Stark and LaSalle exchange vows

Special to the Register

The First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville was the scene of the March 14 wedding of Abbey Lynn Stark and Robert Kristopher Arik LaSalle. Marc Dick officiated the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of David and Leslie Stark of Gainesville and the granddaughter of Clyde and Janis McCain, Richard and Margaret Jo Stark and the late Jane Stark, all of Gainesville.

The groom is the son of Robert E. and Rebecca LaSalle of Gainesville and the grandson of Robert J. LaSalle and the late Marilyn LaSalle of Gainesville and Shirley Frank of Lake Dallas. The groom’s godmother, Melissa Bush of Granada Hills, California was also an honored guest.

The beautiful historic church was accented with spring flowers of pink, orange, green, and yellow. Greeting the guests and handing out programs were Sharday Cochran and Lacey Mims, friends of the couple. Ushers were Bryan Brashear and Travis Brashear, childhood friends of the bride, and Andrew Hudson, brother-in-law of the groom.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, Abbey wore a white, strapless a-line gown sparkling with beaded and corded lace, accented with a white cumberbun sash, scalloped bodice and hem, and a chapel length train. The bride wore a fingertip veil scalloped with crystal and pearl beading attached by a crystal adorned comb.

Woven through her spring bouquet, Abbey carried a diamond necklace, a family heirloom, given to her by her aunt, Lucy Haverkamp. For her “Something Blue,” Abbey wore blue Manolo Blahnik heels given to her as a wedding gift from the groom. The bride’s father placed a six-pence in her shoe, borrowed from her sister, and wore a Swarovski crystal necklace and earrings for “Something New.”

Mrs. Lauren Denison was her sister’s matron of honor, and bridesmaids were Allie Coffey, childhood friend, Melissa Hudson, Emily LaSalle, sisters of the groom, and Julie Howe, cousin of the bride. The attendants wore floor length sleeveless, azalea colored chiffon dresses with a rounded charmuse satin neckline and matching sash at the waist. They carried spring flower bouquets of pink, orange, green, and yellow.

Serving as best man was Phillip Culbertson, friend of the couple. Groomsmen were Spencer Flint, Tim Cochron, Bradley Seatherton, friends of the couple, and Chris Denison, brother-in-law of the bride.

Ringbearer was Eric Brumfield, cousin of the groom and flowergirls were Melaina Denison and Colbie Cate Denison, nieces of the bride, and Shaylyn Hudson, niece of the groom. The girls wore white sleeveless satin gowns with beaded tulle skirts and azalea satin sashes.

Music for the early evening ceremony was provided by pianist John Dill. The family was seated to “Ava Maria” and the parents were seated to the “Forrest Gump Suite“. The wedding processional was Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” with an overture of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Jesus Loves Me“. As the bride entered, Mr. Dill resounded

“The Wedding March” on the church pipe organ. Lori Hart, vocalist, sang “The Wedding Song,” and during the lighting of the unity candle, sang “The Prayer” . The unity candle, a tower of selenite, was a special gift given to the couple from the bride’s aunt, Stacy Howe.

A reception followed at the Gainesville Civic Center. Elegantly decorated by Gainesville’s Vines and Branches, the bride and groom entered to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I‘m Yours” played by Melodies and Memories DJ’s of Dallas. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres catered by Karen Wade and unique wedding cakes handcrafted by Roger Dieter. Video and family slides were presented by Lost Dog Productions of Gainesville and George Dean Photography provided pictures of the bride and groom and slides from the ceremony. The final touch of the night, as a tribute to the groom, Fruity Pebbles were tossed as the couple made their way out of the reception hall. After the celebration, the couple left, courtesy of Anana’s Limousine , to enjoy a week-long cruise in the Southern Caribbean.

Abbey is a 2005 graduate of Gainesville High School and a 2008 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Texas Tech University.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Consumer Science Education and will work for Fort Worth ISD. Robert is a 2005 graduate of Gainesville High School and a 2009 graduate of Texas Tech University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and is employed by Weber Aircraft L.L.C. The couple will reside in the Fort Worth area.