Miss Jennifer April Steffens and Mr. Christopher Ryan Thesing were united in marriage on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at four o’clock in the afternoon at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church. The double ring ceremony was officiated by The Reverend Cathy Richardson, Father Mark Thibideaux, SJ and Reverend Mark Thesing, CSC, Uncle of the Groom. A Scripture reading was given by Courtney Wade, a friend of the bride and an original poem written by the Bride was read by Tana Owens, first cousin of the bride. Music for the ceremony was provided by a longtime friend of the Bride, soloist Ms. Laura Hastings and organist Mr. Brian Grandquist. Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a Reception at Sweetwater Country Club, with music provided by MJDJ Service. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a Wine Tasting and Rehearsal Dinner at Amici’s Restaurant in Sugar Land. On Thursday evening, a Bridesmaids’ Dinner was hosted by Mrs. Bernice Rabb and Mrs. Dolores Cox at the home of the Bride’s grandmother.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Steffens of Sugar Land. She is the granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Rabb of Sugar Land, the late Mr. Harry L. Owens, Jr. of Houston, the late Mrs. Alice Steffens and the late Dr. William H. Steffens both of Jacksonville, TX. The groom is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Thesing of Sugar Land, and grandson of Dr. and Mrs. John Thesing, of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Hernandez of Missouri City.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a beautiful A-line silhouette, white satin floor length gown with a crystal halter neckline. The dress designed by Demetrios had a bodice embellished with beading and embroidery with a bustled skirt and Chapel length train. To complement her gown the bride wore a simple illusion finger tip length veil lined in crystals. Jennifer carried a satin wrapped bouquet of white calla lilies, leonida roses, and white stephanotis flowers with crystals in the center. Colors of the bridal party included truffle, latte and champagne.

Mrs. Brook Durham, lifelong friend of the bride, served as Matron of Honor. Kimberly Geib, best friend of the bride served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included close friends of the bride, Miss Krista Brajkovich, Mrs. Krissy Stegall and Miss Andi Joyner. Miss Ella Durham, “niece” of the Bride served as the Flower Girl. Miss Tana Owens and Miss Courtney Wade served as Honorary Bridesmaids. Miss McKinney Whetstone, a friend of the bride, served as Honor Attendant.

Mr. Daniel Thesing, brother of the groom, served as Best Man. Groomsmen included 1st Lieutenant Michael Thesing, brother of the groom and best friends of the groom Mr. Thomas Demko, Mr. Joseph Chillinsky and Mr. Andrew Pruett. Friends and college roommates of the groom, Brandon Seef, Thomas Robin and Benjamin Snider served as Ushers.

Jennifer is a 2000 graduate of Clements High School in Sugar Land. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Public Relations from the University of Houston. She currently works for Property Info Corporation, A Stewart Company in Baltimore, MD.

Chris is a 2000 graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston. He graduated in 2004 from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. In 2006, he graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a Master of Science in Crime Analysis and Intelligence. Chris currently works for the Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor.