ORIGINALLY WRITTEN
Jami Dawn Groening and Ray Allen Helmer were married Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Marion Christian Church. Don Mashburn of Marion officiated the double-ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Jerry and Sherri Groening, Marion. The groom’s parents are Darrel Helmer, Marion, and the late Marsha Helmer.
The bride’s grandmothers are Tillie Schmidt, Inman, and Irma Groening, Hillsboro. The groom’s grandparents are Norman and Phylis Spencer, Hallett, Okla., Dave and Eldena Helmer, Marion, and Pauline Allander, Harper, Okla.
Jodi Watkins, Burns, cousin of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Jenny Groening, Atchinson, cousin of the bride and Jenae Rademacher, Denver, Colo.
Aaron Helmer served his brother as best man. Groomsmen were Justin Groening and Ross Groening, Manhattan, brothers of the bride.
Candlelighters Stephanie Koop and Nick Kraus, Manhattan. Guest book attendant was Traci Helmer, sister-in-law of the groom. Gifts were received by Amy Helmer and Janet Glahn, cousins of the groom. Ushers were Gary Helmer, uncle of the groom, Paul Helmer, brother of the groom, and Jason Kruse.
Kaylee Waner was the flower girl, and Justin Bina was the ring bearer. They are both cousins of the bride.
Escorted down the aisle by her father, the bride wore a gown of white duchess satin, with a Queen Ann neckline adorned with European lace. The long sleeves and basque waistline as well as the skirt and cathedral-length train were highlighted with intricate detailing, pearls and sequins.
Her white satin hat was also trimmed in pearls and sequins with a shoulder length veil attached. She carried a bouquet of lilac and yellow roses.
Dwayne Helmer, Lawrence, cousin of the groom, was the organist, and Kristi Krispense played the piano while Kris Brenzikofer of Clay Center, cousin of the bride, played the clarinet. A recording of “True” was played during the lighting of the unity candle.
The reception was held in the fellowship hall of the church. Host and hostess were Matt and Kris Brenzikofer, Clay Center. Serving at the reception table were aunts of the couple: Shirley Groening, Delores Spencer, Luci Helmer and Beverly Helmer.
Reception helpers were Teresa Bernhardt, Sara Meisinger, Marge Summervill, Mollie and Darcie Mashburn, Kathy and Krista Heiser, and Sherry Kaufman.
The bride is a 1996 graduate of Marion High School, attended Tabor College for two years and graduated from Kansas State University in May 2000. She is currently employed with Wheatbelt.
The groom is a 1998 graduate of Marion High School. He is a farmer and rancher.
Following a honeymoon trip to Branson, Mo., the couple is at home at 2467 Highway 150, Marion.
The groom’s father hosted a rehearsal dinner and time of fellowship after the rehearsal Nov. 3, at Kingfisher’s Inn. Guests were members of the wedding party, special guests and family members.
