Ashley Drews & Rodney Smaistrla recite wedding vows

MR. AND MRS. RODNEY JAMES SMAISTRLA ASHLEY RENEÉ DREWS

Ashley Reneé Drews and Rodney James Smaistrla were united in marriage at 2 p.m., Oct. 20, 2007 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marlin. The Rev Christopher Ferrer performed the double ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Duane and Sandy Drews of Marlin. Parents of the groom are Roy and Janice Smaistrla of El Campo.

The church featured bows to accent the pews. Floral arrangements placed on the main and side altars were comprised of roses, ranunculus, calla lilies and chocolate cosmos.

Music was provided by Janice Cox, organist and soloist. Selections included "Canon in D" by Pachelbel "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Ave Maria" by Schubert, "Trumpet Voluntary" by Purcell, "Wherever You Go," "Bread of Life," "On This Day, O Beautiful Mother" and "Wedding March."

The bride, escorted by her father, wore a Mori Lee luxe taffeta gown in ivory with gold trim. Beaded embroidery overlaid the corset-seamed bodice with cinched, draping, trimming the modified basque waistline. Pyramids of embroidery trimmed the A-line skirt with a hemline band. The chapel-length train featured cascading bands and elegant embroidery decoration. She chose a double tier, elbowlength veil in ivory. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of mixed roses, ranunculus, calla lilies and chocolate cosmos.

Maid of honor was Wendy Drews of Marlin, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Audrey Smaistrla of Pearland, sister of the groom; Cody Esser of Uvalde, friend of the couple; Randi Abbott of College Station, friend of the bride; and Holly Ainsworth of Orange, cousin of the bride.

Bridal attendants wore Lamore satin, floor-length gowns in chanti with an A-line skirt and chocolate sash. They carried smaller bouquets similar to the bride's.

Kaylea Esser of Uvalde, friend of the couple, was the flower girl. Coy Magliolo of Dickinson, cousin of the groom, was ring bearer.

Ladd Wied of El Campo, friend of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Clint Faas of San Marcos, friend of the groom; Walt Esser of Uvlade, friend of the couple; Brent Holub of Schulenburg, cousin of the groom; and Daniel Drews of Stephenville, brother of the bride.

Ushers were Charlie Bode of Goliad, Ricky Hegefeld Jr. of Marlin, Blake Holub of Huntsville and Clinton Schneider of Reagan.

Witnesses were Theresa Kasner, godmother of the bride; and Mark Merta, godfather of the groom. Offertory gifts were presented by Patsy Barosh, godmother of the groom; Regina Merta, aunt of the groom; and Roger Schneider, godfather of the bride. Lectors were Marsha Kasner, cousin of the bride; and Shelly Smith, friend of the bride. Altar servers were Monica Neumann and Tyler Newmann. Eucharistic minister was Mark Merta, godfather of the groom. Program attendant was Emily Ottis, cousin of the groom.

A reception was held at the Westphalia parish hall in Westphalia immediately following the ceremony. Grand march leaders were Stephen and Dinah Schneider, family of the bride. Members of the house party included Stephanie Czajkowski, cousin of the bride; Sarah Ely, friend of the bride; Leanne Kasner, cousin of the bride; Sunny Kelly, friend of the bride; and Sarah Schneider, cousin of the bride.

Rehearsal dinner was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church parish hall and was catered by Lupita's Mexican Restaurant.

The bride is a 2001 graduate of Marlin High School. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2005 and Baylor University in 2007. She is a speech pathologist for the Uvalde CISD.

The groom is a 2000 graduate of El Campo High School and a 2005 graduate of Texas A&M University. He is part of the management team for Panther City Cattle Company.

After a wedding trip to Jamaica, the couple will reside in Batesville.