Walker County couple celebrates 50th wedding anniversary
A 50th wedding anniversary reception was held for David and Paulette Matteson of Rock Spring on March 16, 2024. The venue was Clara’s Restaurant in LaFayette. The celebration was hosted by their daughter Susan (Paul) Haun and their son Joe (Wendy) Matteson. The couple’s grandchildren were in attendance: Matt Matteson, Mya Haun, Grant and Brendan Matteson, all from LaFayette.
David was born in Minnesota, moved to Texas as a child, then came to Lindale, Ga., for a teaching position after college. He was in the Army and trained as a paratrooper; he spent a total of seven years finishing up with United States Army Reserve.
Paulette is a native of Floyd County, Ga. They met while teaching at Pepperell Schools in Lindale, Ga. Their wedding took place at Lindale First Baptist Church on March 16, 1974.
David was an agricultural instructor, FFA advisor, and retired as a Young Farmer advisor. Paulette was a teacher, and later became a school counselor at LaFayette Middle School from 1992 until 1999. Georgia has always been her home.
The reception was decorated like the couple’s wedding in 1974. The cake was a replica of the original wedding cake, four tiers with pink roses cascading. Boutiques of pink roses and white carnations continued the theme. Paulette’s wedding dress, the dress she left the church wearing, and a bridesmaid’s dress were displayed. In addition to the cake, punchy and finger foods were shared.