Rau - Sparks
RALEIGH — Joy Lynn Sparks of Raleigh became the bride of Phillip James Rau of Raleigh May 8 at 11 a.m.
The Rev. Kayelily Middleton officiated at the double-ring ceremony at Delightful Inspirations Gardens.
Glen B. and Carolyn S. Sparks of Goldsboro are parents of the bride. She is the granddaughter of the late Hugh Sparks and Lela Mae Sparks Boone of Old Fort and the late David and Margaret Schindler of Sardis, Ohio.
Parents of the groom are Karl W. and Bernadette M. Rau of Lansdowne, Pa. He is the grandson of the late Karl and Elsie Bung Rau and the late Andrew J. and Genevieve Heath Mulherin of Philadelphia, Pa.
The bride wore an off-the-shoulder gown of ivory satin accented with gold embroidery and beading along the neckline and trumpet sleeves. The chapel train was highlighted by gold panels on the skirt and gold embroidery.
For her headpiece, she chose a gold tiara accented with pearls and rhinestones. She carried a bouquet of peach, pink and white summer flowers of roses, alstromeria and monte casino asters.
Kim Hardison of El Cajon, Calif., friend of the bride, was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Kimberly Bagley of Morrisville, Michelle Hall of Garner and Lizzie Graybill of Raleigh, friends of the bride.
Stefan Rau of McKnight, Pa., was his brother’s best man. Groomsmen were Bill Thornton of Springfield, Pa., Ben Parees of Raleigh and Max Hall of Garner, friends of the groom.
Hillary Berkowitz directed the ceremony.
After a wedding trip to Cancun, the couple will reside in Raleigh.
The bride is a graduate of Rosewood High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in communications studies. She is a member of Raleigh Jaycees. She is employed as a desktop publisher with Global Knowledge Network of Cary.
The groom graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania State University with a degree in computer science. He is a member of Raleigh Jaycees. He is employed as a software tester with IBM.
Following the ceremony, a buffet reception was held in the ballroom.
The couple held a rehearsal dinner at Don Murray’s Barbecue and Seafood of Raleigh. They chose this time to present gifts to their attendants.
On May 7, the bride’s mother held a bridesmaids’ luncheon at Winston’s Grille of Raleigh.
Pam Sparks, sister-in-law of the bride, held a bridal shower April 24 at the home of the bride’s parents.
On April 18, the bridesmaids held a Canterbury Tales-themed shower at the home of Michelle Hall.
Co-workers of the bride held a miscellaneous shower March 29.
On March 27, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Sparks and Mr. and Mrs. Don Sparks held a dinner at McCall’s Barbecue and Seafood Restaurant.
By David Rouse
Published in Weddings on May 9, 2004 10:25 AM