ADVANCE, Mo. -- Jennifer Renee Westbrook and Stephen Matthew Welch were married Dec. 30, 2000, at the United Methodist Church. The Rev. Tom Zych performed the ceremony. Pianist was Lacy Baker and music was provided by Terry and Janet Robison, all of Advance.
Parents of the couple are Kenneth and Mary Gayle Westbrook, and Stephen and Debbie Welch, all of Advance.
Matron of honor was Leslie Richmond and bridesmaid was Amy Garner, both of Advance.
Matthew DeJournett of Advance served the groom as best man. Groomsman was Jeremy Westbrook of Advance, brother of the bride. Ushers were Jason Westbrook and Jeremy Welch of Advance, brothers of the couple.
Candlelighters were Tori Gilliland and Christopher Welch of Advance. Tori is the daughter of Paul and Cindy Gilliland. Christopher is the brother of the groom.
Ringbearers were Cord Cooper and Curtis Gilliland of Advance. Cord is the son of Tony and Teresa Cooper. Curtis is the son of Paul and Cindy Gilliland.
Guest book attendants were Kaci and Cory Cooper of Advance.
Following the ceremony, the reception was held at Advance Elementary School auditorium. Servers were Tony and Teresa Cooper, Bonnie Rhodes, Paul and Cindy Gilliland, Rachel Abernathy, Sarah Robison and Tori Gilliland.
The groom's mother hosted the rehearsal dinner Dec. 23 at the church.
Mrs. Welch is a 1996 graduate of Advance High School, and received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2000. She is a sixth grade teacher at Advance Public Schools.
The groom is a 1997 graduate of Advance High School, and received HVAC certification through the Cape Industrial Arts Program. He is a service technician with Peters Supply in Marble Hill, Mo.
The couple resides in Advance.
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