TIFTON — Sarah Elizabeth Bland and Michael Gregory Oleson of LaGrange were united in marriage at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Tifton. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Chad Cottle of LaGrange.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bland of Tifton.  She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Riley of Butler and the late Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bland, formerly of Madison, Fla.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Oleson of Lagrange. He is the grandson of Doris Brumfield of West Point, Carole McNeill of North Richland Hills, Texas, the late Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Oleson and the late Everett McNeill.  

The front of the church was decorated with moss wreaths draped and tied with ivory, monogrammed satin sashes.

The chapel of the church was decorated with a large black urn arrangement of white peonies, calla lilies, agapanthus, delphinium and curly willow accented with peacock feathers. Four rusted iron candelabra with ivory pillar candles and two rusted iron arches provided the backdrop for the arrangement.

Gina Lawhon, pianist, Frankie Cottle, organist and Betsy Jones, cellist provided the wedding music.  Brian Marchant, vocalist, performed “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” as the mothers and grandmothers were seated and “Knees to the Earth” during the ceremony. The prayer of blessing for the couple was given by the father of the bride.  

The bridegroom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen included the groom’s brother, Matthew Oleson and friend, Matt McClung, both of Lagrange.   Ushers included Will Barnes and Patrick Duffey of Lagrange, Matthew Martin of Athens and Erik Riley of Butler.

Kim Byne of Duluth, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids included the bride’s younger sister, Laura Bland of Sandersville, and cousin, Elizabeth Martin of Atlanta.  The bridesmaids wore knee-length, cobalt blue satin strapless gowns and carried bouquets of lavender roses, blue hydrangea, Star of Bethlehem, chocolate and fuschia mini calla lilies and lavender hyacinth.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory halter-style, flared A-line gown topped with delicate lace appliqués of silver sequins and crystal beads with a scalloped trimmed hemline. Her elbow-length tulle veil was also trimmed in delicate silver beads.  She carried a European-style bouquet of white peonies, calla lilies, hyacinth, green eryngium and blue hydrangeas, also accented with peacock feathers.

 

Reception

Given by the bride’s parents, a reception was held at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center.  A draped paper ceiling was the focal point of the room. A large arrangement of blue hydrangeas, lavender roses, white peonies and peacock feathers on a round pedestal table centered the room. The guest tables were decorated with vases of blue hydrangea placed on green sheer table toppers.  

The bride chose a round three-tiered, ivory fondant cake accented topped white peonies, blue hydrangeas and lavender roses accenting the top and bottom layers. The wedding cake was made by the bride’s sister, Kim Byne. The groom’s cake was a three-tiered red velvet cake accented with fresh chocolate-dipped strawberries.  

Guests enjoyed buffet stations featuring assorted fresh vegetables with roasted red pepper and ranch dips, assorted fresh fruits, open faced tomato sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, chicken salad croissants, assorted cookies and brownies, toasted nuts, mints and peach tea. A special feature of the reception included fresh sliced peaches, served with pound cake and whipped cream on a table accented with glass cylinders of fresh Georgia peaches.  

After a trip to Jekyll Island and Charleston, S.C., the couple is residing in Lagrange. The bridegroom is employed by the Troup County Board of Education as a fourth grade teacher at Callaway Elementary School. The bride is employed as the Director of Education for the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association in Lagrange.