passion 4 marriage

Kelli Jo Hood and Chad Stephen Widmer, of Belton, were united in marriage June 25, 2011 in a double-ring ceremony at the First Baptist Church in Salado. The reception was at Christian Life Church in Temple.

The bride is the daughter of Tommy and Jo Anne Hood of Belton. Her grandparents are Lois Ralston and the late John W. Ralston of Belton and the late John O. and Charlene Hood of Belton.

The groom is the son of  Glenn and Reba Widmer of Taylor. His grandparents are the late Edwin and Freida Widmer of Taylor, and the late Alfred and Julia Stephens of Taylor.

Pastor Rick Gillis performed the ceremony with musician Stephen Rhodes accompanying soloists Shelby Langford and Rashod Holmes.

The matron of honor was Natalie Hood of Meridian, sister-in-law of the groom; and bridesmaids were Katie Widmer, Taylor, sister-in-law of the groom; Hope Booker, Salado, cousin of the bride; Jordan Burkhardt, Stedman, NC; Rebecca Widmer, Franklin, Tenn., niece of the groom; Kendra Whittley, Granger; Amanda Wilson, Gatesville, cousin of the bride; and Jennifer Wilson, Gatesville, cousin of the bride.

Flower girls were Kylie Hood, Meridian, niece of the bride; and Hailey Wilson, Gatesville, cousin of the bride

The best man was Kevin Widmer, of Taylor, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Kyle Hood, Meridian, brother of the bride; Draper Smith, Killeen; Jaron Burkhardt, Stedman, NC; Tim Berg, Meridian; Mike Langford, Waxahachie; Paige Findley, Fredericksburg; and Robby May, Aubrey.

Ushers were Quincy Daniels, Austin; Clayton Capps, Salado; Garrett Barber, Belton; Brandon Williams, Arlington. The ringbearers were Stu Miller, of Salado; and Matthew Virgen, of Temple.

The bride was escorted by her father and wore an A-Line gown with a sweetheart neckline, adorned with beading. Dark purple trim adorned the neckline and hemline. Dark purple sashes also adorned the corset and back of the chapel length train. She wore her mother’s veil.

The bride is a 1996 graduate of Beckville High School and 2003 graduate of Tarleton State University. She is a social studies teacher at Belton High School and a former teacher and coach at Granger High School.

The groom is a 1992 graduate of Taylor High School, and 2002 graduate of The University of Mary Hardin Baylor. He is currently director of inventory and supply for athletics at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.

The couple plans to honeymoon in Las Vegas and will live in Belton.