Couple exchange wedding vows

Diana Vardijan and Ross Male, both of Chicago, were married on Aug. 30, 2014, at Blessed Alojzije Stepinac Croatian Church in Chicago, Ill., with Father Paul Maslac officiating the double-wedding ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Branko and Violet Vardijan of Chicago. She is the granddaughter of the late Frank and Milka Vardijan and the late John and Katica Grgurich.

The groom is the son of Roger Male of Mesa, Ariz., and Edwin and Marjorie Lins of Washington. He is the grandson of the late Osmund and Maxine Male and the late Erwin and Marie Wulf.

The bride's gown was a Steven Yearick design. It was a Gatsby-inspired and vintage in design with a mermaid skirt and a modified train. The gown was beaded with Swarovski crystal accents throughout. Her cathedral-length veil was styled with crystals on the scalloped edge ending with a scroll design on the train of the veil. She wore a Swarovski crystal headband in her hair. The bride's jewelry was diamond teardrop earrings and a pearl and diamond bracelet, a gift from her parents. She also wore a diamond bracelet borrowed from her mother. She carried two handkerchiefs, one a gift from her mother, and one a gift from her sister-in-law. Her bouquet was of roses and orchids with crystal accents.

Nicole Vardijan of Chicago, sister of the bride was the maid of honor. She wore a navy evening gown by Adrianna Papell accented with crystals and beading.

The bridesmaids were Lesley Lane of New York City, sister of the groom; Anita Vardijan of Chicago, sister-in-law of the bride; Taylor Matan, Jennifer Curry, Michele Hansen and Susan Fieber, all of Chicago, cousins of the bride; and Adriana Cano, Diana Radosta, Elizabeth Holman, Luciana Dilorenzo and Teresa Dunaway, all of Chicago, friends of the bride.

They wore evening gowns by Adrianna Papell, which were champagne ombre in color with crystal and beading accents.

The flower girls were Teresa Vardijan of Chicago, niece of the bride, and Alexis Eskina of Kansas City, goddaughter of the bride. They wore dresses of white tulle.

A family friend of the bride gave the groom a custom tuxedo and black diamond studs and cuff links. The tuxedo was black, He wore a white french cuff shirt with an ivory tie and suspenders. The groom wore a watch, which was a gift from his bride. He also wore a garnet ring, a gift from his mother. His boutonniere was an orchid.

Andy Hunt of New York City, cousin of the groom, was the best man.

The groomsmen were Jeff Stacy of Kansas City, cousin of the groom; Daniel Vardijan and Erik Vardijan of Chicago, brothers of the bride; David Richard of Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, godson of the bride; Alex Horn of Denver, Colo., friend of the groom; Jaden Prottsman of Riverside, Iowa, friend of the groom; Larry Thomas of Prairie City, Iowa, friend of the groom; Luke Chennell of McPherson, Kan., friend of the groom; Mike Vrtiska of Filley, Neb., friend of the groom; and Robert Pierce of Washington, Iowa, friend of the groom.

They wore black tuxedos with white shirts and black ties.

The ringbearers were the bride's nephews, Colin Vardijan and Vincent Vardijan, both of Chicago.

Serving as ushers were cousins of the bride, Anthony Cimalgia of Palatine, Ill., and Andy Vardijan of Morton Grove, Ill.

Readings were done by Heather Marek of Riverside, Iowa, cousin of the groom; Sandra Cimaglia of Palatine, Ill., cousin of the bride; and Christina Olvera of Chicago, cousin of the bride.

"Ave Maria" was sung by Christina Peter, with Anthony Peter on guitar, both of Morton Grove, Ill., and cousins of the bride.

Shalyn Kirk of Ainsworth, cousin of the groom, was the guest book attendant.

A reception for 330 guests was held at Esplanade Lakes in Downers Grove, Ill.

The bride graduated from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Ill. She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from De Paul University. She works for the family business as manager of Ravenswood Disposal Service in Chicago.

The groom graduated from Washington High School and McPherson College in McPherson, Kan. He earned a degree in automotive restoration. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in transportation logistics. He is an automotive fleet supervisor with United Parcel Service in Chicago.

The couple is planning a honeymoon to Europe to visit the countries of their ancestry.