LAVALE — One year ago today, on June 21, 2008, Melanie Lynne Shaffer and Michael Glenn Preston were united in marriage during a double ring ceremony officiated by Rebecca Vardiman. The wedding ceremony took place at the LaVale United Methodist Church. As guests arrived they were able to hear music of Brent Simpson and Andy Maples who played love songs on their acoustic guitars. Music for the ceremony was provided by pianist Kathy Tummino and vocalist Tom Paterro, which included, “You Raise Me Up” and “Unchained Melody.”

Melanie is the daughter of Danny and Mary Katherine Shaffer of Ellerslie. She is the granddaughter of Mary and the late Charles Logue, Ellerslie, and the late Homer and Helen Shaffer, Hyndman.

Michael is the son of Sgt. Maj. Kenneth and Karen Preston, Arlington, Va. He is the grandson of Oscar and Betty Preston, Mount Savage, and Herb and the late LaDonna Smith, Frostburg.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted down the aisle by her father to “Canon in D,” the bride wore an A-line Oleg Cassini gown with a satin bodice with metallic embroidery with a satin pick-up skirt. The veil had flowered beading with a scalloped edge. The bridal ensemble was from David’s Bridal. The bride also wore pearl earrings and necklace, a gift from her mother and father to match her pearl and crystal tiara. The bride carried a beautiful bouquet filled with white lilies and champagne and shrimp colored roses and baby’s breath. The flowers were provided by Martin’s in LaVale.

Serving as matron of honor was Renae Sisler, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids included Brook Stoe, cousin of the bride, and Valerie Preston, sister of the groom. All the girls in the wedding party wore a shrimp-colored dress with a satin bodice and chiffon draped skirt fastened with a rhinestone pin. The matron of honor carried five roses of the shrimp color with a champagne bow. The bridesmaids carried three roses of the shrimp color with a champagne bow. Serving as the flower girl was Madison Pressman, friend of the bride and groom. She wore a white organza dress with shrimp-colored bands around the waist. Madison carried a basket of white, champagne and shrimp rose petals.

The groom wore a black tuxedo with white vest and matching tie and a white rose boutonniere.

Serving as best man was Kenny Preston, brother of the groom. Groomsmen included Chris Hill, friend of the groom, Scott Sisler, brother-in-law of the bride, and Tyler Sisler, nephew of the bride. The ring bearer was Collin Sisler, nephew of the bride. He carried a white pillow with the symbolic wedding rings and escorted the flower girl to the altar. The groomsmen and ring bearer wore black tuxedos with shrimp-colored vest and matching tie with shrimp-colored rose boutonniere.

A reception immediately followed at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. While guests waited for the arrival of the bridal party, refreshments were served. Upon the wedding partys’s arrival by white limousine, they were officially introduced and the reception began. A buffet dinner was served by Mark and the catering staff following the blessing given by Pastor Rebecca Vardiman. After the meal, guests were served a beautifully decorated three-tier wedding cake made by Robert’s Confections, Cumberland. The best man, Kenny Preston, and the matron of honor, Renae Sisler, each made a special toast to the bride and groom. All of the decorations and favors were made and arranged by the bride, her mother and matron of honor.

Music throughout the evening was provided by DJ Brent Goss. The bride and groom danced their first dance to “Heaven” by Brian Adams. The bride and her father shared a special dance to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland. The groom and his mother also shared a special dance to “Mama” by Boys II Men. As the couple cut their cake “Lost in the Moment” by Big and Rich was played.

Capturing the special moments throughout the day was photographer Jim Askew and his assistant from Virginia and videographer Stanley Eisel of Frostburg.

A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at Sand Spring Saloon in Frostburg.

The bride is a 2000 graduate of Mount Savage School and a 2008 graduate of Frostburg State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is currently a substitute teacher for Allegany County public schools.

The groom is a 2000 graduate of Mount Savage School and a graduate of Allegany College of Maryland with an associate’s degree in general studies. He is currently in his last semester at Frostburg State University and will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in business. The groom is also in the Army Reserve.

The first week of their marriage was spent on the island of Oahu where the couple honeymooned at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, Hawaii.

They now reside in their home in Mount Savage.

The bride and groom are so thankful of all the love and support from their families and friends which made their day as special as it was and a day that will forever be remembered.