Hightower, vice president of Hightowers Petroleum, a Middletown-based company, married actress Julia Pace Mitchell, who stars as Sofia Dupre on the CBS drama “The Young and the Restless,” on Sept. 4 at Shaker Run Golf Course in Lebanon.
They chose to marry at a golf course instead of California, Hightower said, because his family is much larger than hers, so it was more convenient.
He called the wedding ceremony “absolutely beautiful” and said it featured “everybody we love.”
The wedding was planned for outside, but was moved indoors due to the rain. Other than that, Mitchell said “everything went smoothly and the day was absolutely incredible. I’m so happy. I’m still pinching myself.”
Hightower said they met in February at an NBA All-Star Weekend event, and their whirlwind romance took off from there. During their abbreviated courtship, Hightower said they traveled extensively so they haven’t taken an official honeymoon.
The wedding was officiated by the Rev. Gregory Ballard Sr., former pastor at New Era Baptist Church in Middletown, his home church.
The bride’s sister, attorney Shawn Pace Mitchell, served as matron of honor, while the groom’s brother, business executive Quincy Hightower, served as the best man. The bridal party included five bridesmaids and six groomsmen.
The bride’s veil was designed by her mother, actress Judy Pace Flood (“Brian’s Song,” “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” “Peyton Place”).
The groom’s father is Stephen L. Hightower, founder, president and CEO of Hightowers Petroleum Co., a national wholesale distributor of gasoline and diesel fuel.
The cake was created by Central Pastry Shop of Middletown.
The newlyweds will split their time between residences in Middletown and Los Angeles.
His sister, Stephanie Hightower Thomas, 33, said when she noticed that her brother, 30, a 1998 Fenwick High School graduate, and Julia “never stopped looking at each other,” she realized Julia “was the one.”
Stephanie called Julia “just a sweetheart, an everyday girl” and “you don’t see Hollywood in Julia.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.
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