Published: July 27, 2009 12:47 am      

Cooksey-Wolverton wedding

Rebecca Neili Cooksey of College Station and Steven Lee Wolverton of Katy were married June 20 at Elmwood Gardens in Palestine.

The Rev. Rick Dees of Palestine officiated the garden ceremony at sunset before an ornamental wrought iron gazebo. The gazebo swag and two antique Roman pedestal urns were arranged with Leonida roses, Sahara roses, antique and green South American Hydrangeas, green Amaranthus, white orchids, burgundy and pink Chrysanthemums, and wisteria. The bridal walkway entrance was accented with two birdbath floral arrangements in memory of loved ones. They consisted of dark red gladiolas, green Bells of Ireland, hypericum berries, Leonida roses, Sahara roses, James Storei orchids, green and antique hydrangeas, with a base of green hanging amaranthus and cream colored stock. The arched bridal walkway was lavishly draped with ivory muslin and ivory tulle designed especially for the bride by her aunt of Freda's Creations. Six large wooden candlelit lanterns hung down the center of the draped walkway.

Parents of the bride are Bill and Becky Cooksey of Palestine. She is the granddaughter of the late James and Margaret Lincoln and the late Paul and Audrey Cooksey, all of Palestine. Parents of the groom are Vicki Wolverton of Dallas and Donnie and Tina Wolverton of Forney. He is the grandson of Jodelia Breaux and the late Harold Breaux of Dallas and the late Ray and Elizabeth Wolverton of Dallas.

Escorted by her father, the bride selected an exquisite strapless Alfred Angelo original of ivory satin and ivory embroidered lace. Crystal beading, pearls, and sequins covered the bodice and continued down the front of the gown. The ivory satin sash at the inverted V-empire waistline was embellished with a diamond rhinestone broche. The back of the gown was magnificently adorned with the same shimmering beading and embroidered lace that flowed onto a semi-cathedral train. The bride carried a hand tied bouquet of Leonida roses, Sahara roses, James Storei orchids, antique Hydrangea, and peach Hypericum berries. The stems were wrapped in chocolate ribbon and accented with cream pearls.

Attending the bride was maid of honor Tracie Gatewood, friend of the bride, of Palestine and matron of honor Andrea Goodrich, friend of the bride, of Corpus Christi.

Bridesmaids were Erin Ranft of San Antonio; Mallory Winkler of Palestine; and Shelley Wolverton, sister of the groom, of Katy.

Attendants wore empire waist, floor-length gowns of flowing chocolate latte chiffon held with small spaghetti straps. The dresses were complemented with diamond necklaces that were a gift from the bride,

Each carried a bouquet of Leonida roses, small antique hydrangeas, and peach hypericum berries wrapped in chocolate ribbon.

Flower girls were Sara Knipping of Arlington, Hailey McGee of Atlanta, Ga., both cousins of the bride; Haley Matthews of Scurry, and Brionna Sanchez of Arlington, both nieces of the groom.

Bell ringers were Emma and Taylor McGee of Atlanta, Ga., cousins of the bride.

Ring bearers were Matthew Hendrick, cousin of the bride, of Needville and Daniel Sanchez, nephew of the groom, of Arlington.

The best man was Tommie Matthews, cousin of the groom, of Scurry.

Groomsmen were Brett Burris, college friend of the groom, of Frisco; Jimmy Caddell, brother of the groom, of Forney; Cody Cooksey, brother of the bride, of College Station; and Dan Loree, friend of the groom, of Houston.

Ushers were cousins of the bride, Gavin Hollingsworth of Palestine, Aaron Hollingsworth of Elkhart, and Triston Hollingsworth of Elkhart.

Flowers by Janae creatively designed the birdbath floral arrangements.

A dinner and dance reception hosted by the bride's parents was held in the Garden Ballroom. Sadler's of Jacksonville and Robin Butt Productions provided food and music. The bride and groom chose Design by D'Anne to create their special cakes for the evening. The bride's cake was a five layer tiered cake with fresh Leonida roses and green hydrangeas separating each layer and adorning the top. The chocolate groom's cake was a green and silver Callaway golf bag and golf clubs with a maroon Texas A& M golf towel.

House party members included Jessica Knipping, Madison Koenig, Morgan Koenig, Brittany Hollingsworth, Megan Hollingsworth, all cousins of the bride and Theresa Bambeck, friend of the bride.

Following a wedding trip to a private resort in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, Canada, the couple will reside in Katy.

The bride is a biomedical science/biology graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station and currently works for TAMU in the biochemistry department. She will continue her medical studies in the fall at the Houston Medical Center.

The groom, a graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, is employed as a mechanical engineer for BAE Systems.