Mayor and Mrs. Laurence Leyens leave Fort Hill in the Vicksburg National Military Park after their wedding Sunday. The bride is the former Shelley Corson. (Brian LodenThe Vicksburg Post)

[10/18/04]Mayor Laurence Leyens was married Sunday at a sunset ceremony at Fort Hill in the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Leyens married his girlfriend of three years, Vicksburg native Shelley Corson, 25, a paralegal at the Teller, Chaney, Hassell and Hopson law firm, in a ceremony witnessed by about 70 friends and family.

“It’s the happiest day of my life,” Leyens, 40, said after the ceremony that was officiated by the Rev. Steve Bryant, pastor of First Presbyterian Church.

Leyens was elected in 2001 and has said he will run for re-election next year.

After two prayers, a scripture reading by Frances Koury and reciting vows, the couple walked along a sidewalk to a song the bride wrote called, “Fairytale,” played by local musicians Lucille Ridges and Bud Carson.

The couple then headed to a private ceremony, also in the park, before a reception at their Crawford Street home.

Guests attending the casual ceremony were friends, family and city employees and officials, including Police Chief Tommy Moffett and Aldermen Gertrude Young and Sid Beauman.

“I pray that they have all the blessing they deserve,” Young said.

“From all of their friends in the community, we love you both,” said Margaret Gilmer, Vicksburg Factory Outlets manager. “We know they’re going to be very happy.”

Leyens has one daughter from a previous marriage.

A brief honeymoon is planned for later in the week to Austin, Texas, and to San Diego.

But, Leyens said, “I’ll be at the board meeting Monday.”