ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 28, 1996 TAG: 9605010021
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
Callahan-Greco
Valerie Marie Greco and Cray Allen Callahan were married April 6, 1996 at Forest Baptist Church in Forest, Va. The Rev. Douglas Fields officiated the ceremony. The reception was held at Cedar Street restaurant in Lynchburg.
The matron of honor was Rosemarie Kirby. Roland ``Eddie'' Hill was the best man.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Greco of Twinsburg, Oh. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Greco and Mrs. Vivian Griswold of Fulton, N.Y. She is a graduate of G. Ray Bodley High School and Utica College of Syracuse University. She is employed by Centra Health as an Occupational Therapist.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Callahan of Christiansburg, Va. He is the grandson of Mrs. Goldie Tolliver of Richwood, W.Va. He is a graduate of Christiansburg High School and Concord College. He received his Master's degree from Lynchburg College. He is employed by Centra Health as a Special Education Teacher.
The couple honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico. They reside in Forest, Va.
Croft-Austin
Julie Ann Austin and Anthony Wayne Croft were married Saturday, April 27, 1996 at the New Castle Christian Church in New Castle. Dr. Ernie Johnson officiated the ceremony.
Mrs. Debbie Packer of Radford, served as matron of honor, and Ms. Jamie Via of Tallahassee, Fl., served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Ms. Valerie Cole of New Castle, Ms. Lori Reynolds, and Ms. Cathy Croft, both of Roanoke. Daphne Croft of Lithia, Va., served as flower girl.
Mr. Dickie Croft of Roanoke, served as best man. Groomsmen were Mr. Joey Croft of Roanoke, Mr. Thomas Agnew of Bedford, and Mr. Jeff Johnson of Troutville.
Ms. Holly Fields of New Castle, served as wedding director, and Ms. Andrea Morgan of Roanoke, attended the guestbook. Music was provided by Mrs. Karen Reynolds of New Castle, Mrs. Beth Dalton of Fincastle, and Mr. Daral d Boothe, of Troutville.
The bride is the daughter of Ms. Carol Austin of Roanoke, and Mr. George Austin of Salem. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Genevieve Strickler and Mr. Frank Austin, Sr., both of New Castle, and the late Mrs. Addie Austin. She is a graduate of Craig County High School and Radford University and is employed by R&B Communications.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dickie Croft of Roanoke. He is the grandson of Mr. Clarence Brown of Roanoke. He is a graduate of William Fleming High School and is employed by Food Lion.
The couple will make their home in Roanoke, Va., after a wedding trip to the Bahamas.
Dickson-Harris
In a spirit of Christian joy, Gretchen Denise Harris and Douglas Alan Dickson were joined in holy matrimony on February 24, 1996, at the Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Mission Viejo, California, with the Reverend Dr. E. Julius Del Pino officiating.
The bride, a graduate of Emory and Henry College and United Theological Seminary, is the daughter of Dennis and Mary Harris of Roanoke, Virginia.
The groom, a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and United Theological Seminary, is the son of Hilbert and Mary Dickson of Mission Viejo, California.
The bride was escorted to the altar by her father, and given in marriage by her parents. She wore an ivory dupioni silk gown with a cathedral train, appliqued with lace and seed pearls. The bodice of the gown was adorned with sequins and seed pearls and featured a scalloped neckline and short, scalloped sleeves, complemented with ivory evening gloves. The cathedral length veil of ivory tulle was attached to a circlet of ivory roses and was enhanced with seed pearls. She carried a cascade of oceana and Kentucky roses enhanced with stephanotis and ivy.
Scripture readings were given by the fathers of the bride and groom.
After wedding vows were spoken, the bride and groom sang a duet entitled The Other Side of Me, written by Michael W. Smith.
The ceremony was officiated by a clergy couple, the Rev. Dr. Julius E. Del Pino and Rev. Demphna Krikorian. Dr. Del Pino and Rev. Krikorian were assisted by the bride and groom in the service of Holy Communion during the marriage celebration.
The Maid of Honor was Sharon Wiley. Bridesmaids were Elaine Brown, Cathey Vierow, and Kathryn Rodriquez. The attendants wore floor length gowns of ivory shantung, and carried bouquets which were miniatures of the bridal bouquet.
