Vinas, Rafaelson wed July 19

Irene Mae Vinas of Talisay City, Philippines, and Ryan Arthur Rafaelsen of McPherson were married July 19 at Countryside Covenant Church in McPherson. Pastor Jon Black officiated the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Simplicia Guero Vinas of Isabela, Philippines, and the late Quirino Vinas. Parents of the groom are Rhoda (Jantz) Rafaelsen of McPherson, and the late Curtis Rafaelsen.

The bride was escorted by Art Jantz, grandfather of the groom. She wore a white floor-length gown featuring a basque waistline bodice with a scoop neckline. The fully-gathered tulle skirt was accented with a detachable cathedral-length satin train. The bodice and train were embellished with hand-beaded accents and lace. She carried a bouquet of yellow and white silk roses that she designed. She wore a strand of pearls and matching earrings from the Philippines, a gift from the groom.

Her attendants wore yellow satin floor-length gowns with organza overlay, scoop necklines, empire waists and accented with lace, pearls and silver trim. They carried boquets of yellow silk roses.

Honorary matron of honor was Grace Rafaelsen, sister-in-law of the groom. Honorary maid of honor was Irene Joy Vinas, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Becky Klein, and Amy Richards, cousins of the groom. Honorary bridesmaid was Esther Grace Vinas, sister of the bride.

Honorary best man was Scott Rafaelsen, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Jared Clark and Justin Clark. Honorary groomsman was Quirvin Vinas, brother of the bride.

Ushers and taper lighters were Kevin Jantz, cousin of the groom, and Damon Kleinsorge. Guest book attendant was Kristin Clark.

The music was performed by Anna Kaufman, pianist, and Ryan Hicks, soloist.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the fellowship hall of the church, hosted by Steve and Tiffani Eilrich of McPherson. Servers were Judy Jantz and Susan Jantz, aunts of the groom.

The bride is a graduate of Isabela National High School, Isabela, Philippines. She received a bachelor?s degree in accounting from West Negros College, Bacolod City, Philippines.

The groom is a graduate of Berean Academy, Elbing, and attended Central Christian College in McPherson and Hutchinson Community College. He is employed as an electrical technician with McPherson Ag Products LLC.

After a honeymoon to Kansas City, the couple resides in McPherson.

A rehearsal was held at the church July 18, with a dinner following at Perkins Restaurant.

Pankratz, Madison wed in Las Vegas

Heather Pankratz and Jeffery Madison, both of Fort Scott, were married Aug. 9 at the Wedding Bells Chapel in Las Vegas, Nev.

Parents of the bride are Jerel Pankratz of Hillsboro and Serena Pankratz of Sedgwick. The groom?s parents are Frank and Deborah Madison of Fort Scott.

The bride?s attendant was her sister, Paula Schwarz. The groom?s attendants were Charlie and Todd Madison, brothers of the groom.

A reception was held in the couple?s honor Aug. 23 at the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. A reception is also planned for Sept. 27 at the Foulton Community Center.

The bride is a 2001 Hillsboro High School graduate, and a 2003 graduate of Fort Scott Community College. She is currently employed by Sugar Creek Packing as a supervisor.

The groom is a 1999 graduate of Fort Scott High School, and a 2001 graduate of Fort Scott Community College. He is currently self-employed.