BioM: Nelson, Gael Ann (1961)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Gostomski, Nelson, Ruda, Mravik, Shewczyk, Dahm, Szymoniak

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 08/24/1961

Nelson, Gael Ann (12 AUG 1961)

The Rev. Martin Wachna officiated at the ceremony at St. Mary’s Polish National Church at Lublin on Saturday, Aug. 12th, 1961, which united in matrimony Richard Gostomski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gostomski, Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), and Gael Ann Nelson of Thorp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Nelson of Elmhurst, Ill.

The bride, who was given in marriage by her grandfather John Ruda, was attired in a floor length gown of lace designed with sequins at the bodice, long tapering sleeves which accented the fitted basque. A bouffant skirt inset with lace of the net top. Dainty scallops edged the neckline and a crystal crown held her silk illusion fingertip veil. She wore a crystal necklace and earrings and carried an orchid set in the middle of a colonial bouquet of white carnations.

Bridesmaids were the bride’s cousins, Carol Ruda and Betty Mravik, and her friend Pat Shewczyk was maid of honor. The latter was dressed in blue and white and the bridesmaids in pink and white embroidered dresses of ballerina length. Their crowns were nylon with crystal inserts which held their veils of colors to match their dresses. Pearl Necklaces and earrings completed the costume and they carried colonial bouquets of red roses and white carnations.

Peter Dahm of Thorp was best man and Roger Szymoniak, the bride’s cousin of Thorp and Alan Nelson, Elmhurst, Ill., were groomsmen.

After the ceremony a wedding dinner was served at noon in the Polish Nat. Alliance Hall in Thorp, where the reception took place later in the day, followed by a dance. The festivities were attended by about 400 people.

The bride attended Round Lake High School in Elmhurst, Ill. and has been in Thorp the past year. The groom is a graduate of Thorp High School and is a millwright and carpenter. They will reside in Thorp.