Published: May 26, 2009 09:59 am      

Divelbliss, Stafford wedding

CUMBERLAND — It was a picture perfect day on June 23, 2007, when Melissa Shannon Stafford and Eric Scott Divelbliss were united in marriage. The double ring ceremony was performed by Pastor Gene Riffey at Central Assembly of God, Bedford Road.

The bride is the daughter of Brad and Kathy Stafford, LaVale. The groom is the son of Gary and Carol Divelbliss, Potomac Park.

The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father and given in marriage by her parents. She wore a designer gown from the award-winning collection by Venus Brides. The dress was a strapless design of imported Italian satin. The fitted Basque waistline and bodice were delicately beaded with tiny pearls and Swarovski crystals. The matching beaded design extended down the full skirt and flowing cathedral train. The bride wore a veil of imported French illusion also edged with tiny pearls and Swarovksi crystals. Her bouquet consisted of white calla lilies and peach roses with white stephanotis, baby’s breath and springeri ferns wrapped in white satin ribbon. Her jewelry consisted of crystal necklace and earrings borrowed from long-time friend, Lisa Nightingale Monahan. Sue Robinette was the wedding coordinator and James Boden provided music at the church.

Serving as maids of honor were Melinda Stafford and Megan Stafford, sisters of the bride. Bridesmaids were Michelle Kazazic and Megan Amann, friends of the bride. Their gowns were designed by Alfred Angelo and were strapless in a mint green color. The flower girls were Cailya Stafford, niece of the bride, and Kalea Divelbliss, niece of the groom. Their gowns were from the St. Mary’s collection and were a soft peach color.

Brian Divelbliss served as his brother’s best man. Groomsmen were Jay Atkinson, cousin of the groom; Jason Bishop, cousin of the groom; and Bill Davis, friend of the groom. Ring bearer was Ethan Divelbliss, son of the groom. Lennox East, LaVale, provided all of the wedding attire.

Kelsey Stafford, cousin of the bride, distributed bubbles and programs. The memories of the day were captured by Dave and Alicia Phillips of Enuff Ideas, Cumberland, photography, and Dan Taylor, Keyser, with videography. Flowerland provided the wedding flowers and special arrangements were placed on the altar in memory of the bride’s grandparents, Buford and Delores McDonald and Earl Stafford, and the groom’s grandparents, Carl Bennett and Leo and Helen Divelbliss.

The Ali Ghan Shrine Club was the setting for the reception, where Mark, Kathy, Vinnie and all the staff did a wonderful buffet-style meal which consisted of turkey, crab stuffed flounder and lasagna. The room was beautifully decorated in mint green and peach, with candles adorning the tables and a very large decorated arch behind the wedding table.

Special thank you to Susan Vance-Stafford, aunt of the bride, Becky Divelbliss, sister-in-law of the groom, and the bride’s mother and sisters for their hard work in making everything so beautiful! Dave Caporale provided just the right music for the evening, easy listening through dinner and great dancing music later! Eric and Melissa danced their first dance as husband and wife to Alison Krauss’ version of “When You Say Nothing At All.” The bride danced with her father to “I Loved Her First.”

The four-tier wedding cake was beautifully done by Debbie Dunnivan, Frostburg. It consisted of layers of coconut, (for the bride’s father!), chocolate with a peanut butter filling, black velvet and marble. The cake was decorated with peach roses and peach tiger lilies and the top was adorned with a porcelain heart.

The groom’s parents hosted the rehearsal dinner and the bride was the guest of honor at a shower hosted by her sisters and bridesmaids.

Melissa is a 2000 graduate of Allegany High School and Allegany College of Maryland. She is employed by HRDC Head Start and Bob Evans Restaurant.

Eric is a 1994 graduate of Allegany High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps and is presently employed through the Sheet Metal Union.

The couple reside in Cumberland.

Thank you to everyone that celebrated our wedding day with us! A special thank you to our parents for giving us the love and support through all our lives and making our day so very special!