COLUMBIA, S.C. — Claire Blythe Horton of Spartanburg and Derrick Van Apple of Columbia were united in marriage Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, at Washington Street United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Dr. Mike Alexander officiated the 6 p.m. ceremony, which was followed by a reception hosted by the bride’s parents at The Palmetto Club, Columbia.

The bride was escorted by her father, Mike Horton. She carried a small, white Bible that had been carried by her great-great-great-grandmother. Maid of honor was Miss Emily Hill, friend of the bride of Charleston, and bridesmaid was Miss Emily Apple, sister of the groom of Columbia.

Serving as best man was father of the groom Jim Apple. Groomsman was Conor Horton, brother of the bride of Myrtle Beach. Ushers were cousins of the groom Blake Shahnizdeh, Jake Apple and Charlie Apple, all from Kernersville.

Guest registry attendant was Miss Katie Rountree of Elkin, cousin of the bride. Music was provided by Mrs. Janet Marks and Mr. Jacob Will of Columbia.

The bride is the daughter of Mike and Sherri Horton of Spartanburg and the granddaughter of Anne Horton Palmer and the late S. Reid Horton of Salisbury, N.C., and Bill and Margaret Rountree of Clemmons. A graduate of Erskine College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Claire recently graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitative Science, Occupational Therapy. She is employed by Sports Plus in Charleston.

The groom is the son of Jim and Gloria Apple of Columbia and the grandson of Margaret Apple and the late J.B. Apple of Kernersville, N.C., and Charles and Helen Van Hoorne of Lexington, N.C. A recent graduate of Charleston Southern University, Derrick received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Accounting. He is continuing his education working on a Masters in Accountancy.

A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at the Columbia Marriott. A bridesmaids luncheon was held at the Motor Company Bistro hosted by Jackie Rountree.

Following a wedding trip to St. Lucia, the couple will make their home in Charleston.