WEDDINGS: SCHIWITZ-ESSNER

BENTON, Mo. -- Gina Marie Schiwitz and Jeffrey John Essner were married June 24, 2000, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, Mo. The Rev. Alphonse Hoernig performed the double ring ceremony. Organist was Hope Essner of Kelso, Mo. Vocalists were Tracy Haggerty of Cape Girardeau and Bobby Ressel of Kelso.

The bride is the daughter of Arthur "Bud" and Brenda Schiwitz of Benton. The groom is the son of Paul and Geneva Essner of New Hamburg.

Dr. Shaina Schiwitz of Grand Blanc, Mich., was her sister's maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Elizabeth Leible of Arnold, Mo.; Jeannette LeGrand and Anita Buckner of Benton; and Amy Blue of Delta, Mo., cousin of the bride.

Best man was Jamie Essner of Scott City, Mo. Groomsmen were Curtis Essner of Benton, brother of the groom; Dean Heuring, Neal and John Kern, all of New Hamburg. Ushers were Gerard Essner of New Hamburg and Ronnie Essner of Benton, brothers of the groom; Danny Simpher of New Hamburg; and Eric Beardslee of Oran, Mo.

Candlelighters were Ashley Essner of New Hamburg, niece of the groom, and Sara Duffield of Benton, cousin of the bride.

Guest book attendants were Ashley Cook of Springfield, Mo., and Jaimie Harmon of Cape Girardeau, cousins of the bride.

Following the ceremony, the reception and dance was held at the parish center. Servers were Sandra Beck, Barbara Cook, Susan Nolan and Dianne Schiwitz, aunts of the bride.

The groom's family hosted the rehearsal dinner June 19 at the parish center.

Mrs. Essner is a 1992 graduate of Thomas W. Kelly High School at Benton. She received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University in 1997. She is a caseworker with State of Missouri Division of Family Services.

The groom is a 1991 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau. He received an associate's degree in electronic technology from IET in Paducah, Ky., in 1994. He is employed at Procter & Gamble.

The couple resides at Benton.