Sara Ashley Sparks of Aiken, South Carolina, became the bride of James Daniel Dowdy of Greensboro, Georgia, during a 5 p.m. ceremony held on Saturday, August 16, 2014, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Aiken. The Rev. Donnie Bates officiated.
    The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald James Sparks Jr. of Aiken and is the granddaughter of Mrs. Monteen Martin and the late Mr. Franklin D. Martin of Mystic, Georgia, and the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Donald James Sparks of Portal.
    The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Daniel Dowdy of Greensboro, Georgia, and is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Terry of Athens, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dowdy of Greensboro.
    Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a tulle with corded lace ballgown featuring an illusion lace bodice with a bateau neckline and a full skirt.
    Mrs. Anna Brett Daniel of Hanahan, South Carolina, sister of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Libby Dowdy of Greensboro, Georgia, sister of the groom; Jessica Justice of Columbia, South Carolina; Katie Queen of Louisville, Kentucky, and Tara Rigdon of Ocilla, Georgia.
    Mr. Martin Daniel Dowdy served as his son's best man. Groomsmen were Tyler Burkhart of Garden City, Kansas; Ross Everett of Buford, Georgia; Corey Oakes of Doerun, Georgia; and Gil Pound of Sparta, Georgia.
    The couple will honeymoon in Jamaica and make their home in Monroe, Georgia.