Published: April 07, 2008 09:58 am         

Duncan/Heiner wedding vows exchanged

Amanda Kaye Duncan and Matthew Eric Heiner were united in marriage March 15, 2008 at seven o’clock in the evening at Burkeshire Plantation in Conroe, Texas. Pastor Douglas Rathgeber of the St. John Lutheran Church in Beaumont, Texas officiated. The beautiful outdoor ceremony was held in a white columned gazebo under the canopy of hundred year old oaks on the lawn of the plantation.

The bride is the daughter of Richard and Tommie Duncan of Mexia. She is the granddaughter of Albert and Billie Nabors, also of Mexia, and Joyce Duncan of Chandler, Texas. The groom is the son of Billy and Chris Heiner of Beaumont, Texas. He is the grandson of Helen Heiner and the late Bill Heiner, and Bill Malitz and the late Billie Malitz all of Beaumont.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride chose a light gold Italian matte satin gown with a diamond white overlay of illusion silk, crystals, and lace appliques designed by Maggie Sottera. Her sweetheart neckline was accented by shirred illusion silk, crystals, and lace appliques that were asymmetrically designed down the body of the slim a-line skirt strolling around to a chapel length train. Accenting her gown was a fingertip length veil. She wore a heart shaped diamond necklace, a gift from the groom. She carried a bouquet of caly lilies, roses, and orchids hand-tied with her greatgrandmother’s antique handkerchief.

Maid of honor was cousin of the bride, Robyn Turner. Matron of honor, also cousin of the bride was Kristen Vest. Bridesmaids were Jaclyn Duncan, Sarah Reus, Elizabeth Seymour, Kristal Evans, and Dana Landes. They each wore a sable brown European satin strapless slim a-line style gown featuring a contrasting pink cummerbund sweeping back to long ties. Flower girl was Cate Heiner, niece of the groom. Lila Heiner, also the groom’s niece was honorary flower girl.

The groom’s brothers, Joshua and Jeremy Heiner served as best men. Groomsmen were Lance Duncan, Doug Boram, Stephen Brauer, Michael Denton, and Kyle Turk. Ring bearers were Will Heiner, nephew of the groom, and Weston Duncan, the bride’s nephew. Cade Duncan, also the bride’s nephew was honorary ring bearer. Ushers were Kent Vest and Tyler Archibald.

Soloist, Angela Erickson, cousin of the groom, sang The Lord’s Prayer. The scripture readings were given by Billy Heiner, the groom’s father.

Following the ceremony a reception was held under a beautifully decorated white wedding tent with the plantation’s old southern mansion serving as a backdrop. Roses and tulle adorned the tent throughout, with white globe lights and candles illuminating the tent as guests enjoyed dinner and dancing. Everyone joined the bride and groom in the elegant living room of the mansion for the traditional cutting of the wedding cakes and champagne toast. After enjoying an evening of dancing and celebration with their family and guests the couple left for a honeymoon in Jamaica.

On the eve of the wedding the groom’s parents hosted a lovely rehearsal dinner at the Windsor Lake Lodge in The Woodlands, Texas. Amanda and Matthew were honored with many prenuptial showers and parties given by family and friends in Mexia, Beaumont, and The Woodlands.

The bride graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2006 with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Education and is currently employed with Little Gym International Gymnastics in Spring, Texas as Operational Manager and Program Director. The groom is a 2002 graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Agricultural Development, and is currently employed as Construction Manager with Village Builders in Kingwood, Texas. The newlyweds will reside in Conroe, Texas.

Amanda and Matthew would like to thank their parents, family and friends for making their wedding day a special and unforgettable event.