Ray -- Taylor

CHARLESTON -- Stephanie Michelle Ray and Billy Gene Taylor exchanged wedding vows in a 6:30 p.m. ceremony Dec. 27, 2002, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston. Monsignor Mike Swalina of New Madrid performed the double-ring candlelight ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mike and Denise Ray of East Prairie and her husband is the son of Bill and Shelia Taylor of Benton.

Music for the occasion was provided by organist and soloist Terry Parker of Charleston.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Maid of honor was Monica Huff of Ocala, Fla., and bridesmaids were Jennifer Christian of Lexington, Ky., and Nikki Davis of Indianapolis, Ind., all friends of the bride. Jessica Burrell, Caitlin Kestner and Breanna Burrell of Benton, nieces of the bridegroom, served as flower girls.

Chad Haines of East Prairie served his friend as best man. Groomsmen were Jesse Burrell and Stacy Kestner of Benton, brothers of the bridegroom. Serving as ushers were Jason Lawless of Benton, cousin of the bridegroom and Ronnie Hamilton of Ocala, friend of the bride. Ring bearers were Dustin Schwartz and Dylan Schwarts of Benton, Drew Keen of Charleston and Keenan Ahlfield and Garrett Ahlfield of St. Charles, cousins of the bride.

Candlelighters were Andrea Kestner and Bethany Kestner, nieces of the bridegroom. Attending the guest book was Crystal Smithson of Murray, Ky., friend of the bride. Program attendants were Sydney Chambers of Atoka, Tenn., friend of the bride and Cole Jernigan of Benton, nephew of the bridegroom. Peggy Appleton was wedding assistant and special guests of the couple were James and Sonja Haines of East Prairie.

The wedding reception was held at St. Henry School, where the wedding cake, designed by Ellie Minner, was served to guests by Angie Hutcheson, Virginia Brewer and Susan Chambers, friends of the bride. Penny Coffer was reception assistant and music was provided by disc jockey David Thomure.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are making their home in East Prairie.