Crystal Oates & Jim Smith wed at St. Philip

MR. AND MRS. JIM CURTIS SMITH CRYSTAL DAWN OATES

Crystal Dawn Oates and Jim Curtis Smith were united in marriage at 2 p.m., Oct. 6, 2007 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Father Gary Janak performed the double ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Sandra Oates of El Campo and the late Tracy Oates. Parents of the groom are Allen and Kathy Smith of El Campo.

An arrangement of fall flowers decorated the altar and the ambo.

Music was provided by the organist, Janice Cox; and soloist, Carol Smolik. Selections included "Trumpet Voluntary" "Come Now is the Time to Worship," "Sometimes by Step," "Breathe," "Here I Am," Pachelbel's "Canon in D," "I Can Only Imagine," "God Who Created Hearts to Love," "Open My Eyes," "How Beautiful," "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord," "Awesome God" and "Lord I Lift Your Name on High."

The bride, escorted by her mother, wore an ivory onepiece, lace over satin, strapless, A-line, corset back, Maggie Sottero gown. Rich lace sparkles with crystal beading on the gown created a shimmering effect. Scalloped lace danced on the neckline and hemline of the gown. A satin band accented the empire waist, wrapped around to the back and created streamer ribbons that cascaded toward the chapel-length gown. A cluster of crystals accented the center of the bodice. The bride chose a double tier ivory veil of illusion with a scalloped tier edging, silver bugle beads, scattered rhinestones and tear dropped crystals. The bride carried a bouquet comprised of roses.

Maid of honor was Joanie Roome of Austin, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Crystal Roye of El Campo, friend of the bride; Amy Witcher of Louise and Brittney Oates of El Campo, sisters of the bride; and Amy Chilton of Cypress, sister of the groom.

The attendants wore strapless gowns of bronze satin featuring a cinnamon satin sash that wrapped to the back of the gown and featured streamers that cascaded toward the hem of the train. They carried a bouquet of roses.

Best man was M.C. Smith of Corpus Christi, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Jake Brod of El Campo, Barrett Orsak of Columbus and Robby Leuschner of Victoria, friends of the groom; and James Chilton of Cypress, brother-in-law of the groom.

Ushers were Michael Oates, C.J. Oates and Trey Wilson. Altar servers were Reid Hubenak, Lee Drapela and Lea Drapela. Witnesses were Mike and Melisa Prasek. Gift bearers were Vernon and Julie Evanicky. Readers were Amanda Smith and Amanda Wilson. Wedding coordinator was Kaye Hubenak.

A reception followed at the El Campo Civic Center. Members of the houseparty included Kay Ratcliff, Monica Hubenak, Mary Berberich, Carol Drapela and Sue Oates. Grand march leaders were Tony and Cathy Ermis.

Rehearsal dinner was given by the groom's parents at Christ Lutheran Church.

The bride is a 2001 graduate of El Campo High School, and a 2005 graduate of the University of Houston-Victoria. She is a fifth grade teacher for Victoria ISD. The groom is a 1999 graduate of El Campo High School, and a 2002 graduate of Wharton County Junior College. He is a relay technician for South Texas Electric Co-op.

The couple will reside in Victoria.