The Best Man was John Dickson, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were John Vickery, Michael Rodriquez, and Sean Gardner.
The guest book attendant was Stephanie Olson, a cousin of the groom.
The rehearsal dinner, hosted by the parents of the groom, was held at Cannons, in Dana Point, California.
After the wedding ceremony, a reception was held at the church. A dinner for the bridal party, family and friends was held at Disneyland Hotel in An aheim, California.
After the wedding trip, the couple will reside in Holtville, California, where the groom is pastor of the Holtville United Methodist Church.
Gattoni-Davis
Nancy Patterson Davis and Robert Gray Gattoni were married on Saturday, April 20, 1996, at Salem Presbyteri an Church in Salem, Virginia. The Reverend Dean Lindsey officiated the double-ring ceremony.
Mrs. Harriet Spencer Brown of Arlington, Virginia, cousin of the bride, served as matron of honor. The bridesmaid was Mrs. Deborah H. Gattoni of Atlanta, Georgia, sister-in-law of the bridegroom. Mr. Armando R. Gattoni, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, was his brother's best man. Ushers were Mr. Ronald a. Gattoni of Reston, Virginia, brother of the groom; and Mr. Michael R. Sutphin of Elgin, South Carolina, friend of the groom.
The bride was escorted by her uncle, Mr. Lawrence R. Davis of Syracuse, New York.
Prelude music was presented by Mrs. Elizabeth Dechent, harpist. Mr. Scott Sayre, organist of Salem Presbyterian Church, provided a program of wedding music; and vocalist, Mrs. Teresa Walters, sang ``The Lord's Prayer''.
Mrs. Verniece Davis, aunt of the bride, and Miss Sarah E. Brown, cousin, attended the guestbook registry.
The bride wore a gown of white silk with chapel-length train. The sleeves, bodice, and train were accented with appliques of Alencon lace and seed pearl beading. Her veil was finger-tip length and she carried a crescent style bouquet of Casablanca lily and white roses.
The wedding reception was held at the church in Gresham Fellowship Hall.
The rehearsal dinner, hosted by the groom's family, was held on the evening of April 19, at the La Maison Restaurant. A bridal afternoon tea was given at the Hotel Roanoke by the matron of honor; and a bridal linen shower was given by co-workers on the evening of March 22.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Joseph E. Davis, Jr., of Roanoke, Virginia, and the late Mr. Davis. She graduated from Longwood College, Farmville, Virginia, and is employed with the Roanoke County Library System in Roanoke.
The groom is the son of Mrs. Nell F. Gattoni of Roanoke, Virginia, and the late Mr. Armando R. Gattoni. He graduated from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, and is employed with Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated in Roanoke.
After their wedding trip to Florida, the couple will live in Roanoke County.
Gibson-Ayers
Pamela Gaye Ayers and Jason Douglas Gibson were married April 27, 1996 in Roanoke Valley Cathedral of Praise. Pastor Harry Miller officiated. The reception was held in the Fellowship Hall at the Church.
Ellen Brooks of Roanoke, friend, was the maid of honor. The bridesmaids were Leslie Young of Roanoke, and Tracie Ware of Charleston, S.C., both friends of the bride. The junior bridesmaid was Jessica Ayers of Roanoke, daughter of the bride. Emily Albert, friend, was the flowergirl.
Shawn Gibson, brother of the groom, was the best man. The ushers were Randy Albert and Scott Matheny, friends of the groom. The junior usher was Alex Ozuna, nephew of the bride. Justin Gibson, son of the groom, was the ringbearer.
Donnie Pritt and Mike Lee were the candlelighters, and Evelyn Ozuna was the guestbook attendant.
The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Ayers of Roanoke. She is a graduate of Northside High School in Roanoke and is employed by CMT Sporting Goods. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde D. Gibson of Vinton. He is a graduate of William Byrd High School in Vinton and is employed by Estes Express Lines.
After the wedding trip to Williamsburg, the newlyweds will reside in Roanoke.
Harding-Hill
RADFORD - Calvary Baptist Church was the setting Saturday, April 27, 1996 for the wedding of Cynthia Dawn Hill and Kevin Destry Harding. Rev. Donald D. Smith, grandfather of the bride, officiated.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall and Beth Smith Hill of Radford. She is the granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. Donald D. Smith, Dublin, and Mr. and Mrs. Garland F. Hill of Radford.
