Vanessa Mae Bannert and Brian James York were united in marriage Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009. The ceremony was conducted at Evangelical Covenant Church, International Falls, with Pastor Kyle Gunderson officiating.

Parents of the bride are Richard Bannert of Littlefork and Julie Clayton of Cleburne, Texas.

The groom is the son of Bill and Rosemarie York (Liedke) of Fort Frances, Ontario.

The bride appeared in a sheer, cap sleeve, full-length gown with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice was covered with embroidered and beaded lace. The front skirt overlay was a pinned and tucked layer of satin with a side opening revealing embroidery and beading. The semi-cathedral train was draped down the back with a bubble hem.

Andrea Pautz, friend of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Christina Dowty, sister of the groom, Ashley Whalen, friend of the bride, and Emily Morrison and Kristin Westover, both cousins of the bride. The attendants wore steel blue, full-length iridescent taffeta gowns with empire waists.

The bride’s personal attendant was Denae Fisher, friend of the bride and groom.

Michael York, cousin of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Dave York, brother of the groom, Cody Perron, Chad Nelson and Chris Whalen, all friends of the groom. Ushers were Derek Dowty, brother-in-law of the groom, Ben Hebert, friend of the groom, and Kyle Olson and Jon Bissonnette, both cousins of the bride. All were attired in black tuxedos and steel colored vests.

Ring bearer Dylan Walls, cousin of the bride, was attired in a black tuxedo and steel colored vest. Olivia Clayton, sister of the bride, served as flower girl. She wore an ivory satin dress with steel blue ribbon.

Annika York, 5 1/2-month-old daughter of the bride and groom, lit the unity candle, accompanied by Derek Dowty.

Angela Liedke, cousin of the groom, read scripture. Organist was Joe Belanger. The host and hostess were Robert and Corinne York, uncle and aunt of the groom.

Program attendant was Madison Truty, cousin of the bride. The three-tier cake was made by Lisa Bannert, aunt of the bride. Photographer was Sarah Valentine, friend of the bride.

The eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Timber Pins in the Falls. Following the wedding ceremony, a dinner reception and dance was held at the Holiday Inn.

Brian, Vanessa and Annika are residing in Fort Frances, Ontario. Brian is employed at Ainsworth-Barwick Mill in Barwick, Ontario.