Amstrup, Kostiuk exchange vows at private ceremony

Ashley JoLynn Amstrup and Jerad Robert Kostiuk were united in marriage Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, in a private ceremony. The afternoon service performed by Pastor Kyle Gunderson of Evangelical Covenant Church, took place at the groom’s parents’ home on Rainy River.

The bride is the daughter of Debra and James Jackson, International Falls, and Bob and Cathy Amstrup, Bismarck, N.D. The groom is the son of Lori and Jim Lyman, and Jerry and Sharon Kostiuk, both of International Falls.

Ashley was escorted down the aisle on the arms of her father and step-father. She wore a white, silk shantung fitted strapless gown with a draped, dropped waist bodice and full trumpet skirt and chapel train designed by Watters and Watters. A fingertip courtyard cut veil with Swarovski crystal drops complemented her gown. Her jewelry, a gift from the groom, consisted of diamond earrings and a string of pearls worn around her wrist. She carried a bouquet of white hydrangeas wrapped with an antique handkerchief and rosary that belonged to her maternal grandmother.

The wedding ceremony was adorned with a vast assortment of summer flowers, petals, and greenery. Worship music prior to the ceremony was provided by vocalist, Megan Bryant, and guitarist, Mike Anderson.

The bride selected her sister, Bridgit Amstrup, Fargo, N.D., as her maid of honor. She wore a canary tea-length, chiffon halter dress with an empire waist. Bridesmaids were Jenna Boyum, International Falls, and Betsy Anderson, Minneapolis. They wore canary knee-length strapless organza dresses with a ruched waist and eyelet embroidery detail. Each wore bracelets, a gift from the bride, and carried bouquets of white hydrangeas.

Flower girl was KayLynn Cronin, cousin of the bride. She wore a yellow dress with sequin detail. Ring bearer was Carson Kostiuk, nephew of the groom. He was dressed to match the groom and groomsmen in a classic black tuxedo. He later changed to tuxedo shorts for the wedding dance.

The bride’s personal attendants were the groom’s sister, Tricia Kostiuk, International Falls, and friend of the bride, Joe Nikolanci, Virginia. The guest book attendant was sister of the groom, Samantha Kostiuk, International Falls.

Jerry Kostiuk was his son’s best man. Groomsmen were Chad Nelson, International Falls, and the late Gabe Mattila, Fridley.

Ushers were Clay Nelson and Pete Benedix, both of International Falls.

Scripture was read by Jeanmarie Skwarok, Grand Forks, and Rotasha Warren, Fargo.

The bride’s mother wore a floor-length ivory suit with embroidered jacket detail and carried a pink clutch, a gift from the bride. The groom’s mother wore a navy tea-length, silk shantung dress with an ivory coverlet adorned with navy beading.

Ceremony coordinator was cousin of the groom, Lynda Spiros, Bradenton, Fla.

Wedding guests were served a catered dinner of the bride’s favorite foods at the ceremony site. A wedding dance and hors d’oeuvre reception followed later in the evening at the Holiday Inn.

The groom’s father and step-mother hosted a rehearsal dinner at their home the evening before the wedding.

Gift opening took place Saturday at the ceremony site. The bridal party and family members enjoyed a brunch catered by the bride’s family.

Ashley graduated from Falls High School in 2003 and is currently a manager at Cine 5 in International Falls. Jerad is a Falls High School and 2002 Evangel University graduate. He is a customs enforcement officer for Customs and Border Protection at the port of International Falls.

Following a week-long fishing trip at Camp Manitou, the couple resides in International Falls. They plan an additional honeymoon at Disney World in the winter of 2009.