The bridegroom is the son of Mrs. Sue Lawson of Dublin and the late James C. Albert, Jr. of Parrott. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Houston Ham ilton, Radford, and the late Hazel Hamilton of Dublin, Mr. and Mrs. James C. Albert and Mrs. Wanda Albert, Parrott.
The bride had as her matron of honor, Mrs. Valerie Bennett of Gloucester, and maid of honor, Miss April Hayse, Snowville. Other attendants were Miss Deanna Dickerson, Childress, Miss Marylou Lancaster, Fairlawn, Miss Rachel Smith, Dublin, aunt of the bride, Mrs. Tina Britton, Roanoke, Mrs. Terri Hager, Hiwassee, and Mrs. Samantha Kauffman, Hampton. Flower girls were Misses Brittany and Chelsea Smith, Raleigh, North Carolina, cousins of the bride.
The bridegrooms brother, Mr. David Harding of Snowville, was best man. Groomsmen were Mr. Darren Buckland, brother of the groom, Mr. Diron Lane and Mr. Sergio Hendricks, all of Dublin, Mr. Mark Quesenberry, and Mr. Zane Lambert, Fairlawn, Mr. Stephen Branch, Radford, and Lt. Scotty McNeil, Montana. Ring bearer was Master Richard Matthew Varner, Radford.
The couple will reside in Radford.
The bride received a degree in Dental Hygiene from Wytheville Community College. She is employed by Dr. Richard M. Newton, Jr., Christiansburg.
The bridegroom attended New River Community College. He is employed by Corning Glass Works, Blacksburg.
Harless-Morris
Wendy Elizabeth Morris and Steven Kelley Harless were united in marriage at 7:00 p.m. on April 27, 1996 at Cave Spring Methodist Church. Rev. Noel C. Taylor presided over the candlelight ceremony with Rev. William C. Logan assisting. Robert Chapman performed musical selections and accompanied soloist Karen Cassell, sister of the groom. A reception immediately followed at Hidden Valley County Club.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Morris of Roanoke. She is a graduate of Cave Spring High School and George Mason University. She is currently a Master's candidate at Hollins College. Wendy is employed by Roy L. Webber Florist.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Philip Harless of Roanoke. He is a graduate of Cave Spring High School and served in the U. S. Air Force. He will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the Fall. Steve is employed by Carilion.
The bride was escorted to the altar by her father and given in marriage by her parents. Maids of honor were the bride's sisters, Michelle Morris of New York City and Deborah Morris of Roanoke. Bridesmaids were Marshall Deaton and Cari Williams, friends of the bride, both of Roanoke. Nieces of the groom, Amanda Harless and C.K. Cassell, served as flowergirls, and wore dresses made by the bride's mother.
Serving as best man for his brother was Rick Harless of Salem. Groomsmen were Philip Harless of Roanoke, father of the groom; Terry Harless of Newport News, brother of the groom; and Mack Eubank of Roanoke, friend of the groom. Nephews of the groom, Matt Cassell and Bobby Harless served as junior groomsmen.
The guestbook was attended by Deb Harless of Salem, sister-in law of the groom. Candles were lit by Danny Harless and Pieter Harless, nephews of the groom.
Pre-wedding celebrations were held by Mildred English and Ila Peters, Anne and Marshall Deaton, and by Dot Graves. A rehearsal dinner hosted by the groom's parents was held at Hidden Valley Country Club. A special thanks to our parents, families, and friends for making our day a memorable one. Thank you to the Webber gang for your floral expertise.
After a wedding trip to the Poconos, Wendy and Steve will reside in Roanoke until moving to Daytona, Florida in August.
Johnson-McCall
Fincastle Presbyterian Church was the setting for the April 20, 1996 wedding of Tonja Faye McCall of Richmond, Virginia and Christopher Scott Johnson of Richmond, Virginia. The Reverend Neil Dunnavant performed the ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Larry and Lynn Wood of Buchanan, Virginia. She is the granddaughter of Roxie Keller and the late Rodney Keller of Franklin Co., and Joe and Lucy Greenway of Cloverdale, Virginia.
