Published: July 27, 2009 12:46 am      

Black-Rantala wedding

Maegan Elizabeth Black and David Gene Rantala both of Elkhart were united in marriage on Saturday, June 27, at First Baptist Church of Elkhart.

The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Bill Gerenez of Elkhart. The vows were read before an altar decorated with arrangements of roses, gladiolas, lilies, iris and tulips in silver pedestal vases. The altar rails were adorned with tulle, twinkle lights and wisteria. Smaller arrangements of roses, lilies, tulips and gladiolas with baby’s breath were also placed on the altar rails. Palm trees with twinkle lights were on each side of the baptistery window. The baptistery window was decorated with tulle and lights and the memory candle was placed in the window. The memory candle was lit in honor of grandparents, aunts and uncles of the couple who are no longer with the us. Family pews were adorned with eggplant and ivory bows with roses and lilies. The remainder of the pews were adorned with ivory and eggplant bows.

Parents of the bride are Gene and Patsy Black of Elkhart. Parents of the groom are Neil Rantala of Elkhart and Mitze Malina of Oakwood. Grandparents of the bride are J.O. and Sally Kirkwood of Palestine, Wilma Black of Abilene and formerly of Palestine and the late Odis C. Black. The grandparents of the groom are Bill and Jimmie Jean Hayes of Angleton and the late Mary and Raymond Rantala and Vernon Gene Follice.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a strapless gown designed by Alfred Angelo. The dress was made of iridescent satin and featured a drop waist that was embellished with sequins and embroidered with metallic accents in the front and the back of the dress. The dress had a semi-cathedral train that was embellished with the same sequin appliqués and the train was edged with crystal beading. The bride wore a two layer soft illusion veil that was trimmed with teardrop Swarovski crystals. To compliment her g own, the bride wore a pearl and Swarovski crystal necklace, earrings, and bracelet, a gift from Tina Yancey of the Silver Lady. The bride carried a cascading bouquet of roses and lilies with eggplant ribbon woven through the bouquet.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was Gena Lohmeyer, sister of the bride, of Palestine and Kayla Ashford of Elkhart served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Nicole Johnson of Elkhart and Christian Hernandez of Palestine.

The matron and maid of honor wore gowns designed by Alfred Angelo of eggplant satin. The dresses were embellished with a rhinestone pin in the back and fell into a sweep train. The bridesmaids wore gowns also designed by Alfred Angelo of eggplant chiffon and satin. The dresses were a-line with a halter neckline. The attendants wore crystal and pearl necklaces and earrings, a gift from the bride and carried heart shaped bouquets of lilies, roses and tulips wrapped in silver ribbon.

Flower girl was Rylee Elizabeth Lohmeyer, niece of the bride, of Palestine.

Ring bearer was Seth Rantala, nephew of the groom, of Oakwood.

Hanna Glenn, cousin of the bride of Bullard, registered guests.

Best man was Jonathan Rantala, brother of the groom.

Groomsmen were Brian Zganjar of Oakwood, Clint Lohmeyer, brother-in-law of the bride, of Palestine and Bradley Kirkwood, cousin of the bride, of Elkhart.

Honorary groomsman was Raymond Rantala, brother of the groom, currently serving our country in Iraq.

Providing music was pianist Sherry Keeling of Elkhart.

A reception hosted by the bride’s parents was held at the Museum of East Texas Culture. Guests enjoyed a dinner catered by Brenda Bing of Creative Catering. Music was provided by P3 Productions of Palestine.

House party members were LeighAnn Dehart of Elkhart, friend of the bride; Leah Glenn of Bullard, cousin of the bride; Sherry Kirkwood of Palestine, aunt of the bride and wedding coordinator and Marion Raney, friend of the bride, of Palestine.

Following a wedding trip to Columbus, the couple will reside in Elkhart.

The bride is a graduate of Elkhart High School and is currently attending Trinity Valley Community College pursuing a nursing degree.

The groom is a graduate of Oakwood High School and is employed by Rantala Enterprise.