ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996                    TAG: 9605060077
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 8    EDITION: METRO 


CELEBRATIONS WEDDINGS

Bixby-Shelton

Sammi Annette Shelton and Richard Jackson Bixby were married Saturday, May 4, 1996 in Unity Church of Roanoke, with the Rev. Matthew Stevens of Skipperville, Al. officiating. A reception was held at the Vinton War Memorial.

Traci Shelton of Roanoke, served as her sister's honor attendant. Bridesmaids were Kimberly Dalton, Kaethe Tidman, both friends of the bride, and Kelly Olsen, cousin of the bride. Flowergirl was Katrice Tidman, friend of the bride.

William Bixby served as his son's best man. Groomsmen were Mike Hattoon, Greg Horton, both friends of the groom, and Bill Cacciatore, Jr., cousin of the groom.

The bride is the daughter of Don and Phyllis Shelton of Roanoke. The bride's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Claude Thomas, and Mrs. Rubye Shelton and the late George Shelton. She is a graduate of William Byrd High School and Alabama Aviation & Technical College.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Bixby of Durand, Ill. He is a graduate of Durand High School and Troy State University.

The couple will live in Ozark, Alabama after a honeymoon in Vermont.

Blair-Hamilton

Anna Elizabeth Hamilton and Michael Alan Blair were married May 3, 1996 in Peters Creek Church of the Brethren. Officiating the ceremony was Dr. John W. Lowe, Jr. The reception was held in the church fellowship hall.

The maid of honor was Dana Edwards, friend. Matron of honor was Lynne McDaniel, friend. The best man was Adam Criss, friend. Ushers were Greg Blair, the groom's brother, Chris Epperly and Matt Hamilton, both brothers of the bride. Guestbook was attended by Leslie Moses.

The bride is a daughter of Thomas J. Hamilton of Huntsville, Ala. and Dianne B. Hamilton of Roanoke. She is a graduate of William Fleming High School and attended Virginia Western Community College. She is employed by Photo USA.

The bridegroom, son of James and Linda Blair of Parkersburg, W.Va., is a graduate of Marietta College, Marietta, Oh. He is also employed by Photo USA.

The newlyweds will live in Roanoke after the wedding trip to the Smokies.

Fisher-Harper

Carolyn Harper and Douglas Fisher were married March 30, 1996 in Rocky Mount Church of God, with the Rev. Ron Hill officiating. The reception was held in the church fellowship hall.

Maid of honor was Cindy Bryant, sister of the bride. Flowergirls were Melanie McPherson and Michele Fisher.

The best man was Carlton Fisher, father of the groom. Ushers were Donald and Ronald Fisher, uncles of the groom, David Bryant, brother-in-law of the bride; and Andrew Snodgrass, uncle of the groom. Ringbearers were Cody Huff and Caleb Harper, sons of the bride. The candlelighters were Donald and Ronald Fisher. Guestbook attendant was Susan Pratt.

The bride's gown was cream taffeta skirt with lace bodice. She carried a bouquet of cream roses and lilies with tiny blue flowers, pearls and ivy.

The bride is the daughter of Ron and Pat Schmidt of R ocky Mount, Va. She is a graduate of Pinellas Park High School, Largo, Florida. She is employed by Fieldcrest Mills, Inc.

The groom is the son of Carlton and Mary Lou Fisher of Hardy, Va. He is a graduate of Northside High School in Roanoke, and is employed by Hooker Furniture.

The newlyweds will live in Franklin County, after their wedding trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Out-of-town guests attending included Elsie Wren, aunt of the groom, from Florida; Cindy Young, niece, of Florida; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dalson and Adam and Neal, from D.C. area; and friends, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Dancey of Marion.

Ford-Middleton

Jennifer Suzette Middleton and David G. Ford, Jr. were united in marriage on May 4, 1996 at Gateway Baptist Church. Rev. Dewey O. Weaver, Jr. performed the double ring ceremony. The reception was held at the Blacksburg Holiday Inn.

Traditional wedding music was provided by Mrs. Sharon Goff and Mrs. Tammy Wright. Soloists were Mrs. Kim Powell and Mrs. Sheri Weaver. The bride sang a song to the groom.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Middleton, Jr. of Christiansburg. She is employed at the Montgomery County Treasurers Office. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David G. Ford, Sr. of Belspring. He is employed at Lynchburg Foundry.

The bride, escorted by her father, wore an elegant white satin gown featuring a V-neckline and long sleeves. The elongated basque bodice was covered with alencon lace, pearls, and sequins. The back of the skirt had la ce motifs and extended to cathedral length. She carried a cascade of white roses, lilies, stephanotis, and ivy.