The groom is the son of David and Robin Johnson of Buchanan, Virginia and Bob and Kathy Semales of Great Falls, Virginia. He is the grandson of Pearl Johnson and the late Oris M. Johnson of Buchanan, Virginia, and Curtis and Helen Keith of Buchanan, Virginia.
A program of wedding music was perfo rmed by Cindy Holland.
Tonja was escorted by her brother, Sean Cooper, and given in marriage by her stepfather, Larry Wood.
Angela Williams of Roanoke, Virginia, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Christine Roll of Richmond, Virginia, Leah Keller of Franklin County, Ann Wesley of Lynchburg, Virginia, and Nikki Sparks of Buchanan. Amber Austin was flowergirl and Patrick Semales of Great Falls, Virginia, was ringbearer.
Dennis Williams of Roanoke, served as best man. Wade Anderson of Washington, D.C., Dale Johnson of Richmond, Jason Semales of Great Falls, and Chris Law of Stafford, Virginia, were groomsmen.
Tonja is a 1994 graduate of Radford University and Chris is a 1994 graduate of George Mason University.
After a honeymoon in Monteigo Bay, Jamaica, the couple will reside in Richmond, Virginia.
Light-Puch
Deborah Fay Puch and Howard Robert Light were united in marriage on April 27, 1996, in a 7 o'clock ceremony at Southview United Methodist Church. The Reverend Ed Ridout officiated the double-ring ceremony. A reception was held at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke.
Wedding music was provided by Jim Paxton, organist; Reggie Hall, soloist; with scripture reading by Miller Isley.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Puch of Salem, and the granddaughter of Mrs. Yetive B. Puch of Orlando, Fla. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Light of Roanoke.
The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents. Beverly Smith of Roanoke served as her sister's matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Cynthia Light of Salem, and Jennifer McGrath of Arlington, both sisters of the groom; Sharon Sheppard of Salem, Vicki Arven and Amy Murray of Roanoke, all friends of the bride.
Howard Light, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Daren Gutschow of Vienna, Va.; Trey Isley of Richmond; Erin McGuire of Sydney, Australia; Thomas Sherman of Bowie, Md.; Robert Tinsley of Lawrenceville, Ga.; Alexander Utecht of Hamilton, Bermuda; and Thomas Walters of Winchester, all friends of the groom.
The bride is a graduate of Salem High School and Roanoke College. She is employed as a finance analyst at Carter Machinery Company.
The groom is a graduate of Salem High School and The College of William and Mary. He is employed as a production manager at Double Envelope Corporation.
Following a wedding trip to Jamaica, the couple will reside in Salem.
Long-Walsh
Ann Louise Walsh and Alex Beckham Long were married on March 2, 1996. The marriage was performed at Red Rocks Chapel in Morrison, Colorado, by the Reverend Lyle Schossow. The reception was held at Mount Vernon Country Club in Golden, Colorado. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Walsh of Lakewood, Colorado. The groom's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Richard Long of Roanoke, Va. The bride wore a scoop necked off-shoulder silk dress decorated with roses and carried a bouquet of white and pink roses. The maid of honor was Pam Nelson of Washington, D.C. Bridesmaids were Holly Randall of Los Angeles, Sheryl Williams of Edwards Air Force Base, California, Elizabeth Long, sister of the groom, of Richmond, and Linda Walsh, sister-in-law of the bride, of Oak Harbor, Wash. Robert Rogan of Harrisonburg was the best man. Ushers were John Farbrother of Chicago, Cameron Ishaq of New York, Bob Layman of Greenville, S.C., and Pat Walsh, brother of the bride, of Oak Harbor, Wash. The bride is a graduate of Colorado College and of Catholic University and is employed by the law firm of Hunton and Williams in Richmond. The groom is a graduate of James Madison University and is currently a student at the Marshall-Wythe Law School of the College of William and Mary. The couple resides in Williamsburg, Va.
Martin-Nichols
On April 14th at 3:00 on a sun filled afternoon, Shannon Nichols became the wife of Michael Martin. The bride was attired in a tea length dress with chiffon and pearl overlays. She carried a white bible covered with a spring floral and ribbon arrangement.
Pastor John Cullop of the Cape Hatteras Baptist Church presided as the sound of scottish bagpipes played Amazing Grace.
