Dorward-Essner

BENTON, Mo. -- Kristina June Dorward and James Stanley Essner were married Sept. 15, 2007, at Broadway Christian Church in Columbia, Mo. The Rev. Rick Frost performed the ceremony.

Parents of the couple are Don and Darla Dorward of Columbia, and Stanley and Shirley Essner of Benton.

Maid of honor was Mary Rotter of Columbia. Bridesmaids were Maggie Stephenson of Columbia, Leah Holman of Chicago, Kristin Patterson of New York, N.Y., Kelly Stevener of Columbia, and Sara Hussman of Cape Girardeau, sister of the groom.

The groom chose his cousin, Matthew Essner of Columbia, as best man. Groomsmen were Bandit Thorne of Scott City, Jason Glastetter of New Hamburg, Mo., Tom Venneman of Columbia, Justin Essner of Orlando, Fla., cousin of the groom, and Adam Obermiller of Columbia.

Candlelighters and readers were Tanya Schneider of Cape Girardeau and Pamela Dannenmueller of Scott City, sisters of the groom.

Flower girls were Madison Enderle and Katelyn Dannenmueller, nieces of the groom, and Samantha Wren, cousin of the bride. Ringbearer was Noah Wren, cousin of the bride. Madison is the daughter of Tanya Schneider and Katelyn is the daughter of Ryan and Pamela Dannenmueller.

The reception was held at Stephens Kimball Ballroom in Columbia.

The groom's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner at Smokin' Chick's BBQ in Columbia.

Mrs. Essner is a 2002 graduate of Rock Bridge High School. She received a degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2006, and is working toward a master's degree in business administration from Columbia College. She is employed in the psychiatry department at University Hospital.

The groom is a 2000 graduate of Kelly High School. He received a degree in plant science from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005. He is employed by Orkin in Columbia.

After a wedding trip to the Dominican Republic, the couple resides in Columbia.