Autumn ceremony unites McCook couple

Monday, January 6, 2003

Jodi Marie Brand and Blake Ryan Bethell were united in marriage Sept. 28, 2002, at the Evangelical Free Church in McCook with the Rev. Bruce Lester officiating.

Parents of the couple are Jo Ann Brand and the late Alton Brand and Ted and Dixie Bethell all of McCook.

Grandparents of the couple are Evelyn Fahnholz of McCook and Ray and Marlene Johnson of McDonald.

The bride was given away by her brother, Stacy Brand of Omaha.

The matron of honor was Jami Stevens of Lincoln. The bridesmaids were Amy Heskett of San Antonio, Texas and Holly Bahl of Kansas City, Mo. The bride's personal attendants were Tara Wright of Grand Island, sister of the bridegroom, and Beth Bethell of McCook, sister-in-law of the bridegroom.

The best man was Clint Bethell of McCook, brother of the bridegroom and the bridegroomsmen were Kyle Wilcox of Lincoln and Scott Ambrose of North Platte.

The flower girl was Korinne Wright of Grand Island, niece of the bridegroom and the ring bearer was Connor Brand of Omaha, nephew of the bride.

Ushers for the ceremony were Jake Powell of Bozeman, Mont., Nate Bethell of Boliver, Mo., Craig Adams of Menlo, Kan., and Brandon Sabatka of Colby, Kan., all cousins of the bridegroom.

Haiden Brand of Omaha, niece of the bride, served as the memory keeper by laying a bible on the altar and lighting a candle in memory of the bride's father.

Mikayla O'Dea of Scott City, Kan., and Amanda Greenlee of Indianola, cousins of the bride, served as the candlelighters and the guestbook attendants.

Ted Bethell gave a special message to the couple during the ceremony.

The pianist for the ceremony was Christy Stevens of McCook and the vocalist was Stephanie Koch, also of McCook. The reception was at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds Community Building. Host couples were Ken and Cathy Davis and Chuck and Gaylea Bunstock, all of McCook.

Connie Sabatka of McDonald and Ann Bethell of Colby, aunts of the bridegroom served punch and coffee. Judy Greenlee of Indianola, aunt of the bride and Brenda O'Dea of Scott City, Kan., cousin of the bride, served cake and pumpkin and apple pies. Anna Hayes, Becky Durner, Diane Cobb, Missy Nelson and Angela McCarty, all of McCook, served the meal.

The couple is making their home in McCook. The bride is employed at the McCook Clinic and the bridegroom is employed at McCook Community Hospital.