A GEMerationS Celebration: Bridal fashions through the ages March 21, 2007

(Celebrating 20 years of the Calvinette/GEMS Club at LaGrave Christian Reformed Church)

Preliminary planning and set-up is spelled out on two other documents that accompany this. They are the questionnaire about the donated dresses and a detailed program. NOTE: it is a lot of work, but we did it as a labor of love to thank our church family for its support, and our congregation got very involved and loved it. Narration read by Betty Mustert (grandmother), Barb Mustert (mother), Marie and Audrey Mustert (daughters and GEMS girls). Instructions for the readers: Musterts, do this introduction in whatever way is comfortable for you. We’ll leave it up to you to decide who will read when. If the girls only want to do smaller amounts, that is fine, as long as they do some of it so all generations are represented ☺ Welcome all present to this special, fun-filled evening and thank them for joining us. Do self-introduction of 3 generations of the Mustert family and Calvinette/GEMS connection for the girls. Barb, were you ever a Calvinette? Invite them to relax and enjoy this display of 40 gowns and the stories that go with them. Our first dress is from 1914 and, due to its fragile condition, is on display on the left in the front row of mannequins. The marriage of Gertrude Dijkstra and Rickard Postma took place on December 29 in the parsonage of Second CRC in Roseland, (Chicago),IL. The officiating minister was Rev. Stuart, who later became LaGrave’s minister. The dress is a handmade ivory muslin gown with elbow-length sleeves. There is lace trim on the bodice, down the front and back, and on the lower edge of the skirt. The young couple met in Friesland, The Netherlands where he was a Christian schoolteacher. He left for the United States in 1913 and she followed, as planned, one year later, sailing over on the Potsdam. This 22 year-old young lady arrived in Ellis Island, New York, by herself. She did not know English and had to find her way to the Chicago area, where she and Richard were married. Witnessing the wedding were 2 of Rev. Stuart’s daughters. One of those daughters, Gezina, later had a daughter named Betty Kingma, who is a member of LaGrave. As we often say, What a small world! Their love story was a typical one for many of our ancestors, and we thank their son Ed (and Norma) Postma for sharing it with us. Music for only 10 seconds…………………………………….. Dana Day, our first flower girl, is the daughter of Curt and Jennifer Day, a former GEMS counselor. Dana wore this dress on March 17, one year ago, for Jordan and Chelsey Trathen’s wedding. Jordan is GEMS counselor Pat Trathen’s son. Dana’s dress is white

satin with spaghetti straps. The bodice is beaded brocade with sequins. There is beading at the hem and tulle under the skirt to give it bounce. Bryce Mulder, our ring-bearer, is the son of Sherri Grussing Mulder, a former Calvinette/GEM, who provided the flowers and decorations for the sanctuary this evening. Bryce, who is a handsome little man in his tuxedo, is the grandson of Bob and Carol Grussing. Directly following them is former GEM Sara Hoogeboom who is modeling the dress worn by Johanna Schultz when she married Sydney Bouma on September 1, 1915. Her dress was handmade by her mother, Anna Stilstra Schultz. It is made of cotton lace, the skirt is of tiered panels, and it closes in the back with tiny hook and eye latches. In case you have not figured it out, this bride is mother to Anna Day, grandmother to Pat Trathen, and great-grandmother to little Dana. Ron Day, Anna’s husband, is Sara’s escort. Thank you all. Music for 10 seconds………………………………………. Our next delicate gown, which is displayed instead of modeled, was worn by Helen Pool’s mother, Whelmina Bolier for her marriage to Robert Pool, on January 3, 1923. Her gown is in the center of the front row of mannequins and has the square front neckline. Her gown of pure silk, with lace and satin panels, was handmade by a French seamstress who came to her home to fashion it. The wedding for 30 guests was held in her parent's home in Zeeland, MI. After the wedding, the bride and groom went for a five-week honeymoon to Florida and visited Civil War sites. On the way home they stopped in Washington, DC and, while on a tour of the White House, President Harding and his dog Laddie came through. The president stopped to greet them. Quite an impressive way to begin life together! Music for 10 seconds ………………………………………. Judy Feenstra is modeling the next gown, one worn by her grandmother and Grace Feenstra’s mother Theresa Hutt when she was married in 1929. The weddings (yes, plural) took place in Boerakker in the province of Gronigen in the Netherlands. The first wedding was at the courthouse in the morning and the second one was in the church in the afternoon. At that time it was customary for both bride and groom to wear black. The dress is black, long-sleeved and of pure silk. It has a v-neck with an insert of stitched ruffles with a fan-like effect. The same ruffles are also around the bottom edge of the skirt, which has gathering to lift the skirt on each side. She wore this dress with a brimmed hat. The length is mid-calf, typical of the 1920’s, and worn with black stockings and black shoes. Thank you, Judy, for sharing this unusual and special memory from Dutch history with us. Music for 10 seconds……………………………………………..

Pam Lenting is proudly modeling the gown that was worn by her paternal grandmother, Miss Hannah Bosch when she married Pam’s grandfather, Boyd Mackus. They were married on Sept 18th, 1930 at the Zutphen Church in Zutphen, Michigan. According to the newspaper clipping, "the bride wore a white satin gown, made princess style with a silvery, flowing skirt. Her veil, forming a long train, was fitted to a cap of Duchess lace held on either side with orange blossoms. She wore matching slippers and carried a bouquet of white roses tied in ivory satin ribbon." The gown originally had long satin sleeves that were later altered to the sleeveless dress it is today. Pam says, “My Grandparents were happily married for over 60 years and I became fond of my Grandmother in her later years after her husband died. Although she suffered many hardships, she was a strong loving Christian who remained positive and upbeat throughout her life. My oldest daughter is named Gabrielle Hannah in her memory. When my grandmother died, I was given a framed wedding picture of my Grandmother wearing this dress and it hangs in my home today as a daily reminder of my grandma.” What special memories! Thank you for sharing them with us, Pam. Music for 10 seconds……………………………. Our GEM Megan Schroder is wearing the dress that belonged to her great-grandmother, Nelly Eenigenberg Kolk, who wore it on her wedding day to Harry G. Kolk. The wedding was on June 21, 1933, and great-grandpa always said, with a twinkle in his eye, “I chose the longest day of the year to marry her – it was a wonderful day!” Megan is being escorted by her father Steve, who likely was not mentally prepared to be walking his young and beautiful daughter down the aisle this early in her life! The dress is a two-piece gown. Originally white, it is made of chiffon with a belt at the waist. The two pieces consist of an under slip and a gown over the top with a gentle V-neck. The veil, which has long since disintegrated, was a long and flowing floor length and was held in place with small apple blossom clips at the temple. Although Megan has never met her, we know that this great-grandmother’s heart would have been filled with joy to see Megan looking so lovely! Thank you, Megan. Music for 10 seconds…………………………… Jane Doezema has happy memories of our next gown, which is on display in the back row of mannequins and nearest the piano. Her mother, Dorothy L. Zoerhof, added Mieras to her name on May 28, 1937. The gown is bias cut lace and is worn over a chemise slip. The shoes and headpiece are original, but the veil was ruined when she loaned it to a friend. It was common to share gowns and veils with family and friends at that time. Jane recalls that her Mom allowed her to try it on several times as she grew up, and Jane “outgrew” it at age 12. Johanna Feikema married Walter DeJong on September 3, 1937 in Chicago, IL. Her displayed dress is made of ivory lace and can be seen in the front row of mannequins, closest to the piano.. It has long sleeves accented with buttons and has many small covered buttons that close the back of her dress. The train is integral to the dress.

