So there I was, chatting it up with my girlfriend and Rodney came over and asked me if I would dance with him. I immediately said no. You don't walk into a place and just start dancing.&nbsp;&nbsp; Shot down he went elsewhere and I continued scoping the room and the dance floor for my next victim. Who was there that I had danced with before? We all bounced around the same circle of dance halls. Things were always a little uptight when you first went into these places, you would have to go for a "walk around" so that you could take inventory and stock of who was there and who you might want to dance with later.. Well I'm not sure Rodney's story, all I remember is he didn't take no for an answer and came over and asked me again and by this time I was a little more at ease and ready to dance. It was either this time or one other time he asked and I finally said yes, and he took my hand and led me to the dance floor.&nbsp; I remember the song, "Neon Moon“ by Brooks &amp; Dunn was playing. I will never forget it, because to this day every time this song comes on, Rodney asks me to dance no matter where we are and sings it to me just like the very first night we we met and if we are not in the car, it's likely he will grab my hand for another dance. :) Note - He will probably say I kissed him.... I'm doubtful this actually happened the way he claims it. ;) Fast forward to 2016. We'll leave out the details of how we spent time apart or managed to even break up, but there is record he attended my first wedding. Again - leaving out these details. Back to 2016.. I was cleaning out my mother's house and I found a photo that we had taken Olan Mills while we were dating back in the summer of '89. So, as anyone would do, I picked up my phone and got on Facebook and began looking for the "long lost" Rodney Clanton. Where was he how? How was he doing? The photo he had on his Facebook profile was a picture of a motorcycle. I sent a private message and asked, "I'm looking for this Rodney Clanton, is this you?" and I sent over the picture of the two of us. He immediately replied, "Shelly, you have to call me!" and gave me his number.&nbsp; We began talking by phone and did so for several years. After his father's passing, Rodney moved back to Texas, and soon after, the pursuit was on! I might be a little hard to catch. One of the cutest stories I remember him sharing with me was before his mom sold her home. He was happily cooking dinner for his mom and I, singing in her kitchen, "Shelly's come around to Rodney's way of thinking" and his mom just laughed and said, "Oh really?" She knew... He had some straightening up to do! Well he straightened up and every year that has gone by has been better than the year before. Each year has been full of wonderful moments and memories that I will treasure forever. He even created a 1989 "Surprise" Prom for me with all of our friends, complete with hairdo's, dresses, neon lights and 80's music. A great time was had by all.... Who doesn't love this guy? He is pretty special, so when he asked, even though there was hesitation that had nothing to do with him, just my nerves, I said "Yes!" I am so in love with this man. He is a rare find indeed. &nbsp; His Story.... Summer of 89, a single boy goes out to dance at Willies Night Life. Little does he know that this night would impact the rest of his life. It took several minutes and even more Bud Light to give him the courage to walk in alone. After walking around for a while, he found an empty booth on the far side of the dance floor from the bar. Sitting there, lonely, he&nbsp;glanced toward the bar and spotted the most beautiful woman in the world. In that moment, to him, the rest of the world stopped as she looked at him, and their eyes locked for that brief moment. He wanted to ask her to dance, even knowing she was out of his league. After a few more beers, he gathered the courage to walk over. Upon his arrival, he could see her radiant beauty and wonderful smile, and those rocky mountains she was wearing sure fit nicely. He said," Pardon me, would you like to dance?". She looked at him, looked at her friend, chuckled, looked back at him with a warm smile, and said, "no, thank you." Embarrassed, he walked back to his booth and sat. Contemplating the rejection, he looked her way again and again their eyes met. He was exhilarated by her beauty. Not wanting to remain alone for the evening,&nbsp;he gathered up his courage and sauntered back to her table and again asked, " Pardon me, would you like to dance?" And again, she denied him. He was doubly embarrassed and made a quick exit towards the bar to procure more beer. After dancing with another girl and trying to make sure she could see that he was able to dance and of course after a few more beers, he decided that he just would not take no for answer and returned to her table. " Pardon me, would you like to dance?" were the words again and to his astonishment she looked him square in the eyes, smiled and said, "One dance." He quickly grabbed her hand and led her onto the dance floor, not wanting to give her time to change her mind. As they entered the dance floor, the song that was playing, "Pop a Top" ended, and Brooks and Dunn Neon Moon started to play, which was one of his favorite songs. They began moving their bodies together as he led them in a popular 2 step style dance, all the while eyes locked and he sang the whole song to her as they danced. As the song ended, he realized how into her he was at that moment and moved in for their first kiss. And now you know " the rest of the story".

