Sara and Thomas Werner

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Sara and Thomas Werner

Sara Kate Copeland and Thomas Christopher Werner exchanged wedding vows on May 23, 2009, at the First Baptist Church, in Nevada, Mo. Dr. William C. Cox 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 Troy and Tina Werner, of Nevada, and grandson of Ron Werner and the late Betty Werner, of Halstead, Kan., and Howard and Kay McCain, of Burrton, Kan.

The bride wore a formal mermaid cut gown made of ivory Swiss-dot and floral lace with crystal, pearl, and sequin beading. She carried a bouquet of white roses, fringed white tulips, stephanotis, and bells of Ireland. The bridesmaids wore teal taffeta floor-length dresses and carried bouquets of white roses, purple stock, and bells of Ireland. The candlelighters wore plum taffeta floor-length dresses.

Bridal attendants were maid of honor Alana Copeland, sister of the bride; bridesmaids, Traci Werner, sister of the groom; Kim Lunday, friend of the bride; and Brittany Campbell, friend of the bride. Rachel and Alyssa Dahmer, cousins of the bride, served as candlelighters. The flower girl was Paige McCain, cousin of the groom, and guest book attendants were Erin Dooley, friend of the bride, and Hannah Gentry, cousin of the bride.

Groom's attendants were best man Tyler Werner, brother of the groom; groomsmen, James Thomas, friend of the groom; Matt Seigel, friend of the groom; and Dustin Lally, friend of the groom. Ushers were Cole Vap, future brother-in-law of the groom; Gabriel Taylor, friend of the bride and groom; Kyle Marks, cousin of the bride; and Hayden Gentry, cousin of the bride. The ring bearer was Max Werner, cousin of the groom.

Program and door attendants were Kevin Marks, and Brad Copeland, cousins of the bride. A special guitar solo was written and performed by Grant Marks, uncle of the bride, for the couple's first Communion. Rhonda Leonard served as pianist and Debbie Fast served as organist for the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, a reception, dinner and dance, were held at the 3M Club, Nevada.

The couple honeymooned in Whistler, British Columbia Canada.

Sara and Thomas are both 2004 graduates of Nevada High School. Sara graduated from Missouri State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing. Thomas spent four years in active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps, and is now attending Maryville University in St. Louis, studying actuarial science.

The couple reside in O'Fallon, Mo.

Bridal showers

The bride was honored by showers given May 2, by Dana, Katherine and Margaret Cavener, at their home, with a Derby day theme. An afternoon shower was given by, Juanita Cragin, Linda Ogle, Jan Thompson, and Cindy Wynn, at the Nevada Country Club for the bride. A personal shower was given, May 8, by Alana Copeland in St. Louis at her home.

Bridal luncheon

The bridal party was treated to a luncheon at the church prepared and served by Molly Clark the day of the wedding. The groom, fathers of the couple and the groom's uncle enjoyed a round of golf followed by a luncheon cookout with the groom's attendants at the Werner's home.

Rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom's parents at the Nevada Country Club. A brunch following the wedding on Sunday morning was given for out-of-town guests, family and wedding party at the Copeland's home.