Johanna is the mother of Sharlene Jouwstra, grandmother of Vonnie Maurer, and great-grandmother of GEM Delaney Maurer, 3 generations of LaGrave members. Music for 10 seconds……………………… Our next dress, modeled by GEM Sydney Vander Meer, has lots of “LaGraviana” attached to it. This dress belonged to Stella Bel Bouma, who wore it at the double wedding with her sister, Helen Van Vliet, in the “new” LaGrave Parish House in 1940. (For those of you who have not been around for that many years, that “new” Parish House was torn down some years ago to make the present addition.) They were married by their father, Rev. Herman Bel, who was LaGrave’s minister at that time. The ivory dress has a myriad of cloth-covered buttons down the back and lovely pointed sleeves over the hands. It is semi-sheer overlay on silk with lace on the shoulders, down the arms, and on the integral train. Daughter Judy Otte fondly remembers the times she tried the dress on as a girl. The Boumas and the Van Vliets enjoyed a joint 50th anniversary together. What a delightful history of many happy years together! Thank you, Sydney. Music for 10 seconds………………………………….. Our next 3 bridal gowns are on display: Marilyn Kortman’s parents, Harold Poll and Minnie DeMey met while working at The Globe Knitting Works in GR. While on a day trip to northern Michigan on Memorial Day in 1941, he proposed to her at about 10:30 in the morning. They had packed a picnic lunch, featuring cube steaks, to take along. (How many of you remember the popularity of cube steaks??) The couple was married by Rev. Y.P. DeJong at LaGrave on June 25, 1941, in 90-degree heat. Her gown is displayed here next to our narrators. This dress is a simple 1940's style of ivory chiffon. It is floor length with a four-foot train. The fitted bodice features an inset of ivory lace. The lace also forms the cuffs of the long sleeves and trims the collar. The front has a button and hoop opening and was worn over an ivory bias cut taffeta slip. The dress was purchased from either Beverly's or Gantos' stores in downtown Grand Rapids for $14.99. She borrowed her veil from a friend. Minnie's attendant wore a gown of turquoise taffeta and chiffon. Clara Gulesserian Ayanoglou, mother of Joyce Rogers and grandmother of Tonia Rogers Halley, was married in the mountains of Cyprus in a town called Pedhoulas in 1942. It was at the summer home of Clara’s parents - a beautiful setting to get away from the July summer heat. Theodore was in the Greek army and had permission to go for a short time to get married. They honeymooned in Jerusalem where he was stationed. Direct your eyes to the pale pink dress on display in the back center of the mannequins. Pink was Clara’s least favorite color and she never did like anything that glittered. The family never asked her why she wore a dress that seemed to be the opposite of her usual attire. She was a beautiful bride and had a very happy marriage until Theo’s death in a car/truck accident.

An interesting side note: it was very common during World War II for women to have dresses in various colors. Often, if they were long, they were cut off to street length after the wedding and worn for church and special occasions. Slightly lower and in front of this mannequin there is a very special veil: In 2006 Tonia Rogers Halley was married. Her father Ron knit her veil for her and trimmed it with antique lace from Clara’s (Tonia’s grandmother’s) treasured laces. This veil can also be worn as a shawl. What a treasure – and destined to become a family heirloom! Our next gown is the one you may have seen in the narthex when you arrived. If you missed it, please take time after this program to look at it. Kate Oostema reported the the Grand Rapids Press used to give a detailed account of weddings including what the bride, bridesmaid, mother of bride and bridegroom and attendants wore. The press announcement for her parents’ wedding read as follows: "The marriage of Annette Doezema and Alvan Broodman was solemnized Tuesday, April 13, 1948 in the Klise Memorial Chapel. The chapel was decorated with white lilies and snapdragons. The bride, escorted to the alter by her father, wore a colonial style faille taffeta dress which had a net yoke, fitted bodice, and full hoop skirt. The skirt was caught up in front, revealing a ruffled petticoat, and had a long train trimmed in lace. The same lace made up the hat and veiling. The bridal flowers were white orchids and sweet peas." How nice it is to have a copy from the Press that describes so well what many of us have forgotten about our dresses! Music for 15 seconds………………………………………. In 1948 Mary VanderVeen Romence wore this miniature bride’s dress in John and Neva VanderVeen’s wedding. The dress, modeled tonight by GEM Autumn Kessel, was made by long-time LaGrave member, Mrs. Rodenhouse, and is white satin. It has leg-of-mutton sleeves and has an integral train. The neck, bodice, and upper skirt have frilly flounces that move softly when the bride does. The back closes with a line of small covered buttons. Mary enjoyed her role of bride so much she was also the bride in a Christmas school presentation later and wore the same dress. You make a very sweet miniature bride, Autumn! Thank you. Music for 10 seconds………………………………………….. Katy Pastoor married Cal Danhof on September 6, 1958 in 90-degree heat in the Thompson Chapel of Park Congregational Church. Although they were members of LaGrave, Katy wanted a “full house” for her wedding, so she chose a smaller chapel. Our own Battjes Chapel was not completed at that time. Former GEM Laurel Pals looks lovely in Katy’s pale ivory shantung silk dress. It features seed pearls and iridescent sequins, alonson lace trim, short sleeves, and a hoop skirt. Katy tells us her father was recovering from a heart attack when she was married and was not allowed to come to her wedding. Her brother filled in and gave the bride away. On her wedding day LaGrave’s much-loved Dr. Clarence Beets drove her father home from the hospital. When the wedding party arrived at the Pastoor home after the ceremony, Katy’s uncle had dressed