The maid of honor was Marie Southern. Bridesmaids were Jill Middleton, Doris Carter, Jackie Whitaker, and Yvonne Linkous. The flowergirls were Samantha Dulaney and Sasha Breen. Ringbearer was Jarrid Dulaney. Guest register attendant was Ms. Betty Dunford.

Mr. David G. Ford, Sr. was best man. Groomsmen were David Long, Tim Whitaker, John Whitaker, and Kevin Linkous.

After a wedding trip to Tennessee, the couple will reside in Radford, Va.

Martin-Gurley

Cynthia Diane Gurley and James Anthony Louis Martin were married April 13, 1996, at Cave Spring Baptist Church with Reverend Rick Elmer officiating. The bride was presented by her two brothers, Lynn Gurley and Tony Gurley.

Matron of honor was Mrs. Tonya G. Cox, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Mindy J. Eisner, cousin of the bride, Vickie L. Woolwine, friend of the bride. Junior bridesmaid was Amanda Gurley, niece of the bride. Flower girl was Kayla Gurley, niece of the bride.

Best man was James E. Martin, Jr., father of the groom. The groomsmen were Jason Martin, brother of the groom, Eddie Cox, brother-in-law of the bride. Ringbearer was Tyler Gurley, nephew of the bride.

The bride is the daughter of Margaret Gurley and the late Jack L. Gurley, Sr.

The groom is the son of Deborah B. Martin and James E. Martin, Jr. Both are employed by Moore's Lumber and Building.

The bride and groom would like to thank family and friends for making their day special.

Orange-Collard

Ginger L. Collard and Steve E. Orange were married April 13, 1996 at Oakland Baptist Church of Roanoke. The Rev. H. Kelly Dampeer, Sr., officiated the ceremony. The reception was held at St. Elias Social Hall with catering by Chris' and entertainment by Harold Carpenter.

The matron of honor was Mrs. Marissa Y. Richardson, friend of the bride, and the maid of honor was Miss Renee Collard, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Connie Blumhagen, Mrs. Annette Briggs, Ms. Kelley Kawamusa and Mrs. Susie Sowers.

Mr. Kenneth H. Orange, father of the groom, served as best man. The groomsmen were Mr. Brett Collard, Mr. Rick Drewery, Mr. Rick Orange, Mr. Todd Orange, Mr. Wayne Taylor and Mr. Steve Wooldridge. Miss Natalie Orange was the flowergirl and Travis Orange served as the ringbearer.

The guestbook attendant was Mr. Mike LaPrade. Mrs. Ruth Wil liams was the director and organist. Special friends were Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Scruggs.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Collard of Roanoke. She is a graduate of Cave Spring High School and is employed by Community Hospital of the Roanoke Valley.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Orange of Roanoke and grandson of Ms. Pearl Orange. He is a graduate of Northside High School and Roanoke College. He is employed by Roanoke City Police Department.

The newlyweds will make their home in Blue Ridge, Va., after a honeymoon in the Bahamas.

Rouse-Leslie

Annalee Leslie and Adrian Richard Rouse were married May 4th, 1996, in Southeview United Methodist Church. The officiating clergyman was Rev. George M. Pearson. The reception was held at the Patrick Henry Hotel.

Kimberly Smith, cousin of the bride, served as maid of honor. The matron of honor was Marian Hawkins, aunt of the bride. The bridesmaids were Aimee Parsons and Martha Girard, friends of the bride. Richard Edward Rouse served as his son's best man. The ushers were Stephen Rouse, brother of the groom; Stan Smith, cousin of the bride; and Russell Hawkins, uncle of the bride. Betty Jo Mabe was the guestbook attendant. Greg King was the photographer.

The bride's gown was white satin with a fitted bodice topped with illusion front and back and high neckline with fitted sleeves. It was lavishly adorned with reembroider ed alencon lace, pearls and sequins. Strands of pearls hung from the neckline, sleeves and bodice. The full skirt was adorned with alencon motifs embellished with sequins and pearls sweeping into a full cathedral train. She carried a cascade bouquet of purple Iris, white Roses, lavender Freezia, trailing ivy and Italian Rescus.

The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Cornel Leslie of Roanoke. The groom is a son of Ms. Kay D. Rouse of Roanoke and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Edward Rouse of Brentwood, Tenn. He is currently serving in the U.S. Army.

After the wedding trip to Nashville, Tenn., the newlyweds will live at Ft. Lee, Va.

