Heider, Sprenger exchange wedding vows May 21

Aimee J. Sprenger, daughter of Col. Scott and Janet Sprenger, of Eielson AFB, Alaska, became the bride of Gavin J. Heider, son of Jim and Tami Heider, of Ritzville, on May 21, 2011, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Ritzville. The double ring ceremony was officiated by Dr. J. David Trawick, of Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, San Antonio, Texas.

The church was decorated with beaded pink garland wrapped with tulle and tied with watermelon pink bows down the center isles. Mason jars filled with wheat grain, brown candles and a bundle of wheat were placed in the windows. Candelabras were placed in the front of the church with ivory wedding banners, an ivory unity candle and an altar floral arrangement made of pink flowers.

The service began with the lighting of the candles by Hallie Jo Galbreath, cousin of the bride. Janet Sprenger, mother of the bride, and Tami Heider, mother of the groom, entered the ceremony to Carrie Underwood’s song, “Mama’s Song” and lit the unity candle before being seated. The groom, Gavin Heider, was escorted to the altar by his father, Jim Heider.

The processional for the bride was “Feels Like Home” by Chantal Kreviazuk. She was escorted to the altar by her father Col. Scott A. Sprenger and given in marriage by her parents. The bride wore an ivory, fit and flare, taffeta gown with a pleated bust line and floral detail on the ruffled train.

The bride and the bridesmaids carried floral bouquets created by Connie Galbreath and the Sunny Spot Floral and Gifts, aunt of the bride.

Jennifer Schimmer from Arkansas was the matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Nicole Gregg, Becky Stutte, Christina Baldarelli, Korie Duke, all of California, and Jenna Galloway of New York. Each attendant wore a spring sundress in the color of watermelon pink and carried a bouquet designed by Sunny Spot Floral and Gifts.

The groom was attired in a chocolate brown suit, golden wheat vest and an ivory shirt. Jason Heider, brother of the groom, was the best man. Groomsmen were Aaron Reimer, Christopher Wahl, Shane Olson, Jason Shimek and Aaron Abney. Each wore chocolate brown slacks with an ivory shirt and golden wheat vest. Ushers were Jarrod and Colby Olson, Brady Wahl and Mustafa Hessabi.

For her daughter’s wedding, Mrs. Janet Sprenger wore a midnight blue sheer layered dress. The mother of the groom chose a lavender dress and jacket. The father of the bride wore his United States Air Force military uniform and the father of the groom wore slacks and a shirt.

The couple left the church on the groom’s Harley motorcycle, showered by gold streamers from their guests. Following the ceremony a reception was held at the American Legion Hall, Ritzville. The tables were covered in ivory linens with pink and chocolate brown table toppers. The centerpieces were mason jars, wheat and brown candles on a gold charger. Antique doors, white picket fence and backdrops were used to create an atmosphere that was enhanced by the globe lights that were strung across the room.

A meal was catered by Casuela’s Grill, Ritzville. The guests were served ground beef enchiladas with red sauce, chicken enchiladas with white sauce, green salad, rice, beans, chips and salsa, ice tea, water, beer and wine.

The wedding cake was made by Kakes by Kathy of Kennewick. Four types of cake were served: white, chocolate, marble and red forest. The bride and groom shared a yellow cake with chocolate frosting along with a champagne toast. Following dinner, cake and the toast, the bride and groom shared their first dance as well as the bride and her father. The DJ was Ramsin Music of Spokane.

The couple chose to have an old-fashioned photography booth where guests enjoyed themselves for hours. The photo booth was from Flat4Photography in Spokane. Prior to the service the bride, groom and bridal party took pictures at Jim and Tami Heider’s. Pictures were taken in the wheat fields by Amy and Ryan of Britton Photography in Spokane.

Family members from both sides gathered together from Alaska, Florida, Idaho and Arizona, as well as armed service friends from every location in which the bride and her family had lived while she was growing up. They traveled from Texas, Alaska, California, Virginia and Colorado.

The bride graduated from Will C. Wood High School, Vacaville, Calif., in 2002 and attended California State University, Chico, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications (2006) and then later returned to Chico to earn an Elementary Education Teaching Certificate (2009). Recently, she taught fifth grade and is hoping to be teaching again this fall.

The groom graduated from Ritzville High School in 2002 and attended Wenatchee Community College earning an associate’s degree in arts and science. He also completed a Union Apprentice Program to become a journeyman wireman. He is currently employed at ARC Electric, Spokane.

Following their honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii, the couple has made their home in Airway Heights.