her father in a tuxedo for family pictures in the living room. Katy says it was a very emotional time for her. Cal and Katy look forward to celebrating 50 years of marriage next year. Thank you, Laurel. Music for 10 seconds……………………………………. Our GEM Audrey Mustert is modeling her grandmother’s dress, which was made by Audrey’s great-grandmother, Tina Ploeg . Linda Ploeg, Barb Mustert’s mother, was married in 1960 to Vern DeWeerd in the Neland Ave. CRC. Apparently, while thrilled to be marrying, she was not thrilled about a November wedding. She called that time of the year “very drab” as there was no sunshine and no snow. The dress has simple, straight lines, a full skirt, a boat neck, and pointed sleeves. Her bridesmaids’ dresses were green velvet and were also made by her mother. They were steam-pressed before the wedding and all shrunk! The bridesmaids could barely fit into them. How stressful for the whole wedding party! Audrey, you make a lovely bride, and we know your grandmother would have loved to have been here to see you had she been in town tonight. Thank you. Music for 10 seconds………………………………………. Our GEM Kayla VandenBosch is a vision in a pale peachy/pink dress worn by Nancy Peters when she married Leo in 1961. Kayla is escorted by her father, Gregg – something Gregg also did not expect to be doing this soon! The empire waist bodice with lace and pearl trim are lovely above the very full skirt. Her matching headpiece is decorated with pearls, lace, and dried flowers. Nancy says the dress fit her perfectly and she did not need any alterations. Thank you, Kayla. You look like a princess! Music for 15 seconds…………………………..

Marlene DeLoof married Ed Paauwe on August 24, 1962 in Boston Square Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. Her dress is modeled by GEM Megan Schroder, again escorted by her father. Her ivory dress is made of heavy silk fabric. It has cap sleeves and a full skirt. Ivory lace detailing is over the front of the dress and on the long train, which can be bustled. The dress fastens in the back with many intricate, covered buttons and a bow. Thank you, Megan - you look so grown up!

Music for 10 seconds…………………………

Mary Jo Stehouwer married Bob DeJong in LaGrave, with Rev. Eppinga officiating, on December 28, 1966. Tonight their daughter Kristen VandenBosch wears her mother’s gown and is escorted by her husband Gregg. They are preceded by their daughter Elise, a GEM, as flower girl. As Calvin College students, Bob and Mary Jo got married on Christmas break, in a snow blizzard. Fortunately, all of Bob’s family from California had arrived already. The wedding gown is an A-line brocade with a square neck and empire

waist. The train comes down from the shoulders. As was popular at that time, her veil fell from a Jackie Kennedy-type pillbox hat. Elise is wearing Katie Romence’s flower girl dress that she wore in Nan Van Andel’s wedding in 1977 and which was held outdoors at the Van Andel home. The dress is pink satin with embroidered organza overlay and layers of lace on the skirt. The neck has a cape collar. The Stehouwer family joined LaGrave in 1924. Kristen is a 4th generation LaGravite and Elise is 5th generation. We thank you for modeling for us and for being a vital part of the LaGrave family! Music for 10 seconds……………………………. Pam Lenting models the wedding dress worn by her mother-in -law Johanna Georganna Kreykes who married Henry Lenting on Feb 3, 1967 at the South Holland Protestant Reformed Church. According to the Chicago Tribune, "the bride wore an ivory floor length empire lace gown which was made by the bridegroom's aunt. The gown featured a scoop neckline and belled sleeves. A satin chapel train, highlighted with lace appliqués, fell from the back shoulder line. A headpiece of pearls and Aurora Borealis held her elbow-length veil, and she carried an arrangement of yellow and white roses and stephanotis centered with a white orchid." The bridesmaids were "attired in empire gowns of moss green velvet fashioned identically to that of the bride's gown." They also had moss green tulle headpieces that matched the church carpet. Pam’s mother-in-law recently moved and gave her this dress for her daughters to play dress-up with. Since that time it has been worn in several fashion shows put on by Gabrielle and her neighborhood friends. What fun! Thank you, Pam. Music for 10 seconds………………………… Former GEM Carrie Plantinga models the dress that Jane Mieras wore when she married Steve Doezema on August 13, 1968. She bought her gown at Jacobsen’s in Dearborn, MI and it was shipped to Grand Rapids. The A-line dress was trimmed with lace paneling down the front, on the short cap sleeves, the hem, and the train, which attached at the top back of the dress. The headpiece was custom-made from matching lace. The wedding took place on a Tuesday in Westview CRC with the reception at Greenridge Country Club consisting of simply punch, small sandwiches, coffee, and cake. The couple had a 3-day honeymoon in the Porcupine Mountains before Steve began dental school in Ann Arbor. 38 years later, they are still fans of outdoor activities. Thank you, Carrie. Music for 10 seconds……………………………. GEMS Counselor Judy Jasper married Dick Eppinga one month after Steve and Jane got married. Judy’s dress is modeled by GEMS counselor Bea Williamson, who is escorted by her former GEMS secret pal, Dick Eppinga. There are many interesting similarities in the wedding dresses. Judy also ordered her dress from Jacobson’s, but in Grand Rapids, and it was shipped to northwest Iowa for her wedding. Her linen dress is

trimmed with lace identical to Jane’s. It has a slightly scooped neckline and the lace-trimmed train attaches at the upper back shoulders. The lace at the bottom of the dress was originally higher on the skirt, but had to be put down at the bottom edge to make the dress long enough. The short, bouffant veil was anchored to her hair by live gardenias, which were also in the bouquet she carried. The Eppingas got their marriage off to a hot start when Judy blew her veil into the flame of the unity candle and the front of the veil burst into flame. Rev. Eppinga had his arm raised to strike his new daughter-in-law in the face to put out the fire, but it extinguished itself. Fortunately, the love and marriage remain on fire ☺ Thank you, Bea. Music for 10 seconds……………………………… Mary Bielema married Jim Wieland on August 14, 1970. Mary’s dress is being worn by their daughter and former GEM Lindsay Wieland Capel, who is being escorted by her father, Jim. According to the Grand Rapids Press: The bride chose an empire gown with cuffed bishop sleeves of floral lattice Venice embroidery. The skirt is a-line with a set-in embroidery panel forming a Chapel length train. White satin ribbon circled the waistline. The headpiece is made of a looped organza, with pearls and held tiers of English silk illusion. Mary’s advises: Do not store your dress in a plastic zippered bag, like she did. Her dress has turned a lovely shade of pale yellow as a result! Mary was “into” AQUA. The bridesmaids wore aqua dresses with white lace. The wedding took place in the LaGrave sanctuary back in the days when the carpet was green. Lemon-lime punch was served with aqua napkins and with aqua and white mints in LaGrave’s “new” lounge and the reception was held in the lovely Fellowship Hall. After a traditional wedding feast of Chicken Salad, assorted rolls and breads and fruit salad, the wedding cake was served with scoops of specially made aqua ice cream. Mary and Jim met while in the 10th grade at the old Grand Rapids Christian High School building on Franklin and Madison. Mary was attracted to Jim’s ready smile and his clever sense of humor. Jim says he was attracted to Mary because she was a beautiful girl who had her feet on the ground and was friendly and fun. At first they were just friends. They began to date about a year later when they were both ”available” at the same time and dated for about 4 and a half years before they married. Their former Calvinette/GEMS daughters Jodi and Lindsay were also married at LaGrave and their daughter Stacey will be married here on June 23. Thank you, Lindsay, for walking the LaGrave bridal aisle a second time for us. Music for 10 seconds……………………………………… Linda Weersing became the bride of Bob Berkhof on January 7, 1972. Our GEM Isabella Lindh is wearing this feminine bridal gown, which features many rows of vertical lace over sheer organza. Yellow bows adorn the dress and train. The lace headpiece has matching bows on it, as does the veil. The veil is a very long cloud of beautiful netting. Linda was the first to wear this dress and veil and had blue bows on it. Her 2 sisters also wore it later and changed the bows. The first was in March 1974 and the bows were changed to pink. Another sister wore it in July 1979 and used the yellow

