Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Risker, Purtle Wed In Baptist Rite

At 2 p.m. on July 31, Stephanie Ellen Risker became the bride of Bradley Frank Purtle.

Stephanie is the daughter of Mrs. Susan Risker of Paragould and Mr. Loren Risker of Kansas City, Mo.

Her grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Risker of Tracy, Mo., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Donavan Newell of Smithville, Mo.

Brad is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Purtle of Prescott.

His grandparents are Mrs. Sid Purtle and the late Mr. Sid Purtle of Prescott and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Altom of Abilene, Texas.

The double-ring ceremony took place at East Side Baptist Church in Paragould. It was officiated by Charles Purtle, the groom's father.

The maid of honor was Joanna Risker, sister of the bride. The matron of honor was Christian Holland, sister of the bride.

Bridesmaids were Karole Risker and Amy Risker, sisters of the bride, and Beth Purtle, sister of the groom.

Best man was Jim Purtle, brother of the groom.

Groomsmen and ushers were Dan Altom and Drew Altom, cousins of the groom, Chad Collins, Eric Torrence, and Steve Holland, brother-in-law of the bride.

The bride wore a gown fashioned of white Duchess satin and Venice lace. The sleeveless Venice lace empire bodice featured a scoop neckline with a deep square back and a princess line skirt. The detachable chapel length train flowered from under Venice lace trimmed streamers with three-hand folded flowers at the center back.

The music was presented by Dennis Neal, soloist, and Jeannie Cogbill, pianist.

The bride's book, programs and reception were attended by Afton Graves, Jessica Risker and Jennifer Bannister, cousins of the bride, and Michelle Byers.

Reception hostess, who also prepared the rehearsal dinner, was Nancy Hoke, cousin of the bride.

After a honeymoon to North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri, the couple is at home in Arkadelphia.

Stephanie is a senior church music major, and Brad is a senior math education major at Ouachita Baptist University.