BioM: Gummerson, Mary (1970)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Gummerson, Melbinger, Gotham, Simpson, Swiontuk, Siedle, Bergstrom, Wendt, Mathewson, Conziemus, Cramer, Moore, Mahoney, Dow, Becker

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 12/31/1970

Gummerson, Mary (Marriage - 26 December 1970)

Miss mary Gummerson became the bride of Lonnie Melbinger in a double-ring ceremony performed by the Rev. Fr. George Becker at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen Saturday afternoon, December 26, before 225 guests. The church was decorated with red poinsettias and Christmas trees. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. James Gummerson of Owen and Mr. and Mrs. Celand Melbinger, also of Owen.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a traditional floor-length gown of satin faille with a detachable chapel train bordered with beaded Alencon lace. The molded Empire bodice was fashioned with a split mandarin collar of lace and a sheer yoke, of tucked organza outlined by a wide border of re-embroidered Alencon lace. A similar lace panel also centered the bodice. The lace was lavishly beaded with pearls, sequins and crystal beads. Bishop sleeves were trimmed with large appliqués of matching lace and a beaded appliqué trimmed the wrist-buttoned cuffs. Self-covered buttons detailed the back of the gown. A bouffant veil was secured to a French profile headpiece of Alencon lace trimmed with pearl preps and centered with a pearl floral motif. Her bouquet consisted of three orchids surrounded by white roses, stephanotis, and holly leaves.

Judy Gummerson, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Barbara Gotham, Bloomer, Janet Simpson, Rice Lake, Kitty Swiontuk, Green Bay, and Patricia Siedle, Rib Lake. The attendants carried nosegays of pompon ‘mums, holly berries and holly leaves. Their floor-length gowns were styled with mock boleros of olivine velvet outlined with lime Venise lace woven-through with olive satin ribbon. A band of the same lace and ribbon fashioned the high neckline and edged the long, sheer, puffed sleeves of lime chiffon. The skirts of lime chiffon were shirred at the back. Their forward headpieces were formed of olivine floral motifs trimmed with pearlized sprays to which three-tiered veils were attached.

Dr. Jerome Melbinger, brother of the groom, was bestman. Groomsmen were Randy Bergstrom, Eagle River, Randy Wendt, Owen, Robin Gummerson, Chippewa Falls, and Jeff Mathewson, Milwaukee. Richard Swiontuk and Bill Conziemus served as ushers.

Terry Cramer of Wausau was the ringbearer and Melissa Moore of Wabeno, the flowergirl.

Organ music was provided by Mrs. Mahoney. Soloist was Michael Dow.

Following the ceremony, a dinner was served in the church basement. A reception for approximately 250 guests was held afterwards at the Meadowview Country Club.

The bride will graduate in June, 1971, from Eau Claire State University with a degree in French. The groom attended Eau Claire State University for three years and now attends Marquette Dental School. He will graduate in 1972.