bows. Linda says she ordered her dress in May and it did not arrive until December, just 2 weeks before her wedding. Talk about nervous!! Fortunately, it fit and no alterations were needed. What a lovely family tradition it is that 3 sisters share the same dress. Thank you, Isabella. Music for 15 seconds…………………………………. GEMS Counselor Pat Bouma Trathen married her husband Rob on October 8, 1977 in the LaGrave sanctuary with rev. Eppinga officiating. Now her dress is being modeled by fellow GEMS counselor Amy E. VandenBerg, who is escorted by her husband Eric. The beautifully draping dress fabric is Guiana (Key-annah) with pearl and lace trim on the empire bodice. The unique cape can be worn as a cape or a head covering. Pat wore it as a cape and had a lace cap and veil. Pat’s favorite part of the wedding – besides Rob, of course, was the music. The organ was played by Alyce Lantinga. Pat walked down the aisle with her father as Trumpet Voluntary was played at full volume on the LaGrave organ. The Lord’s Prayer and Hallelujah Chorus were also part of the ceremony. What a magnificent way to begin one’s marriage! Thank you, Amy. Music for 10 seconds……………………………………. Tina Dykstra Rooks, now GEMS Club Coordinator, and Dean were married on November 8, 1980, a Saturday morning at 11am in LaGrave. Tina is modeling her own dress. Tina shared that her little brother offered to walk with Dean to the church to be sure he made it there. Tina’s dress is crème-colored and knee length with a sheer layer over a spaghetti strap dress. The sheer layer has long sleeves and a high neck. There is a small amount of lace around the neck collar and down the center of the bodice. Tina wore a wide-brimmed lace and pearl-decorated hat. Their reception was in the old LaGrave lounge. Anna Day, with help from Pat Trathen, made the beautiful petit sandwiches. They were ahead of their time by having tables set up for the guests and by using the lounge area, which today is quite popular to do. Currently Tina is planning to be in a new role as mother of the bride when her daughter Tina Marie gets married in May. Thank you, Tina, and congratulations on being able to wear your own dress! Music for 10 seconds………………………………………… Tonya Versluis was married to Dave Williamson in a Christmas wedding in 1987. They were married in LaGrave with Rev. Steigenga officiating. The wedding had to be on a Thursday because the Penninsular Club, where their reception was to be, was booked for all December weekends. Tonya, a former GEMS counselor, is pleased to see her daughter Beatrice, currently a GEMS counselor, wearing her dress. And, even better yet, Bea is being escorted by her father Dave as she wears her mother’s dress. Tonya’s dress is white satin with accordion pleated elbow length sleeves and accordion pleated lace on the bottom of the skirt. Pearls adorn the front bodice and covered buttons close the back.

Her thigh-length veil is special in that Tonya wore it when she was a miniature bride in 1969. Thank you, Bea – you are lovely and both of your parents are so proud of you! Music for 10 seconds……………………………… Barb DeWeerd and Tim Mustert were married on December 28, 1987 in a Christmas wedding held at Trinity Lutheran Church because LaGrave was already booked. Tonight their daughter Marie, a former GEM, is modeling Barb’s dress. It has a high neck and long sleeves with lace, beads, and sequins on the bodice extending down to scalloped lace on the full skirt. Barb’s aunt Dianne sewed for Sylvia’s Bridal, so she created the bustle on the back with many buttons to create a fan in the back. That way it could be floor length for the reception. The evening of the wedding, between 5 and 7pm, 8” of snow fell and no plow was planned for the church. A special thing about their wedding was that Barb’s sister Pam was waiting for a bone marrow transplant to be done the following day. She was able to get a 4-hour pass and be at the wedding. Sometimes newly married couples in love do what has to be done, even when it isn’t their first choice. Tim and Barb found that to be the case when, for the first 6 months, each of them went back to school after the wedding – Barb stayed in Grand Rapids at Calvin College and Tim at U of M in Ann Arbor. We’re sure absence did make their hearts grow fonder. How they must have longed for those weekend visits! Thank you, Marie. You are simply lovely and, no doubt, your mother has a lump in her throat watching you. Music for 10 seconds………………………………………….. Our 8th grade GEM Kaitlyn proudly wears her mother Lisa Stepanik’s gown. Lisa was married on 11/11/1988 at Kentwood Community Church in a white dress with pretty puffy sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulders. There is lace trim around the V-neck and at the bottom of the dress. Lace beading adorns the bodice. Her long train snaps up into a bustle and has a bow in the back. Lisa recalls that she carefully put her precious wedding jewelry pieces in a safe place after she bought them, but then could not remember where they were. She was in a near panic until she got her dress out of the wedding bag and there the pieces were - safely hidden inside the bag. On the way down the aisle her father stepped on the dress and ripped it. (How many of us can relate to that – or to the fear that it would happen??) After their wedding kiss the couple ran quickly up the aisle. Her uncle was taping the ceremony and, in trying to keep up with them, threw the camera over his shoulder. Later they found that the camera was still on and they have lovely views on their wedding video of the carpet going by. Thank you, Kaitlyn. You make a beautiful bride. We’re sure this will further deepen the special bond you have with your mother. Her naturally sparkling eyes are twinkling with tears of proud joy as she watches you. Music for 10 seconds………………………………………….

Marcia Pylman’s vintage style (late 18800’s) ivory dress is on display for a very special reason. This gown is displayed on the left in the back row of mannequins. She married John on November 19, 1988 wearing this lovely dress. The satin and lace under-dress has spaghetti straps, a v-shaped bodice and a low “V” back. Over the dress is a lace-sequined and pearl tunic with long webbed sleeves. The back closes with many tiny buttons. The front of the dress is ankle-length, quickly dropping to the floor at the sides and into a small train. A wreath of ivory roses was worn as a headpiece. The wedding took place in the LaGrave Chapel as the Santa Claus Parade marched by. A wedding breakfast followed at Calvin College. Very soon this dress will be redesigned to be worn by her niece Anne Elizabeth Reilly, Mary Mitchell’s daughter, who will be married this summer. It will become an “off-the-shoulder” summer style and will be more form fitting. The high neckpiece will be worn as Anne’s choker and the lower part of the sleeves will be worn as “mitts”. Thank you for sharing these beautiful family memories-in-the-making with us, Marcia, Mary, and Anne. Music for 10 seconds………………………………………. Ani Peters was wed to Adam Blickley on July 2, 1988. Our GEM Megan Vander Meer looks lovely in this exquisite dress. It has puff sleeves, a high neck, a bare back, and full skirt with a long train. There is lovely beaded brocade lace on satin. Ani’s mother, Nancy Peters, says the beadwork on the dress was embellished by a woman who preferred working on beauty pageant gowns and they had trouble getting her to finish it in time. Ani had seen a dress she wanted in a magazine, so they bought this one, which was similar, but had to do major alterations. By the time it was finished it looked very much like the one she had seen, and she had her dream dress. Thank you, Megan – you probably also feel like you are a princess in a dream! Music for 10 seconds……………………… Joan Baker, a niece of Mary Mitchell and Marcia Pylman, wore this next shimmering satin dress when she was married in June of 1989 in the Seminary chapel at Hope College. This beautiful gown is modeled by former GEM and current GEMS counselor Lexi Egedy. The floor-length gown has an over-skirt that is gathered up with bows to form a scalloped edge. The bodice is appliquéd seed pearls and sequins with a sweetheart neckline and a low “V” back. The puff sleeves are edged with the same lace that lines the train and the mitts match the bodice appliqué. The bride wore a fingertip veil and a wreath with a few pearl sprigs in it as her headpiece. She had a pearl necklace and pearl dangle earrings to complete her ensemble. Something beautiful is going to happen to this dress. After tonight, Joan is planning to donate it to Love, INC (Love In Christ’s Name) so it can be worn by a needy woman who cannot afford a wedding dress. Thank you, Lexi – you are a radiate bride! Music for 10 seconds……………………………………….. Jacki Kuiper married Ken Horjus in this LaGrave sanctuary on July 14, 1990. Her niece, Maria Hensen is modeling her dress. Maria was one of Jacki’s flower girls and is

now 21 years old – the same age Jacki was when she married Ken. Jacki says they chose LaGrave because Ken is a lifelong member, she had been coming as a college student, and because, of course, it is the most beautiful church! Right before the wedding the old green carpet was removed and replaced with blue. Her mother-in-law, Flora, told people that Jacki’s father had the blue carpeting put in to coordinate better with her purple bridesmaids’ dresses. Jacki’s dress is a Demetrios taffeta with chantilly lace, sequins, and seed pearls. It made her feel like a princess! Preceding Maria down the aisle is Jacki’s daughter and our GEM Jillian. She is wearing the same flower girl dress that Maria wore at Jacki and Ken’s wedding. It was made by Maria’s mother (who is Jacki’s sister Janet) and by Jacki’s mother, Marty. It was modeled after the flower girl dresses from Prince Charles’ and Princess Diana’s wedding. The purple sash matched the bridesmaids’ dresses. Jillian and Maria, you are beautiful and this is truly a fairy tale wedding story! Thank you. Music for 15 seconds……………………………………. On May 29, 1992, Julie Setsma married Todd Engbers in the Seymour CRC. Julie’s dress is being worn by GEM Isabella Lindh. It is a beautiful sheath gown with puffy long sleeves and a v-neck, and has a detachable train with lace inserts. It is trimmed with exquisite beading and lace. Julie wore a matching flat, wide-brimmed hat. Both sets of parents are now LaGrave members - Dave & Sher Engbers and Dave & Lynn Setsma. They were friends before their children connected so it was a very special day for all of them. Julie bought her dress at Sylvia's Bridal in Breton Village. Sylvia was gracious enough to let Julie take the floor sample over to Sher's mother to model for her as she was dying from cancer. They have some very special pictures of Julie with Todd's Grandma Kuiper. The mothers of the bridal couple and the wedding dress are here together this evening, celebrating their special memories. Thank you, Isabella. You are simply beautiful and we will be sure your father serving in Iraq gets a picture of you. Music for 10 seconds……………………………. GEMS counselor and former GEM Miranda Kessel is modeling the gown Terri Peters wore when she added Mandeville to her name on August 28, 1993. The gown is of raw silk embellished with exquisite beading. It features cap sleeves and a beautiful v-neck with a complimentary large collar effect. There is a bow at the lower back. Terri’s mother, Nancy, says that, unlike her sister’s dress, it fit her perfectly and needed very few alterations. Thank you, Miranda. In addition to being a beautiful person, you are a beautiful bride! Music for 10 seconds…………………………………. Susan Paauwe married Jon Pastoor in the Mayfair CRC on December 16, 1995 in a Christmas-themed wedding. Susan is modeling her own gown for us this evening. It is a

lovely long-sleeved sheath dress with a detachable train. There is beautiful detailing on this white satin dress. Pearls and beading are throughout on the body and train of the dress. Susan, we think you are as radiant as the day you first wore this wedding gown – but there is an added aura of happiness after 11 years of marriage and the arrival of 2 delightful children. Thank you, Susan. Music for 10 seconds……………………………….. May 17, 1997, was the date of the much-anticipated marriage between Sally and Bill Swets. Her gorgeous dress is worn by Kristen Vanden Bosch and she is escorted by Sally’s husband Bill. Sally’s dress is an elegant and fitted heavy silk. It features caplet sleeves and a v-neck with brocaded lace covered with beads, pearls and sequins over the bodice. Pearled flowers accent the body of the dress and the long train, which can be bustled in the back. The floor length veil is held by a pearled circlet. Sally’s testimony of her love life is a blessing: “After 40 years (and a couple of engagements), my Mother and I were finally able to shop for a wedding dress together. I was always the "bridesmaid but never the bride". God has a plan for each of us and He did not send me the "right man" until I had spent "40 years wandering in the desert.” Thank goodness, I reached the promised land in a wonderful marriage with my husband.” Preceding them down the aisle is their flower girl, who is their daughter and our GEM Ali Swets. She wore this dress when she was a flower girl in June 2005 for the Jessica Schram/Andy Huizenga wedding. This beautiful dress is by Vera Wang and is a white, sleeveless, long satin dress with taffeta overlay. The waistband is pink silk and ties in the back, with the ends flowing down to the bottom of the dress. What a vision of loveliness! Thank you, all. Music for 10-15 seconds…………………………………. Former GEM Laurel Pals is modeling this beautiful gown that Kristin Otte wore when she married Aaron Cocco in July 2005. They were married in the LaGrave sanctuary. The heavy satin dress is an Oleg Cassini creation. It has spaghetti straps and shimmering golden bronze brocade on the top. Of particular interest is the unusual closure on the back. The back panels remain slightly open after it has been zipped. The full skirt looks like it is made for dancing under the stars all night long. Thank you, Laurel – you look so beautiful and elegant! Music for 10 seconds……………………………………. Kristy Joy and Tony Kehl were wed in the summer of 2006. Kristy is looking lovely as she models her own dress. Her wedding gown has a fitted and tucked empire waist and an off-shoulder bodice accentuated with pearls and sequins. The back has a v-neckline with a myriad of tiny covered buttons extending to the end of the train.

