Uptons exchange vows on WCHS softball field
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Two coaches from different cities and different teams have joined together as husband and wife.
Warren County High School softball coach David Upton and Siegel assistant softball coach Dena Lawrence exchanged vows Saturday afternoon during a special outdoor ceremony held on the Warren County High School softball field.
The bride and groom were joined by their families, friends and softball teams. The Lady Pioneers stood by coach Upton’s side, while the Lady Stars from Siegel stood beside coach Lawrence to serve as witnesses to the nuptials.
“Having the wedding on the field started out as a little joke by the girls,” Upton said, “but after Dena and I thought about it for a while, we decided it would make the perfect setting. After all, softball brought us together.”
The new Mrs. Upton coached at Oakland High School for two years before moving across town to Siegel, where she met her future groom.
“About a year ago my daughter, Erica, suggested I ask Dena out,” Upton recalled. “I really didn’t think much about it, but from that point it seemed everywhere we went to play ball I would run into her. Last year we held the district tournament here and we started talking, so I decided to ask her out.”
During that 7-AAA tournament, Upton’s opportunity came to finally break the ice, thanks to a few extended contests.
“The games got behind just a little, and we were playing against Blackman at the time,” he said. “She came walking down the side of the field, and made the comment if she knew we were running late she would have stopped and ate supper. I told her I would take care of that after the game and buy her a hamburger.
“So after they got finished playing, I walked out on the field and gave her a hamburger. After the game we talked for a while and that broke the ice and gave me the courage to ask her out. That’s how our relationship got started, and it’s been great ever since.”
After the wedding a reception was held in the school cafeteria, with the players serving cake and punch. The Uptons proceeded outside as the crowd gathered to throw rice as the couple entered their newly decorated automobile.
The couple will leave out on Monday for a week-long honeymoon cruise to Alaska.
PHOTOS INFO:
Top picture, WCHS softball coach David Upton exchanges wedding vows with Dena Lawrence on the Lady Pioneers’ infield during their marriage ceremony Saturday, while the Lady Pioneers and the Siegel Lady Stars look on. Bottom photo, the newlyweds leave their reception as their respective teams shower them with rice. (Dale Stubblefield photos)