Elissa & Andy in Omaha, NE

Family tradition was the theme of the day for the wedding of Elissa deFreese and Andy Marking. They were wed by her father in the church where her grandfather was formerly the pastor. THE BRIDE Elissa deFreese, 24, graphic artist THE GROOM Andy Marking, 24, respiratory therapist THE DATE September 18 Elissa and Andy both attended Midland Lutheran College and were introduced by a mutual friend. After securing her parents' permission, Andy set up candles all over Elissa's apartment. He presented her with a poem that he had written. He asked me to read it out loud and the last line of the poem read, 'Will you be my beautiful _____?', says Elissa. When I came to the blank Andy got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.

MORE PHOTOS LIKE THIS

Mary Michael & Todd in Atlanta, GA

Abby & Scott in Des Moines, IA

Gabrielle & Adam in Cambridge, MA

Guerdy & Russell in Miami, FL

Tiffany & Calvin in New York, NY

Tammy & Ben in Minnetonka, MN

Sharon & Brad in Baltimore, MD

Peggy & Jeff in Kansas City, MO

Alisa & Scott in Cincinnati, OH

Amy & Craig in San Antonio, TX

Natalie & Ed in Charlotte, NC

Jennifer & Jason in Union Dale, PA

Valerie & Benjamin in Cerrillos, NM

Jill & Mike in St. Paul, MN

Amy & Patrick in Galveston, TX

Melisa & Joshua in Colorado Springs, CO

Emily & Anthony in Dayton, OH

Alison & Kevin in Bridgeville, PA

Kelly & Marshall in St. Michaels, MD

Julie & Andrew in Orlando, FL

Julie & Frank in Columbus, OH

Kristen & Justin in Huntington Beach, CA