MOUNT SAVAGE — One year ago, on Sept. 27, 2008, Amber Renee Booth and Eric Paul Ward were united in marriage during a double ring ceremony officiated by the Rev. Ty Hullinger at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mount Savage.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Booth Jr. of Mount Savage. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Emma Jean Malloy of Frostburg and the late Mr. Butler Malloy, as well as Mr. Donald Booth Sr. of Mount Savage and the late Mrs. Dorothy Booth.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Ward, formerly of Hyndman, Pa. He is the grandson of Mrs. Dorothy Ward of Hyndman and the late Mr. Guy Ward, as well as Mrs. Shirley Witt of Hyndman and the late Mr. Glenn Thompson.
Escorted to the altar by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore a strapless trumpet fit satin gown embellished with silver embroidery and beading with a lace-up corset back and a chapel-length train. She wore a crystal and pearl tiara and a fingertip-length veil adorned with pearls and beading lent to her by the groom’s sister-in law. Amber wore matching crystal earrings, necklace and bracelet, which were gifts from her parents. She carried a cascading bouquet of fall flowers emphasized with seasonal berries and sunflowers.
Serving as maid of honor was Miss Laura Booth, sister of the bride. Mrs. Amber Jackson, friend of the bride, served as the matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Amy Booth, cousin of the bride, Mrs. Carrie Ward, sister-in law of the groom, Mrs. Rachel Jacovino, friend of the bride, and Miss Gwen Turner, friend of the bride. The maid and matron of honor, as well as the bridesmaids, wore chocolate satin gowns accented with honey sashes. They carried hand-wrapped bouquets of fall flowers. The flower arrangements for the ceremony were designed and created by Mrs. Julie O’Connor. The bridal party wore champagne and chocolate illusion necklaces accented with matching earrings, gifts from the bride. The flower girl was Miss Samantha Sweitzer, cousin of the bride. She wore a white tea-length gown.
The groom wore a black tuxedo jacket with a white vest and tie. The groomsmen wore black tuxedo jackets with honey colored vests and neckties. The ring bearer, Mr. Noah Booth, cousin of the bride, wore a black tuxedo jacket with a white vest and tie. He carried a specially made fall pillow graciously made by the groom’s cousin, Mrs. Barbara Festerman. Mr. Josh Ward and Mr. Michael Ward served as best men. Groomsmen included Mr. Jason Hensel, Mr. Michael Brailer, Mr. Brian Hartman and Mr. David Sharpe, all friends of the groom.
Mrs. Kathy Tumino played a beautiful selection of music before and during the ceremony. Special Scriptures during the ceremony were read by Mr. Ronald Hensel, family friend of the couple, Mrs. Shirley Witt, grandmother of the groom, and Mrs. Jodie Malloy, aunt of the bride. Programs were handed out to guests as they arrived for the ceremony by Miss Shayna Staggs and Miss Kayla Staggs, cousins of the bride. Following the ceremony, Miss Haley Booth, cousin of the bride, and Miss Taylor Corley, family friend of the bride, distributed bubbles to the guests.
A reception followed the ceremony at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club in Cumberland. It was coordinated and catered by the wonderful staff at the Shrine Club. Upon arriving at the reception, Mr. Ryan Malloy and Mr. Brandon Sweitzer, cousins of the bride, greeted the guests and asked them to sign a matted photograph of the couple. The tables were decorated with evergreen seedlings, which were given as favors, and hurricane vases with candles surrounded by a fall floral arrangement.
A seated dinner was served. Guests first enjoyed a variety of appetizers and cocktails as they waited for the wedding party to arrive. Toasts to the bride and groom were given by the best men and maid and matron of honor. Afterward, guests were served a green salad with the choice of either chicken Chesapeake, beef sirloin au demi or penne pasta. The multi-flavored four-tier wedding cake with butter cream icing, made by Mrs. Bonnie Goebel, was decorated with sunflowers. A chocolate groomsmen cake was also created by Mrs. Goebel.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by disc jockey Jim Corley. Amber and Eric danced their first dance as a married couple to “My Best Friend” by Tim McGraw. Amber and her father danced to “My Girl” by the Temptations and Eric and his mother danced to “I Hope You Dance” by Leanne Rimes. There was also a special dance during the reception for all married couples. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Couter Sr. were the longest married couple at the reception and offered some advice to the newlyweds for a successful marriage. Photography during the wedding ceremony and reception was provided by Mr. Stan Eisel. Mr. Ken Nolan provided videography throughout the day.
Amber and Eric were guests of honor at an engagement party hosted by Miss Laura Booth, sister of the bride, and Mr. Adam Moulden, soon-to-be brother-in law of the bride and groom. The groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Sand Springs Restaurant in Frostburg. The bride was honored with a shower given by the bridal party in Mount Savage.
Guests attended the wedding from Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Florida and California.
The bride is a 2000 graduate of Mount Savage School and a 2003 and 2006 graduate of Frostburg State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in counseling psychology. Amber is currently employed as a licensed clinical professional counselor with the state of Maryland.
The groom is a 2000 graduate of Hyndman High School. He received his associate’s degree in criminology from Allegany College of Maryland in 2002 and then earned his bachelor’s degree at Frostburg State University, double majoring in political science and justice studies.
The couple honeymooned at the Secrets Capri Resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. They currently reside in New Market with their dog, Dakota.