Kristy shares her story: Being a girl who never thought I’d get married, I’d never really shopped for a wedding dress or given thought to a style that I liked. As my wedding day was approaching, my mother reminded me that I should probably think about buying a dress. My first thought was….UGH, I really hate shopping! She convinced me that there were a bunch of “nice dresses” at a local thrift store and they were even brand-new. To appease my mother, I thought it would be a good idea to go….especially since the thrift store raised funds to support Christian education. Needless to say, I was shocked when we arrived at the store. I immediately found about 12 dresses I loved! We finally narrowed the selection down to two and I ended up modeling the dresses for everyone in the store to help me decide. The amazing thing was that both of these beautiful gowns fit me perfectly. The other bonus was that the store was having a wonderful Dutch sale….50% off anything in the store that day. I never thought I’d find a dress at a thrift store and I certainly never expected to pay $50 for one, but that’s what we did and I couldn’t have been happier. I bought a beautiful dress, had a great time with my mother and supported Christian education at the same time. I then challenged my mother to find her own dress for less than I paid for mine. Let’s just say that she failed the challenge….miserably! Thank you, Kristy – and what a wonderful story to end our bridal show with! Music for 15 seconds………………………… Tina Rooks Club Coordinator, comes up for closing remarks and to invite everyone to the dessert reception in the multipurpose room.

Rindercella

Onceuponatimeinacoreignfountrytherelivedageutifulbirl,whosenamewasRindercella.NowRindercellalivedwithhermuglyotherandhertwosadblisters.

Alsointhiscoreignfountrytherelivedaprandsomehince.Theprandsomehincewasgoingtothrowabancyfall.Heinvitedthepeoplefromrilesamound,especiallythepichreople.

Rindercella’smuglyotherandtwosadblisterswentouttobuysomedrancyfessestoweartothebancyfall.PoorRindercellacouldn’tgobecauseshehadnothingtowearbutrirtydags.

Soonthenightofthebancyfall,Rindercella’smuglyotherandhertwosadblistersputontheirdrancyfessesandwenttothebancyfall.SincepoorRindercellacouldn’tgo,shejustcatdownandschried.Asshewaskittenthereaschrien,whenallofasudden,hergairyfodmotherappearedrightbeforehereyes.Shetouchedherwithherwagicmandandturnedherintoapeauitfulbrincess.

ThenappearedbeforeheracigboachandhixwhitesorcessoRindercellacouldridetothebancyfall.Hergairyfodmothersaid,“Now,Rindercellayoubesuretobehomebeforenidmight,orthemagicwillwearoffandyoucigboachwillpurnbackintoatumpkin!”

SooffwentRindercella.Whenshegottothebancyfall,theprandsomehincewatchedherfromawiddenhindow,comeupinhercigboachandhixwhitesorces.TheprandsomehincemetRindercellaattheboortothedall.Rindercellaandtheprandsomehincedancedallnightlongandtheylellinfove.

Allatonce,Rinderellaheardthemokeofstridnightsosheturned,straceddowntherairsandwhenshegottothestottomblep…shesloppedherdripper!

Thenextdaytheprandsomehincewentalloverhiscoreignfountrylookingforthegeautifulbirlwhohadsloppedherdripper.WhenhegottoRindercella’shouse,hetrieditonhermuglyother,butitfidn’tdit!Hetrieditonthethetwosadblistersbutitfidn’tdit.HetrieditonRindercellaanditfiddit!Itfiddit!Itwasexactlythesightrize.Sotheymotgarriedandlivedappilyeverhafter.

Nowthestoralofthemoryisthis:Ifyougotoabancyfallandyouwanttohaveaprandsomehincelallinfovewithyou,don’tforgettoslopyourdripper.

LaGraveCRCGEMSClub2017

LAGRAVEGEMS

WHEELBARROWWIFFLEBALLGAME

Thiscanbeplayedinsideoroutside.WedidthisasaFather/Daughter/SpecialHimevent.Eachgirlneededamaleasapartnersoifthereweremorethanonedaughterinafamilyorifyouhavecommunitygirlsthatdonothaveafatherfigureweinvitedmenfromthecongregationtostepinandbeapartner.OpportunityforyoutoconnectwithyourchurchfamilyandbringawarenesstoyourclubbutmoreimportantlyitisgivingthesegirlstheopportunitytoseehowaChristianmanhonorsourgirls.NEED:4Wheelbarrows(used/dirtandall)getalittledirtywhenyouplayball.Wifflebat&ball(makesureyouhaveatleast3sets)ourdadswereverycompetitiveandtheyhitsohardtheydestroyedacoupleofthem12BushelBaskets(mittheldbetweenfather/daughter)4BasesandapitchersmoundBaseballMusicyoucandownloadfrominternetChickencostumeRULES:Baseballrules,BUT,thisishowitisplayed.Daughtersitsinwheelbarrowwhilefatherisuptobat.Oncethedadhitstheballhegrabsthewheelbarrowwithdaughterinitandrunsthebases.Outfielders-father/daughterpairswiththebushelbasketheldbyeachbetweenthem.TheymaynotletgoofthebasketandtheyMUSTcatchtheballwiththebasket.Thenonecanthrowtotheplayertogettherunneroutbutagainthebasketisthemittandmustbeusedtocatchtheballwithbothplayersalwaysholdingthebasket.Ifnotthentherunnerwillbesafe.LOADSOFLAUGHSANDFUNTOBEHADBYALL.ATTIRE:Casual;baseballthemedressorotherathleticapparelREFRESHMENTS:Icecreamfloats(rootbeer),icewater,crackerjacks,bubblegumACTIVITIES:Wheelbarrowbaseball;becauseofthesizeofourgroup,wewilldividein4teamsandlimitinnings,theteamsnotplayingwillbedoingcrafts.Teamswillbedesignatedbycoloredcurlingribbonsattachedtowrists.Crafts:TeamPennants–eachfather/daughterpairanddotogether,pennantisprecutoutoffoamandtheycandecoratewithateamname,etc.Pompoms–madeoutofstrawswithribbonsattached.ThesewillbeusedtocheeronTheirteam.ChickenDance:Ourchickenmascotwillleadeveryoneatmidgamethechickendance.DECORATIONS:Priortotheeventthegirlswillbegivenposterboardtheshapeofpennantsandwilldecoratewithmarkers.Wesuppliedsomeideas.INVITATIONS:Makespecialinvitationstohandouttothegirlssotheycanpersonallyinvitetheirdads/guestsacoupleofweekspriortoevent.

GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) Rose Ceremony

Hold up an opening rose (not a rosebud). The growth of this flower did not happen by chance. Someone planted and cultivated it. Someone worked and cared for this flower. It needed the right growing conditions, the right amount of sunlight, and the correct temperature. This flower required watering and had to be fertilized. You can see that the beauty of this flower is the result of care and work. Moms, did you ever stop and think about how much your daughter is like this flower? You, with the help of God, must cultivate and care for her. She must be planted in the soil of sensitivity and responsibility. You water her growth with patience, tenderness, and love. You try to nourish her life with forgiveness, peace, joy, and self-control. But, most of all, you have prayed that her life may be rooted in the love of God so that she will produce the fruit of the Spirit. For many of you, this seed for the love of Jesus Christ was planted in the promises you made at her baptism, and in Sunday school, and through your daily conversations and prayers with your daughter. So, you can see that your daughter, just like this flower, has already been watered, fed, and cared for. ---- WILL THE NEW GEMS girls (and their mothers) PLEASE COME FORWARD? ---- Ask the mothers to stand behind the daughters and ask each girl her name. We present each of you girls with a rose bud, which represents that you will soon become a GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) girl. Parents, please think of our GEMS program as a garden. In our garden, time will be set aside where she will be watered in spiritual growth through Bible study, prayer, and singing God’s praises. In the GEMS garden she will be cultivated in doing Christian service for others. Your daughter will be nourished with the warmth of friendship from her fellow GEMS and counselors. WELCOME, GIRLS, INTO OUR GEMS CLUB! (Pass out the rosebuds to the girls and they return to their seats.) As we look at the deep beauty of a flower and smell its sweet fragrance, we can often forget about the bugs, slugs, thorns, and other problems associated with growing this flower. Yet, it just takes a prick of the finger from the

rose stem to make us remember. A part of raising a daughter is the difficult times you and she face together. It is during these times of discouragement, anxiety, and heartache that we reflect the true depth of our character and cling to God’s promise found in James 1:3, “tribulation worketh patience.” We accept the thorns and ask God to enrich our lives through them. One of the most enjoyable things about a flower is the beauty and scent of a full bloom. We like to think that our 8th grade girls represent the flower that has been growing in the GEMS garden and is now in full bloom. -- WILL THE GRADUATING, ADVANCED LEVEL GIRLS and their mothers (optional/if they are there) PLEASE COME FORWARD? -- Beauty of a much deeper quality than a flower’s can be found in young Christian girls who realize that God has made each of them differently, but all in His image. They have learned from Micah 6:8 that God requires that they love kindness and justice and walk humbly with Him. Their inner beauty is reflected in how they talk and act with their friends, acquaintances, and with their families. They have felt the warmth of His love for themselves and for others. Congratulations, girls, this year you have completed the GEMS program. We thank our God for you and pray His richest blessings for you as you continue to walk in His light in your Christian life journey. (Pass out the open roses to the girls and give hugs. Have the girls remain up front.) In our GEMS garden we have observed flowers that are just beginning to bud, and we have delighted in the flowers that are in full bloom. These flowers have been watered and cared for with tender loving care. We give all praise and honor to our Lord, the great Creator, who cares for the flowers of the field, just as He cares for you and me. Pause briefly ---- In addition, each year we look for a special gift that you girls can remember GEMS by when you see it. It also has to be a gift that reminds your counselors of a trait that each of you possesses. This year we start with a small gift. Our advanced program is about inner and outer beauty. The first gift is something that will help you maintain your outer beauty: a kit with travel sizes of hair products. Enjoy in good health!

The other, and more important gift, says something about each of you. It is an angel holding a brightly shining star and reflecting a light from within. She reminds us of each of you, reflecting Christ’s light from within your hearts and minds. (Give out the gifts and hugs.) Congratulations, girls! We are proud of you and will miss you! May God richly bless each of you as you serve Him in your lives. LaGrave CRC GEMS Club 2017 with adaptations after we received this idea from other clubs. Note: adapt this to your club and girls. For instance, in the first paragraph, not all girls may have been to church school, Christian school, etc. We try to pick the roses to be a color that is best for either the girls or the theme (i.e. feed the fire theme we used roses that were shades of yellow and red on the flower.) The gifts given also reflect the theme that year or the specific girls in that year’s class.

LAGRAVEGEMSMINIATUREGOLFEVENT

Thiswasasuperfunevent.Ourchurchhas3levelssoweusedalllevelsandstairwaysasahole.Tomakeitinterestingeachcounselorhadtodesignandsetuptheirownhole.WegotputtersfortheChristianRecCenterinGrandRapids.ThishasbeenrequestedbyboththeDadandMom’stodooveragain.NEED:Putters(enoughthatthereisoneforeachfatherdaughtertotakearound,ifnotthenoneputterforeachholetobeshared)GolfballsKitchencart–refreshmentcartthatgoesaroundtoeachoftheholeswhileplaying.RULES:Eachteamissetupasafather/daughter,mother/daughter.Soagainiftherearemoredaughtersinonefamilyorcommunitygirlsthatdonothaveaparentthenreachouttoyourchurchfamily.Thisisanamazingwaytoputyourclubupfrontinyourchurch.Theteammusttaketurnswhenputtingeachhole.Justlikegolfandtheykeepscore.Parsareassignedtoeachhole.Example:Girlputts,doesnotgetitin,sotheadulttakestheirturnandonandonuntiltheygetitinthehole.Prizesweregivenoutforlowestscore,forbirdies,forindividualholes,etc……Someoftheideasthatthecounselorscameupwithforholes,somewerebasedonthethemeforthatyear.CareBearhole-onecounselorcollectscarebears,therewereatleastahundredthatthemenhadtogetthruitwasahootlisteningtothem.ToddlerNurseryhole-Usedthetoysinthetoddlernurseryforthis,therewasaslidingboardthatthegirlsstartedontopof.Rubberduckyhole–yesitwasdownastoreyofsteps.Watertraponlandingwithducksswimming,thattheyhadtoavoidtogodowntothefirstfloorlandingwheretheholewas.Pottytraininghole–Rampbuiltfrom2x4underthedoorcarpetwithachildspottychairthatattachestothetoiletattheend.Clownheadholes–Bigboxcuttomakeabigcardboard.Clownheadwaspaintedwithholesforeyes,nose,andmouth.Wassetonananglelikearampthattheyhadtoputtupon.Mummyhole-downalonghallwaywithaturn.Lightswereoutwithdimlightatendwheretherewasawoodboxandmummysetup(didthisaroundHalloween).Luauhole–bright,colorfulholeagaindownahallway.Pinballhole–Lotsofplasticballsthatyouhadtogolfthru.Obstaclehole–Narthexup,down,andaroundmanythingsHandicapramphole-BounceofonewallthenanothertogettoholeThereweremanymoredifferentholes,butthisisonetimeeachcounselorusedtheirimaginationandjusthadablast.Thelaughteryouheardthruthehallswasgreat.

