Published: July 11, 2008 03:34 pm      

James, Stafford wedding

CUMBERLAND — On July 7, 2007, Tonya Jo Stafford and Daniel Matthew James were united in marriage. The double ring ceremony took place at Centre Street United Methodist Church, Cumberland, with the Rev. Lloyd McCanna officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rocky Jo Stafford and the granddaughter of Margaret Holliday and Buelah and Kenneth Stutler, all of Cumberland.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Richard James and the grandson of Betty Snyder, Cumberland, and William R. James, Tampa, Fla.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted to the altar by her father, the bride wore a satin halter bridal gown with tulle skirt, corset bodice and beaded alençon lace appliqués from David’s Bridal. The bride wore a fingertip-length two-tier veil with a corded edge that was adorned with crystal beads. She carried a bouquet of white calla lilies, white roses, daisies and asters. The bride wore a pearl and rhinestone necklace and earring set, which were gifts from her parents.

The bridesmaids wore a two-piece yellow iridescent taffeta V-neck halter and taffeta A-line skirt from David’s Bridal, complemented with a rhinestone necklace and earring set which were given as gifts from the bride. They carried bouquets of white daisies.

Serving as maid of honor was Miss Michele Stafford, Cumberland, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Amber Weimer, Cumberland, cousin of the bride, and Joni Roberson, New Jersey, cousin of the bride. The flower girl was Lily Cessna, Ridgeley, W.Va., cousin of the bride.

Serving as best man was Mr. Nicholas James, Cumberland, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Ian James, Cumberland, brother of the groom, and Drew Griffin, Boston, Mass., friend of the groom. The ring bearer was Briar Cessna, Ridgeley, cousin of the bride.

The organist, Mark Steiner, accompanied harpist Christina DeFusco. Program attendants were Cheyenne and Morgan Snyder, Cumberland, cousins of the groom. Harvey’s Florist, Frostburg, provided flowers.

Flowers were placed at the altar in remembrance of Eugene Holliday and Joseph Stafford, grandfathers of the bride, and Ruth James and Myles Snyder, grandmother and grandfather of the groom.

The reception followed at Windsor Hall on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. The hall was decorated with bouquets of white daisies, candles and lights. Other decorations were provided by Debbie Boone of Gifts with Pizzazz. The food was catered by Ristorante Ottaviani and the cake was prepared by Bonnie Goebel.

Photography was provided by Carla Rice of Guided by Grace Images. Videography was provided by Travis Cessna, cousin of the bride. Music throughout the evening was provided by Music Express.

A rehearsal dinner was given in honor of the bride and groom by the groom’s parents at the Oxford House in Downtown Cumberland. A bridal shower was given in the bride’s honor by Donna and Michele Stafford at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

The bride is a graduate of Fort Hill High School and Frostburg State University, with a bachelor of science degree in business education. She received a master of education degree in business/workforce development from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The bride is currently employed by the Washington County Board of Education as a high school business teacher.

The groom is a graduate of Fort Hill High School and Frostburg State University, with a bachelor of science degree in justice studies. He received his doctorate of jurisprudence from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Mich. He is currently employed as the assistant prosecuting attorney in Morgan County, W.Va.

The couple resides in Point View Estates, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

Tonya and Dan would like to thank their family and friends for sharing this special day with them. They especially would like to thank their parents for always supporting them throughout the years and for helping to create this beautiful and special day in their lives.