Gress, Cahoon united November 20 in Waukon

Lori Gress and Blair Cahoon exchanged marriage vows during a Nov. 20, 2004, ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon. Rev. Larry Olson officiated the 3 p.m. ceremony.

Parents of the couple are Gary and Dorothy Gress and Kirby and Rhonda Cahoon, all of Waukon. Grandmother of the bride is Laura Duvel and grandmother of the groom is Ruth Miller.

The church was decorated with amethyst and silver pew bows and floral arrangements on the altar.

The bride was given in marriage by her mother and father. She chose a white, satin A-line gown with a scoop neckline and tank style top. The gown featured beaded and sequined re-embroidered lace appliques. The dress also had an aproned back skirt with a bustled look and cathedral train. The bride wore a tiara and a double-layered waist-length veil with satin cord edging. She carried a bouquet of purple and white roses.

The bride’s personal attendants were Connie Liddiard and Julie Wilkins.

Matrons of honor were Lisa Leiran and Michelle Gress, sister-in-law of the bride. Bridesmaids were Megan Cahoon, sister of the groom, Brandie Gress, sister-in-law of the bride, and Vickie Gress, sister of the bride.

The ladies wore platinum-colored, two-piece floor-length satin gowns. Each carried a flower arrangement featuring purple and white roses.

Best man was Adam Bieber and groomsmen were Troy Gress, brother of the bride, Forry Averhoff, Tim Gress, brother of the bride, and Chris Wilkins.

Ushers were Kevin Leiran, Tom Topel, brother of the bride, and Henry Wilkins.

Flower girl was Kaitlyn Gress, niece of the bride, and ring bearers were the bride’s nephews, Mason and Brennan Gress.

Jenn Rasmussen and Adam Brickley were vocalists for the ceremony and Paige Harpin was organist. Musical selections included “I Could Not Ask For More” and “From This Moment.” “It’s Your Love” was sung during the lighting of the unity candle.

A reception was held at 5 p.m. at the Waukon Reception and Banquet Center.

Hosts and hostesses for the event were Don and Ardith Waters and Dan and Sue Cahoon, aunts and uncles of the couple.

Dan and Sheryl Bieber presided at the guest book.

Cake cutters were the bride’s aunt, Bev Johnson, and the groom’s aunt, Sharon Boland.

The bride is a 1994 graduate of Waukon Senior High and is currently employed as a graphic designer at Sign Pro in La Crosse, Wis.

The groom is a 1998 graduate of Waukon Senior High. He earned his associate degree in agribusiness management from Northeast Iowa Community College. He is currently employed at K&R Feeds, Inc. in Dorchester.