Aven, Cathcart say vows in church ceremony
The bride is the daughter of Robert and Joni Stambaugh of Gallatin. She is the granddaughter of Arlene Knelange and the late Bill Knelange, Evelyn Aven and the late Harold Aven.
Parents of the bridegroom are Tom and Carole Cathcart. His grandparents are Louree Mullins and the late Herman Mullins, Will H. Cathcart and the late Melba Cathcart.
The bagpiper was Greg Cutcliff. Two of the bride’s favorite songs from “Fiddler on the Roof” – “Sunrise, Sunset” and “The Wedding Prayer” – were sung by the bride’s father and the bridegroom’s mother and prerecorded for the wedding.
Attending the guest register was Joanna McNeal, Judy Single and Karen Karma.
Arrangements of white roses, lilies and ivy decorated the church with burning tapers in wrought iron candelabras casting a soft glow over the wedding scene.
The bride was resplendent wearing a white satin gown embellished with rhinestones and crystal beading on a strapless bodice. The skirt, extending in box pleats from a fitted waist, was enhanced by a full train.
Her veil was cathedral length with an additional waist-length layer trimmed in rhinestones. She carried a bouquet of 40 white roses. Sheer ribbon with satin trim was braided on the flower stems.
The bridegroom was dressed in formal traditional Scottish attire. His Prince Charlie tuxedo jacket was worn over a paisley district tartan kilt.
Matron of honor was Nicole Risner of Hendersonville and maid of honor was Sarah Stambaugh of Nashville, sister of the bride. Lindsey Aven of Yorba Linda, Calif., another sister, and Kacie Page of Hendersonville were bridesmaids.
The bridal attendants were attired in black satin and chiffon. Their gowns were styled with an empire waist and narrow shoulder straps. Each young lady carried two dozen white roses and two white lilies.
Fulfilling the duties of a best man were Brian Cathcart of Cookeville, brother of the bridegroom, and Andrew Collins of Lascassas, his cousin. Groomsmen were Davis Draper of Cookeville and Derek Kramer of Murfreesboro.
Serving as ushers were Chris Vance of Pensacola, Fla., Michael Aven of Yorba Linda, Calif., Brian Carrico of Louisville, Ky., Jay Priestley of Murfreesboro, Matt Hollman of Nashville and Bryan Stephenson of Malibu, Calif.
Mother of the bride wore a satin and chiffon formal ensemble in a cream hue and carried three long-stemmed white roses forming a bouquet.
The champagne-colored dress worn by the bridegroom’s mother was fashioned with spaghetti straps and a long fluid skirt. A sheer lace overlay bodice was finished with three-quarter length sleeves. She also held three long-stemmed white roses.
Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents were hosts for a reception given in the church fellowship hall. Approximately 450 wedding guests were in attendance.
Wrought iron arches graced with white lights served as a backdrop for the bride and groom’s tables. Fall flowers arranged in bubble vases centered the guests tables.
As a pre-nuptial courtesy, a bridal tea was given by Marsha Collins, Beth Fitch, Faye Hickey, Nancy and Joanna McNeal, Pearl Sweeney and Keri Hertwig in the new fellowship center at Westwood Church of Christ. The bridegroom’s parents were hosts at dinner for the bridal couple, wedding party and guests held at Carrabas Italian Restaurant in Green Hills.
The newlyweds honeymooned on the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Oahu, while also visiting Lahaina, Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. They are making their home at Monthaven Place in Hendersonville.
The bride is director of client services at Cumberland Crisis Pregnancy Center. She graduated in 2002 from Lipscomb University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in Bible.
Mr. Cathcart is a 2000 Lipscomb University graduate, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Bible and oral communication. He is currently attending graduate school at Lipscomb and serves as youth minister at Gallatin Church of Christ.