Barger, Ward wedding

Monday, October 22, 2007
Abby and Matthew Ward

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Abby Kathryn Barger and Matthew Ryan Ward were united in marriage June 1, 2007, at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Catholic Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Rev. Mike Butler celebrated the Wedding Mass and Deacon Robert Waller gave the homily.

Parents of the couple are Joseph and Kathryn Barger of Wauneta and Chris and Carol Ward of Goldsboro, N.C. Grandfather of the bride is J.W. Stevens of McCook.

The bride was escorted to the altar and given in marriage by her parents. Her strapless wedding gown had a fitted bodice adorned with beads, a full skirt with a sheer organza overlay and train. A black satin ribbon was tied at her waist. She wore a rhinestone necklace that had belonged to her maternal grandmother.

The bride carried a bouquet of multi-colored calla lilies. The bridegroom and his attendants were attired in their military mess dress.

The bride’s attendants were Peter Barger and Laura Barger, brother and sister of the bride.

The bridegroom’s attendants were Heather Moe and Steve Crosbie. Flower girl was Amber Gonzales, niece of the bride. Ring bearer was Andrew Dumont, nephew of the bride.

Altar servers for the Mass were Colton Fries and Shawn Barger, nephews of the bride. The Bible readings were read by Heather and Laura. Trevor Dumont and Annie Dumont, niece and nephew of the bride carried the Eucharistic gifts to the altar.

Mr. DeKler provided the wedding music.

Eight fellow cadets, Eric Sepp, Chris Sweeney, Matt Crippes, Mike Wetlesen, Scott Dahm, Hansel Rabell, Scott Nakatani and George Speliotes, honored the newlyweds with a sabre arch, as they left the chapel.

Emily Short, special friend of the couple, registered the guests and helped with decorations for the reception.

Special guests were the bridegroom’s grandparents, Jim and Althea Ward and Robert and Carol Coffman; bridegroom’s host family Lt. Col. and Mrs. Myers, their children, Duncan and Vandy; bride’s grandmother Joan Barger; and bride’s host family Tom and Nancy Brooke.

A supper buffet and dance at the Officer’s Club followed the wedding ceremony. Sisters of the bride, Theresa Dumont and Courtney Barger, cut and served the ice cream wedding cake.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Mexico and Texas. They spent some time with their families in North Carolina and Nebraska before reporting for their military assignments.

Matthew is stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga. Abby is stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.