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Chase County Weddings and
Anniversary Notices


1863 - 2002



Graham & Ashbaugh

Ms. Judith Demel, Albert, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Graham, Sr., Burdett, announce the engagement of their children, Rebekah Ann Ashbaugh and Christopher Ryan Graham.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Otis-Bison High School and attended Barton County Community College. She is currently employed by IHS in Great Bend.

The bridegroom-elect is a graduate of Pawnee Heights High School and attended Barton County Community College. He is currently employed by Wyer Creative Communication, Great Bend.

An August 5, 2000 wedding is planned at the First United Methodist Church, Great Bend.

Tiller and Toiler, Lamed, Kansas, Apr. 6, 2000, Pawnee County, Kansas

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Ryan Graham

Rebekah Ann Ashbaugh, Great Bend, and Christopher Ryan Graham, Great Bend, were united in marriage on August 5, 2000 at the First United Methodist Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. Robert Schmutz officiating the double ring ceremony.

Rebekah is the daughter of Ms. Judy Demel of Albert and Joe Ashbaugh of Hays. Christopher is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Graham, Sr., Burdett.

The bride was given in marriage by Tony Demel, Great Bend, grandfather of the bride. Maid of Honor was Ms. Amanda Traphagen, Great Bend, Honorary Matron of Honor, Mrs. Alethea Ledesma, Great Bend, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Miss Stephanie Brock, Great Bend and Miss Karen Kuhn, Hutchinson. Flower girl was Jessie Melkus, Topeka, groom's cousin.

The bride's gown was white re-embroidered satin with sheer Italian lace with a Queen Anne neckline, beaded basque bodice, sheer cap sleeves, a keyhole back complimenting the cutouts on the cathedral train. The elbow length veil was attached to a satin band of flowers and pearl peps. The bride's bouquet was a cascade bouquet of lavendar daisies, white pixie carnations, purple larkspur, and misty blue accented with teal ribbon.

The attendants wore an amethyst floor length Empire gowns with square neck and cap sleeves, accented with a bow and streamers on back bodice line. The carried sprays of amethyst and teal flowers.

The Best Man was Matthew Holopirek, Burdett. Groomsmen were Charles R. Graham, Jr., Great Bend, groom's brother and Brent E. Graham, Manhattan, Groom's brother. Ring Bearer was Jonathan Demel, Olmitz, bride's cousin.

The groom wore a black tuxedo with a silver vest and bow tie. Groomsmen wore black tuxedos with vests of teal and amethyst on a black background and black bow ties.

Ushers were Terry Demel, Great Bend, the bride's uncle and Chris Clapham.

The church decorations consisted of candelabra decorated with white bows with ivy on either side of the altar and baskets of teal, amethyst and champagne silk flowers on either side of the altar. Pews had candles in brass candelholders, with white bows, ivy and miniature flowers.

Brad Shirer, Great Bend, was organist. Soloist, Miss Stephanie Brock, Great Bend, sang "From This Moment On" and "I Do (Love You)". Taper lighters were Sheila Dickman, Hays, and Catie Demel, Olmitz, bride's cousin.

The groom's mother was escorted by the groom. The bride and groom's mothers were escorted to the "Wedding Prayer" which had been played at the groom's parent's wedding. Altar candlesticks belonged to the bride's great-great-grandmother.

A buffet, reception and dance were held at The Eagles in Great Bend. Tony Moore of Lamed was the DJ. The tables were decorated with vases of teal and amethyst flowers. Lace tablecloths crocheted by the bride's great grandmother and great aunt were used on the bride's table. Miniature teacup belonging to the bride's great grandmother held flowers on the wedding cake.

Hostesses for the reception were Mrs. Vandi Melkus, Topeka, goom's cousin, Mrs. Alice Holopirek, Burdett and Miss Melissa Scheck, Great Bend.

The Grand March was led by Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Kuhn, Wichita, bride's cousin. Honored guests were the bride's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Demel, Great Bend, and the groom's grandparents, Mrs. Mildred Graham, Cottonwood Falls, and Mrs. Mildred Winslow, Verdon, Nebraska. The groom's great aunts, Mrs. Lee Jacques, Shawnee Mission, and Miss Ruth Harkendorff, Verdon, Nebraska, were also honored guests.

After a short honeymoon trip in Central Kansas, the couple is at home in Great Bend. An extended trip will be taken at a later date.

Tiller and Toiler, Larned, Kansas, Sep 08, 2000, Pawnee County, Kansas.



Chase County Marriage Notices
compiled and abstracted from the Chase County Courant and Chase County Leader Newspapers
by your Chase County Host, Lorna Marvin.
Please submit your Wedding and Anniversary notices.




Return to Chase County Marriage Index


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Last updated 11/22/2003