CUMBERLAND — Vanessa Nicole Merritt and Matthew Scott Bolinger were united in marriage on Saturday, April 19, 2008.

The bride is the daughter of Keith and Teresa Merritt, LaVale, .and the groom is the son of Karen and Charles Bolinger, Cumberland.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted to the altar by her father, the bride wore an ivory Alfred Angelo designer gown consisting of a fitted sweetheart neckline adorned with embroidery, sequins and crystal beading and laced in the back with a soft silk ribbon, providing a corset effect. The dress then fell to a semi-cathedral length, which was a pick-up skirt design attached by numerous crystals. She wore a small crystal tiara and an ivory veil trimmed in silk. Her bouquet was an arrangement of ivory roses, calla lilies and verbena placed in a silver tussie. The groom wore a black tuxedo with ivory shirt, vest and tie.

Serving as matron of honor was Tosha Rabideau, sister of the bride. The bridesmaids were Meghan Wilson, cousin of the bride, and Greta Livengood and Megan Hughes, friends of the bride. Taylor Bolinger, niece of the groom, served as flower girl. The matron of honor and bridesmaids wore Alfred Angelo indigo blue strapless gowns which had a sweetheart neckline with a pick-up skirt design on the back of the dress and adorned with crystals. They carried bouquets of roses, alstromeria and verbena placed in a silver tussie. The flower girl wore an Alfred Angelo indigo blue dress made of organza and satin which was complemented with a matching blue sash. She carried a kissing ball of similar flowers.

The couple’s son, Kameron Bolinger, served as his father’s best man. Groomsmen were Ace Ross and Steve Eirich, friends of the groom, and Nick Bolinger, brother of the groom. Jared Rabideau, nephew of the bride, served as ring bearer. The best man and groomsmen wore black tuxedos with ivory shirts, blue vests and blue ties. The ring bearer wore black knee-length tuxedo-style shorts, ivory shirt, black vest and black tie.

The double ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. Edward C. Chapman at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Washington Street, Cumberland. The mothers of the bride and groom were seated as the “Wedding Song” by Joseph Clokey was played by organist Mark W Steiner. Readings were done by Charles Bolinger, father of the groom, Nathan Wilson, cousin of the bride, and Vicki Moyer, cousin of the groom. Madison Wilson, cousin of the bride, distributed programs and Kathy Wilson, cousin of the bride, attended the guest registry. Bubbles were distributed by Abigail Gordon, cousin of the bride, and Natalie Moyer, cousin of the groom.

A reception was held immediately following the ceremony in the Municipal Building at the Cumberland Fairgrounds. The bride, groom and best man were transported to the reception by Mike Reid, friend of the bride, in his 1929 Model A Ford Tudor.

Michael Rabideau, brother-in-law of the bride and executive chef at Sunset Grille, West Ocean City, designed and prepared the menu for the reception, which included shrimp and crab claw cocktail, fresh fruit platter, antipasto platter, Caesar salad, four cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, spicy New Orleans chicken skewer with honey mustard sauce, mini-burgers, mini-crab cake sandwiches with Old Bay mayo and shaved pit ham with mini-rolls and sweet orange mustard.

The wedding cake was made by Shelby Gable, Cresaptown. The cake was topped and adorned with fresh flowers that matched those of the wedding party. Serving the cake was Lori Gordon, cousin of the bride, and Karyl Kuykendall, special friend of the bride. M and T Creations, formerly of Cumberland, prepared the bouquets, boutonnieres and cake topper. Music was provided by C2C Music. Carla Rice of Guided by Grace Images served as photographer and Harry Copen, Ancient Gates Video Productions, served as videographer.

Vanessa and Matt danced the first dance as husband and wife to “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain.

A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s family at Sand Springs Restaurant, Frostburg. Vanessa was the guest of honor at a bridal shower held at Oscar’s Restaurant, Cumberland, and hosted by her mother, mother-in-law and her sister. The following day Tosha treated her sister with a day at Sleepy Creek Spa at The Woods Resort. She was also given a shower luncheon by her co-workers.

The bride is a graduate of Allegany High School and Allegany College of Maryland. She currently is employed by the Western Maryland Health System as a physical therapist assistant.

The groom is a graduate of Allegany High School and attended Allegany College of Maryland. He served with the 372nd Military Police Company in Iraq and is employed as a correctional officer at the Federal Prison in Cumberland.

The couple honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico, before returning to their home in Cumberland.

Out-of-town guests were from West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The couple wishes to thank everyone who shared in this day as the start of their new life together. They appreciate your friendship, support and love you have shown. Thank you for your prayers and hopes for the future.