Shelley Marie Mattocks and Jeremy Joe Merchant, both of Great Bend, were united in marriage April 3, 2004 in a double-ring ceremony officiated by the Rev. Thomas Swain at First Church of God in Great Bend.
The bride wore a gown of white Italian satin featuring a modified sweetheart neckline, short sleeves and princess seaming.
Delicate embroidery graced the bodice and was enhanced with intricate hand beading and the skirt flowed into a chapel train.
The back was accented with covered buttons from neckline to hem and her head was adorned with a wreath of tiny satin roses interspersed with beaded flowers.
Parents of the couple are Bob and Raylene Mattocks of Great Bend and Larry and Diane Merchant of Watertown, S.D.
Grandparents of the bride are Bill and Norma Rowe of Winfield and the late Vernon and Hazel Mattocks.
Grandparents of the groom are Raymond Jenner of Huron, S.D., the late Nancy Jenner, Donald and Gleva Schlotter of Redfield, S.D., and the late Joseph and Gladys Merchant.
Maid of honor was Mindi Mattocks of Great Bend, sister of the bride.
Bridesmaids were Katrina Duraso of Goodland and Jennifer Merchant of Watertown, S.D., sister of the groom.
Best man was John Birnell of Watertown.
Groomsmen were Doug Jenner of Watertown, cousin of the groom, and Anthony Duraso of Goodland.
Ushers were Victor Langrehr, Eric Borger and Brady Borger, all of Great Bend.
Flowergirl was Shantell Ramirez of Watertown, goddaughter of the groom.
Ringbearers were Christian Butler-Francis of Manhattan, godson of the bride, and Matthew Merchant of Great Bend, son of the couple.
Candlelighters were Shawna Borger of Great Bend and Heide Ramirez of Watertown, cousin of the groom.
Musicians were Nathan Koch, pianist, and Chelli Shauers and Bryan Pinkall, vocalists.
The bride is a 1998 graduate of Great Bend High School and a 2001 graduate of Barton County Community College with an associates degree in art.
She is employed by Central Kansas Library Systems of Great Bend.
The groom is a 1998 graduate of Watertown Senior High School, a 2000 graduate of Spartan School of Aeronautics and a 2002 graduate of Cowley County Community College with an associate in applied science degree.
He is employed by Protective Equipment Testing Laboratory of Great Bend.
The couple reside in Great Bend.