Sheets-Wendeln

Cheryl Vaught Wendeln and Stephen Garland Sheets were married at 7:00 p.m., May 4, 1996 at North Roanoke Baptist Church with Dr. Darryl G. Crim officiating. The reception was held in the church fellowship hall.

Gail A. Maxwell was matron of honor. Flowergirls were Marissa Lynn Whitely and Jessica Marie Whitely, granddaughters of the bride.

Garland E. Sheets served his son as best man. The ushers were Stephen B. Vaught, brother of the bride; and Gray T. Sheets, brother of the groom.

The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Audrey B. Vaught of Roanoke (formerly of Bluefield, W.Va.), and the late Mr. Marvin B. Vaught. She is employed by John C. Nordt Co., Inc., as Sales Executive.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Garland E. Sheets of Roanoke, and the late Mrs. Eunice C. Sheets. He is Vice President of J.G. Sheets and Sons, Inc.

The newlyweds will live in Roanoke County, after their wedding trip to Captiva Island, Florida.

Sloss-Arrington

Sheri Leigh Arrington and Jeffrey Duane Sloss were married May 4, 1996 in Salem Baptist Church by Pastor Lew Bennett. The reception was held at the church immediately following the ceremony.|

Matron of honor was Tequita Akers, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Wendi Murphy, friend of the bride, and Traci Rose, cousin of the bride.|

Best man was Lewis Sloss, father of the groom. Groomsmen were Keith Arrington, brother of the bride, and David Huffman, friend of the groom.|

Guest book attendant was Kelly Via, friend of the bride. Program attendants were Kim Ferguson and Denise Musgrove, both friends of the bride. Betty Cook and Kathy Brown served as directors of the wedding. The organist was Mary Rae and the soloist was Cathy Jansen.|

The brides gown was especially made for the bride by Sandy Haselton, friend of the brides' family.

The reception was catered by Francis Arrington, grandmother of the bride.|

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Arrington of Salem. She is also the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Arrington of Salem and Mrs. Eileen Baldwin of Roanoke. The bride is a graduate of Salem High School and attended Virginia Western Community College. She is currently employed by Custom Wood Products.|

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Sloss of New Castle. He is also the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Jones of New Castle. The groom is a graduate of Craig County High School and is currently employed by Custom Wood Products.|

After a honeymoon trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the couple will reside at their home in New Castle.|

Whitt-Burrows

Christina Marie Burrows and Charles David Whitt, Jr. were married April 19, 1996 in Carter St. Methodist Church. The officiating clergyman was Pastor Julian Smith. The reception was held at Carter Street Methodist Church.

The matron of honor was Courtney Kaye Price, friend. Flowergirl was Sydney Leigh VanArsdale, sister.

The best man was Stacey Lee Hill, friend. The usher was John William Lancaster, friend. Ringbearer was Rick Kellerman. The candlelighters were John Lancaster and Bruce VanArsdale. The guestbook attendant was Mary Beth Pollard.

The bride's gown was white lace with iridescent sequins and cathedral train. She carried a cascading bouquet of white and pink roses.

The bride is a daughter of James Burrows and Claudia VanArsdale of Radford. She is a graduate of Radford High School and attended New River Community College. She is employed by Steer House Restaurant.

The bridegroom, son of David and Glenna Whitt of Radford, is a graduate of Pulaski High School and is employed by Ingram Construction.

The newlyweds will live in Radford after the wedding trip to Virginia Beach.

Gilkeson-VanNess

Lori Anne VanNess and Paul Scott Gilkeson were married on April 20, 1996, at Preston Oaks Baptist Church. Pastor Joe Greene performed the ceremony which was followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

The bride is the daughter of Sandra A. VanNess of Roanoke and Edward F. VanNess of Eagle Rock. Her grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Aaron P. Arnold of Roanoke and Mr. and Mrs. C. G. VanNess of Eagle Rock. She graduated from James Madison University and is an RN with the VA Medical Center. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gilkeson of Roanoke and a grandson of Mrs. Mary Cogar of Hines, W. Va. He is employed by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 637 as an electrician.

The bride was escorted to the altar by her father and given in marriage by her parents. Maid of honor was Paula Collins of Richmond, cousin of the bride. Bridesmaids were Kristi Lowe of Staunton, Laura Torres of Burke, both friends of the bride, and Rikki Gilkeson, Roanoke, sister of the groom. The groom's father served as best man, and ushers were Patt Hill, John Franklin and Tim Stevens, all of Roanoke and friends of the groom. The guest book was attended by Robin Hardy. Photography was by Jim Markey.

Following a cruise to the West Indies, they will live in Roanoke.


LENGTH: Long  :  247 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  10 photos 



by CNB