On November 1, 2002, two well-known and active Walking Horse enthusiasts were joined in Holy Matrimony only a few short miles from Shelbyville. Melissa Donio of Henderson, Tenn. and Jerrold Don Pedigo of Murfreesboro, Tenn. (formerly of Woodbury, Tenn.) were married at Christina, Tenn. in Rutherford County at the one hundred year old Once Upon A Time Wedding Chapel.

This union brings together the separate past joys and accomplishments of being associated with many outstanding horses such as Pride’s Jubilee Encore, High Falutin Tootsie, Gen’s Armed And Dangerous, Motown Magic, Main Power and Honky Tonk Tessie.

The bride is the daughter of Linda and Michael Donio of Henderson, Tennessee and St. Louis, Missouri. The groom is the son of Ethel and Raymond Pedigo of Woodbury, Tennessee.

The private ceremony for immediate family and friends was conducted at 6:30 in the evening. The magic and character of the turn of the century former church offered a wonderful setting for the affair.

The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father. Michele Donio-Boyd was her sister’s maid of honor. The bride was adorned in a full-length ivory silk gown accented with pearls and lace. The maid of honor wore a formal soft pink gown.

Raymond Pedigo served as his son’s best man.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held for all in attendance offering a beautiful Butter cream brides cake, finger sandwiches, fruit, punch, assorted nuts and cheese and a chocolate groom’s cake decorated with a picture of 2001 World Grand Champion Pride’s Jubilee Encore. After the wedding, the couple honeymooned in the beautiful mountains of Highlands, North Carolina.