Southeast Missourian, Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, October 3, 1964

Miss Donna Faye Niswonger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Niswonger, 714 Watkins Drive, became the bride of Samuel Edward McElyea last Saturday evening at First Baptist Church. Parents of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Robert McElyea of Chicago, Illinois.

The double ring ceremony was performed by Dr. W. T. Holland. Vows were spoken before arrangements of gladioli and pompon chrysanthemums and glowing candles in candelabra. Miss Margaret Tallent of Jackson was the vocalist, and Mrs. Jack Palsgrove was organist.

A French cord encircled the waist, and a swallowtail chapel train swept the back of the bride's taffeta-lined peau de sole gown. The close fitted bodice was enhanced with Alencon lace and scallops which formed a ruby neckline. Medallions of the lace were inset at intervals on the skirt and train. A headdress for her chapel-styled English illusion veil was a cap of lace and taffeta petals outlined and entwined with pearls and handcut crystals. Along with her cascading bouquet of white carnations and lilies of the valley, the bride carried a lace handkerchief belonging to her mother.

Her attendants wore identical gowns of Heaven Blue delustered satin peau de sole accented by bateau necklines, elbow sleeves and lace cummerbunds above daytime-length belled skirts. Miss Nancy Niswonger was maid of honor for her sister and the bridegroom's sisters, Misses Pansy McElyea and Virgie McElyea, were bridesmaids. Jo Lynne Ford was her Junior maid. They wore nosetip maline veils attached to a cabbage rose to match their gowns, and blue-bordered white carnations shaped their cascade bouquets.

Best man for Mr. McElyea was Lloyd Lee Ford, Oak Ridge and the groomsmen were Gary Dean Ford, Dexter and Preston Dorty. Ralph Ford, Gail Woodfin, John A. Hester and Laveral Noel seated the guests.

At a reception in the lower auditorium of the church, a tier cake and candelabra of tapers appointed the bride's lace laid table. Miss Janet Deimund registered the guests, and servers were Misses Vernetta Rubel, Judy Hargens, Joan Kurre, Brenda Niswonger and Mrs. Gary Ford.

Graduated in 1961 from Central High School, the bride attended State College two years and was employed by Sears Roebuck & Co. An employe of the Oklahoma Tire and Supply Co., Mr. McElyea was graduated from high school in Oran in 1960 and served two years in the Navy.