The bride's uncle, Sonny Foutz, walked along the shore in giving her to Michael.
Rhonda Watring, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Donna Grayson was bridesmaid. The groom was attended by his brother, Ben Caldwell, and his best man was Tim Clemons. Mother of the bride, Sandra Hickman, was accompanied by Gary Ratcliffe. The bride's grandmother, Virginia Foutz, also attended.
Parents of the groom, Leon and Rosie Caldwell, were presen t, along with Michael's grandmother, Mrs. Becky Doyle Mundy.
The bride's engagement ring was a family ring given by Michael's grandfather to his bride to be, Becky Beckner in 1948.
As tradition requires, the bride wore something old, her grandmother's blue amethyst ring given to Virginia by her husband Jewel Foutz. The something new was her gown, something borrowed was a bracelet belonging to aunt Jeanette Divers, and something blue was a ring from Rosie Caldwell.
An after wedding dinner was held at the Tides Restaurant. A reception for the couple was held April 27th at the Lancerlot in Vinton.
The couple honeymooned on the island.
Poff-Webster
Elizabeth Anne Webster and Douglas Lee Poff were married April 20, 1996 in an evening candlelit ceremony in St. John's Episcopal Church. The Rev. Lottie Cochran was the officiating clergyman. The reception was held at the Patrick Henry Hotel.
Elisabeth Parker, sorority sister, was the maid of honor. The bridesmaids were Angie Summerfield, sorority sister; and Olena Wengryn, college friend. The junior bridesmaids were sisters of the bride, Ashley and Jennifer Webster. Magan Reedy, cousin, was the flowergirl.
Aaron Cook, friend, was the best man. The ushers were Carl Gilbert and A. J. Gamble, friends; and Brad Myers, bride's cousin.
The bride wore an ivory shantung silk. short sleeved, A-line gown. It featured an appliqued bodice decorated with pearls and sequins. She wore a detachable chapel length train. She carried a cascade of Casablanca Lilies, Pea ch Roses and Tulips, Stephanotis and Ivy.
The bride is the daughter of David and Sandra Webster of Roanoke. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and is employed by Wachovia Operational Services in Atlanta. The groom is the son of Robert and Irene Poff of Louisville, Ky. He is a graduate of Longwood College in Farmville, Va. and is employed by Donovan and Devlin Investigations in Atlanta.
After the wedding trip to Braco Village, Jamaica, the newlyweds will live in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sweeney-Keeley
Nina Carolyn Keeley and Joseph Anthony Sweeney were united in marriage on April 27, 1996 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, with Rev. James Parke officiating. A reception at Roanoke Country Club followed the ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert L.A. Keeley of Roanoke. She is a graduate of Roanoke Catholic High School and the University of Virginia. She will graduate this May from the University of Virginia Medical School and will be completing her residency training in Family Practice in D enver, Colorado. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Sweeney of Woodstock, Georgia. He is a graduate of Roanoke Catholic High School and Hampden Sydney College.
Maid of honor was Grace Donato. Bridesmaids included Cathy Sweeney and Carol Sweeney, sisters of the groom. Stefanie Ramsey, Cleome Harris-Evans, Caroline Shen, and Erin White, also served as bridesmaids. Best man was Raymond Sweeney, father of the groom. Groomsmen were David Legault, Andrew Monsour, Jamie Clayton, Jack Talmidge, Morgan Wilson, and Jaime White. Chris Keeley and Richard Keeley, brothers of the bride, served as ushers.
Steve Fowler, Amy Marshall, Barry Whitt, and Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley served as lectors. Rob Fleet was crossbearer. Eucharistic ministers were Charlotte McCoy and Rachel Gerber, aunts of the groom, and Jessica Tudor. Paula Cash, sister of the bride, served as guest book attendant. The bride and groom are especially thankful to Dan Keeley, brother of the bride, and St. Andrews Contemporary Choir for providing the music for the ceremony. Floral arrangements by Lou Ghiringhelli, friend of the Keeley family, and Jane Dressler. Photography was provided by Jim Markey.
After a honeymoon trip to Cozumel, Mexico, the couple will live in Denver, Colorado.
LENGTH: Long : 369 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 13 photosby CNB