WEDDINGS: ESSNER-WILHELM

BENTON, Mo. -- Kari Ann Essner and James Gregory Wilhelm were married Nov. 17, 2000, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, Mo. Msgr. Phil Bucher performed the double ring ceremony. Organist was Hope Essner and soloist was Renee Reinagel, both of Kelso, Mo.

Parents of the bride are Tim and Jeanne Essner of Benton. The groom is the son of John Wilhelm and Fran Brooks of Scott City, Mo.

Leonna Essner of New Hamburg and Kim Ziegler of Kelso, sisters of the bride, were honor attendants. Bridesmaids were Michelle Essner of New Hamburg, cousin of the bride; Bekky Underwood of Clarksville, Tenn., Heather Burger of New Hamburg, and Emily Kirk of Sikeston, Mo.

Best men were Adam Gibbs of Scott City and Darrin McCracken of Cape Girardeau. Groomsmen were Jason and Justin Wilhelm of Scott City, brothers of the groom; Bobby Underwood of Clarksville, Kenny Smith and Ryan Dannenmueller of Kelso. Ushers were Dustin Essner of New Hamburg and Chance Huff of Bloomfield, Mo., cousins of the bride, and Brian Ziegler of Kelso, brother-in-law of the bride.

Candlelighters were Sarah Moore and Kara Westrich of Kelso.

Flower girl was Anne Ziegler of Kelso, niece of the bride.

Following the ceremony, the reception was held at St. Lawrence Parish Center. Servers were Tara Phillips, Lisa Essner, Morgan and Mallory Kiefer, and Ashton Phillips.

The bride's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner Nov. 16 at the parish center.

Mrs. Wilhelm is a 1996 graduate of Thomas W. Kelly High School, and is attending Southeast Missouri State University.

The groom attended Scott City High School. He is employed by Midwest Acoustics and Drywall Inc.

The couple resides at Kelso.