Robert James and Alana Lynn Nolan

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Alana Lynne Copeland and Robert James "Jim" Nolan exchanged wedding vows on May 21, 2011, at the Samuel United Church of Christ, in Clayton, Mo. Pastor Jeff Groene officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. Brad and Lori Copeland and granddaughter of Ron and Judy Dahmer, and Barbara Copeland, all of Nevada, and the late John Copeland, formally of St. James, Mo.

The groom is the son of Alan and Beth Nolan of New Albany, Ind., and the grandson of Paul and Patricia Bierly, of Louisville, Ky., and Bernice Nolan, of Floyds Knobs, Ind., and the late Dr. James R. Nolan.

The bride wore a formal Pronovias gown made of ivory satin accented with ivory satin covered buttons and a chandelier pleated back. She carried a bouquet of blue hydrangeas, pale yellow roses, yellow iris, blue delphinium accented with white stock.

The bridesmaids wore navy knee-length satin dresses and carried bouquets of blue hydrangeas, pale yellow roses, blue delphinium and yellow iris. The flower girls wore matching knee-length ivory dresses with navy satin sashes.

Bridal attendants were matron of honor Sara Werner, sister of the bride; Alisha Walker, Erin Beisly, Tasha Mueller, Jeanette Steiner and Ashley Ibarolle, all friends of the bride, and Laura Nolan, sister of the groom. Rachel and Alyssa Dahmer, cousins of the bride, acted as bridal assistants and guestbook attendants. Flower girls were Zoey Williams, friend of the bride, and Reese Day, cousin of the groom.

Groom's attendants were best man Gary Nolan, brother of the groom; and groomsmen Nick Nolan, Geoff Ziegler and Tom Ziegler, all cousins of the groom, Jeff Till and Greg Ferguson, friends of the groom, and Thomas Werner, brother-in-law of the bride. The ring bearer was Graham Walker, friend of the bride.

Special reading, Colossians 3:12-17, chosen by the couple, was read by Lenior Marks, aunt of the bride. Soloist Brian Nolan, uncle of the groom, sang "Come What May," by Baerwald while the couple lighted the unity candle. Neal Richardson served as pianist for the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, a reception, dinner and dance were held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Clayton.

The couple honeymooned in Hawaii.

Alana graduated from Nevada High School in 2002 and received her Bachelor of Science from Central Missouri State University in 2006. Jim graduated from Providence High School, Clarksville, Ind., in 2000 and received his Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in 2005. The couple presently reside in San Antonio, Texas, while the groom is on special work assignment for Boeing Corporation. The couple will return to their home in St. Louis, Mo., at the end of the year.

Bridal showers

The bride was honored by a bridal shower, April 9, 2011, in Floyds Knobs, Ind., by aunts of the groom, Angela Nolan, and Barbara Merten at Azalea Hill Community Room.

The bride was honored by a personal shower and bachelorette party, April 16, 2011, hosted by sister and matron of honor, Sara Werner, in St. Louis. Games and fun times were had in the afternoon followed by dinner and a "Night at the City Museum."

Alana was honored by a brunch and bridal shower April 23, 2011, hosted by Alisha Walker, Erin Beisly, Linda Ogle, and Cindy Wynn, at the Nevada Country Club.

Rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner was held in Ballwin, Mo., at the home of Jon and Lynda Henderson, cousins of the bride. The dinner was hosted by the couple's parents. A Hawaiian theme was used for the evening's festivities.