A GEMerationS Celebration: Bridal Fashions through the

Ages Wednesday, March 21

Questionnaire re: gowns

Name of donor: _____________________________________ Phone number: ____________________________ Name of owner, if different, and her relationship to donor: ______________________________________________________________ Year gown was worn: ______________________ Size (approximate, if unknown): ______________ Approximate height for model: ______________ Name of model, if you have someone who will model it: ____________________ If it is fragile, do you prefer that it be displayed and not worn? _________ Please give some history and/or interesting information and description about the gown, wedding, relationship, etc. that can be used in the presentation: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We will have limited ability to “dewrinkle” and steam the gowns, so appreciate having them come to us as clean and as ready-to-wear as possible. We would like to have them by Sunday noon, March 18, but no later than Tuesday, March 20, and will store them on racks in the locked GEMS room.

Please complete this form and return to Pat or Judy by March 12, or email the information to jaeppinga@yahoo.com. Thank you so much! Questions: call Pat Trathen (656-0199) or Judy Eppinga (554-0374)

A GEMerationS Celebration: Bridal Fashions through the

Ages Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Program

Prelude Sara Bolkema Devotions Lisa and Elizabeth Hoogeboom Feature Presentation Narrators: Betty, Barb, Marie, and Audrey Mustert Master and Mistress of Ceremonies Jim and Mary Wieland (Parents of 3 graduated Calvinette/GEMS girls) Closing remarks LaGrave GEMS Club Coordinator Tina Rooks Reception Pianist: Dean Rooks

Feature Presentation

Owner: Donor: 1914 Gertrude Dykstra Postma Norma Postma Dana Day and Bryce Mulder, flower girl and ring bearer Dana Day & Bryce Mulder 1915 Johanna Schultz Bouma Anna Day 1923 Whelmina Bolier Pool Helen Pool 1929 Theresa Hutt Grace Feenstra 1930 Hannah Bosch Mackus Pamela Lenting 1933 Nelly Eenigenberg Kolk Ellen & Jennifer Schroder 1937 Dorothy L. Zoerhof Mieras Jane Doezema 1937 Johanna Feikema DeJong Yvonne Maurer 1940 Stella Bel Bouma Judy Otte 1941 Minnie DeMey Poll Marilyn Kortman 1942 Clara Gulesserian Ayanoglou Joyce Rogers & Tonia Rogers Halley 1948 Annette Doezema Broodman Kate Oostema 1948 Mary Vander Veen Romence Mary Romence 1958 Katy Pastoor Danhof Katy Danhof 1960 Linda Ploeg DeWeerd Barb DeWeerd Mustert 1961 Nancy Peters Nancy Peters 1962 Marlene DeLoof Paauwe Marlene Paauwe 1966 Mary Jo Stehouwer De Jong Mary Jo De Jong Elise Vanden Bosch, flower girl Katie Romence

1967 Johanna Georganna Kreykes Lenting Gabrielle & Pamela Lenting 1968 Jane Mieras Doezema Jane Doezema 1968 Judy Jasper Eppinga Judy Eppinga 1970 Mary Bielema Wieland Mary Wieland 1972 Linda Weersing Berkhof Linda Berkhof 1977 Pat Bouma Trathen Pat Trathen 1980 Tina Dykstra Rooks Tina Rooks 1987 Tonya Versluis Williamson Tonya Williamson 1987 Barb DeWeerd Mustert Barb Mustert 1988 Lisa Sepanik Lisa Sepanik 1988 Marcia Pylman Marcia Pylman 1988 Ani Peters Blickley Nancy Peters 1989 Joan Baker Marcia Pylman 1990 Jacki Kuiper Horjus Jacki Horjus Jillian Horjus, flower girl Jacki Horjus 1992 Julie Setsma Engbers Julie Engbers 1993 Teri Peters Mandeville Nancy Peters 1995 Susan Paauwe Pastoor Susan Pastoor 1997 Sally Swets Sally Swets Ali Swets, flower girl Ali Swets 2005 Kristin Otte Cocco Judy Otte 2006 Kristy Joy Kehl Kristy Kehl 2006 Tonia Rogers Halley veil Tonia Rogers Halley

Models Ushers/escorts/waiters Lindsay Wieland Capel Susan Pastoor Ron Day Lexi Egedy Laurel Pals Dick Eppinga Judy Feenstra Carrie Plantinga Steve Schroder Maria Hensen Tina Rooks Bill Swets Sara Hoogeboom Megan Schroder Eric VandenBerg Kristy Kehl Kaitlyn Sepanik Gregg VandenBosch Autumn Kessel Amy E. Vanden Berg Chad Versluis Miranda Kessel Kayla Vanden Bosch Jim Wieland Pam Lenting Kristen Vanden Bosch Dave Williamson Isabella Lindh Megan Vander Meer Audrey Mustert Sydney Vander Meer Marie Mustert Bea Williamson

Special thanks from LaGrave GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) Club to:

All program participants All donors of gowns and dresses All of our guests at this celebratory evening All GEMS parents and supporters Ideal Printing Programs Terpstar Productions (Chad Terpstra) Videotaping Petals Floral Design (Sherri Grussing Mulder) Sanctuary and bridal flowers/decorations Joyce Rogers and Tonia Rogers Halley Reception centerpieces

Kate Oostema, Leigh’s Mannequin forms Sharon Lantinga Mannequin forms, set-up Carol Mulder, Egypt Valley Country Club Mannequin forms