Our Story

Photos

Aunt Becky, you are so special to us and we are truly honored you will be officiating  our wedding ceremony. From the moment we knew we were getting married to the day we say "I do" , there is no other choice for us.  We know when you pray over us, and bless our union, that it will indeed be heard by our Father in Heaven.  Thank you for being willing. We are so blessed you said YES!  Love you so much!

Becky Wyatt

My beautiful daughter is so dear to me.  She is the mother of my 3 precious grandchildren and it is truly  an honor to be her mom.   Her spirit is as beautiful as she is, and she astonishes me every day with how much she does on a day to day and  with her devotion to raising these precious babies.   Thank you my sweet girl for standing beside me on this special day.  I love you more than you could ever imagine.

Courtney Alexander

This beautiful woman and I go back to pre-teen years.  We met the summer of 6th grade.  We have shared so much joy and beautiful memories together. We were even pregnant together - TWICE.   It is truly an honor to call her my "sister from another mister"-she loved my mom almost as much as  I did. 

Thank you for every single memory.  From puberty to grandbabies and all the years between us, I love you more than words can express, Double D!

DeeDee Rushing

I have no words that could begin to sum up the love I have for this lady.  I met her before I started school at just 4 years old.... We have been the "Best Best Best - all the best in the world friends" for as long as I can remember. Every joy, every heartache, this lady is a vault of my emotions and I am so honored to be her life long friend.  Thank you for the journey of "life" we have shared.  I will love you into the next life, Cherie.  

Cherie Tann

We met in relatively odd circumstances. There was definitely alcohol involved. Out of all the people I have been friends with, this man has stuck with me and I feel will stick with me till the end. I'm honored to have you at my side for the happiest day of my life. Thank you brother.

Rex Steelman

What can I say bruh? 
I'm so honored to have you stand with me as I embark on this journey with your mom and all of you!   Thank you for letting me be part of your life and being willing to be part of mine.

A side note from mom:  Thank you for being part of our journey.  We love you so much and it truly means the world to me that you are standing today with the man I love!

Pierce Bondurant

I'm so glad your here to celebrate this special day with us. It's been a great journey watching you grow and growing with you and getting to know you. Thank you for recognizing the love I have for your mother and for you.

A side note from mom:  Thank you for getting to know Rodney.  It means everything that all 3 of my children are in support of this very special moment!  You are such an incredible human and we are so proud of who you are.  thank you for standing with Rodney today. It means the world to me.

Jason Bondurant

My forever Valentine, our grandson Cash.  He is so smart, and will carry on conversations with anyone who will listen to him.  He is in 1st grade and is 6 years old.  He loves baseball and is a super hitter.  He also loves science and dinosaurs, and any  Marvel Hero's.  He loves Jesus and we are super proud of the young man he is becoming.  We wouldn't want him anywhere but here with us on this special day.  The day his LaLa marries his HotRod.  We love you Cash Man!

Cash Alexander

This little girl will steal your heart in an instant!  My precious Scarlette Kaye, LaLa loves you so much!  She brings joy on the cloudy days and has a love for all things girly!  Don't misunderstand she can keep up with her brothers, but she'd prefer the girly stuff. It is quite possible she will steal the spotlight on our wedding day so be on the lookout for her.  LaLa and Hot Rod love you so much precious angel!  Thank you for being here with us today.

Scarlette Kaye Alexander

Our precious grandson Owen is so full of the 2's, but when you catch him smiling, he is so very handsome and charming!  He will win you over with his sweetness overload.  He is tender and loves to give big hugs. I look forward to that every time I see him and we are so proud he will be with us on our special day. We love you Owie!

Owen Michael Alexander

Mother of the Groom.  We miss you more than words, and wish you were here to celebrate with us today.  The beauty of your spirit remains in all the memories we have of you.    All joy! Thank you for raising such a fine man whom I am able to love and cherish for the rest of my life.  Your wisdom, your laughter, your stories are so very missed.  It brings us great comfort to know you are dancing on the streets of gold worshiping The King of Kings. You set a true example to all who know you of an unwavering faith, and we know we will see you again.  Forever in our hearts.

Joyce Clanton

Attending in Spirit

Wedding Party

Q + A

Make reservations by calling. There are currently 15 rooms blocked. If you call and no more rooms are available under the block, please let us know. Office closes by 4:00 pm, so check in before 4:00 pm on 5/25/25. This condo/hotel shares the same parking lot you will be using for ceremony/reception. It is within walking distance to the Pier where the Southern Empress is docked. 1 bedroom – under room block is $158.432 bedroom – (2 story) -under room block is 186.03

Michelle & Rodney

Michelle & Rodney

Nearby Hotel Acomodations

The Landing at Seven Coves