BARTON — Brandi Ann Wilhelm and Robert Steven Eakin were united in marriage one year ago on Oct. 15, 2011. The double ring ceremony was held at Barton United Methodist Church and officiated by the bride’s aunt, Pastor Robin Davis.

The bride is the daughter of Marvin and Kimberly Martin of Moscow and Glen and the late Cheryl Wilhelm of Avilton. She is the granddaughter of Edna and the late Ellis Warnick of Moscow and Ronald and the late Shirley Wilhelm of Avilton and the great-granddaughter of Nettie Broadwater of Frostburg Village Nursing Home.

The groom is the son of Jen Eakin of Bradford, Pa., and Paul and Cindy Eakin, also of Bradford. He is the grandson of Bob and Kay Eakin, Lewis Run, Pa., and the late Gale and Margaret Owens.

The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father to meet her step-father, who then escorted her to the altar where she was given away by her parents. Brandi wore a strapless Alfred Angelo A-line gown, adorned at the neckline with silver beading and crystals. A ruched white satin bodice was adorned on each side with silver beaded crystal appliques, which added to the simple elegance of the dress. Her jewelry consisted of crystal tear drop earrings and a matching necklace, pearl bracelets on each wrist and a single rhinestone bracelet. As something old she wore the groom’s late grandmother’s Eastern Star ring. Her vintage updo hairstyle was styled by Amanda Stevens of Style In the City, Cumberland. A bird cage veil consisting of small white satin flowers and feathers with white netting came forward across the bride’s face, completing her stunning wedding day look.

Brandi carried a red rose bouquet accented with fall flowers containing silver baby’s breath and black feathers. The groom wore a matching red rose boutonniere. They were designed by Jack Coburn of Georges Creek Florist and given to the couple as a gift. The bridesmaids carried black clutch purses and wore wrist corsages of fall flowers, embellished with feathers and crystals. Mandy Keller, aunt of the bride, designed all the flowers for the bridal party as well as all decorations for the church and reception hall. Her skill and hard work were greatly appreciated.

The bridesmaids wore long halter top gowns, with ruching at the waist and lace-up corset backs in the colors of charcoal, black and spice. The bride’s sisters, Jesse and Katie Wilhelm, and the bride’s best friend, Holly Clark, served as maids of honor. Miranda Largent, Terran Giuliano, Amber Broadwater and Crystal Warnick, all cousins of the bride, Codi Sines, friend of the bride, Holli Warnick, aunt of the bride, and Gail Eakin, sister of the groom, all served as bridesmaids. Leighanna Wilhelm, the bride’s youngest sister, stood as a junior bridesmaid. Niece of groom Skye Eakin and cousin of the bride Bailie Warnick served as flower girls and wore white matching sleeveless dresses. The flower girls wore rings of flowers in their hair and carried kissing ball bouquets made of red hydrangeas.

Chris Hartle, best friend of the groom, stood as Rob’s best man. Brandon Sluga, Jake Blauser, Adam Barrett, Montana Zandy, Steve Hartle and Chris Hervatin, all friends of the groom, John Eakin uncle of the groom, Brian Schoolmaster, cousin of the groom, and John Keller, cousin of the bride, all stood as groomsmen. Caleb Brown, cousin of the bride, stood as a junior groomsman. All men in the wedding party wore black tuxedos with peak collar jackets and white shirts. The groom wore a white vest and matching tie. The ring bearer’s attire copied that of the groom’s, but stood out with a top hat to complete his look.

Caeleigh Keller and Caden Largent, cousins of the bride, distributed the programs and bubbles to the guests. Adam Warnick, uncle of the bride, and Jonathan Eakin, cousin of the groom, served as ushers.

The pews were adorned with tulle bows embellished with fall flowers and two large fall wreaths were placed at each side of the altar, adding just the right touch.

The mothers of the bride and groom lit the unity candles to Carrie Underwood’s “Momma’s Song.” The bride walked down the aisle to the traditional wedding march played by organist Krista McKenzie. The bride and groom lit memorial candles in honor of those who could not be there to Chris Rice’s “Go Light Your World.” The unity candle was lit by the bride and groom to George Strait’s “I Cross my Heart.” Once the bride and groom were introduced as husband and wife they walked up the aisle to The Turtles’ “So Happy Together.”

Photography was provided by Caitlin Laffey of Sweet Memories Photography.

A reception followed the ceremony at Wilhelm’s Recreation Area, Avilton. The delicious dinner was prepared and served by the Wilhelm ladies, led by Connie Burdock. Many other great-aunts of the bride assisted in the dinner. The four-tier oval wedding cake was topped with the monogram letters E, R and B, the initials of the bride and groom. Fall flowers cascaded down the side of the cake and ribbon and crystal accentuated each tier. A hearse cake, complete with “just married” written across the back window and a bride and groom skeleton, added humor to their special day as the couple met and fell in love while attending mortuary school. All delicious cakes were made with love by the bride’s aunts, Mandy Keller and Trina Warnick

The bridal party was introduced to “Walk this Way” by Aerosmith and the bride and groom entered to “Soldier of Love” by Pearl Jam. They danced their first dance to Corey Smith’s “First Dance.” Members of the band The Driven acted as announcers, DJs and provided live entertainment well into the night. The Driven’s talent and tirelessness was much appreciated.

On the eve of the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was hosted by the father of the groom, Paul Eakin, and his wife Cindy at Penn Alps Restaurant, Grantsville.

Bridal showers were given by the mother of the bride, Kimberly Martin, locally and the mother of the groom, Jen Eakin, in Rob’s hometown.

Brandi is a 2003 graduate of Westmar High School, a graduate of Allegany College of Maryland, Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and Point Park University.

Rob is a 2001 graduate of Bradford Area High School and a graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

Both Brandi and Rob are employed by Eichhorn-McKenzie Funeral Home, PA, Lonaconing and Midland, as full-time licensed morticians.

Rob and Brandi honeymooned in New Orleans, La., where they stayed in the French Quarter hotel the Omni Royal. They enjoyed the many unique attractions, both dining and entertaining that only New Orleans can provide.

A very special thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the coming together of what was an exceptional day, especially Mom and Marvin.