Outdoor rendezvous wedding for Bilben and Cummings

Kayla Jo Bilben and Benjamin Blake Cummings were united in marriage on the banks of the Mississippi River near Bemidji on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008.

The bride is the daughter of JoAnn and Ted Bilben, International Falls. The groom is the son of Marilyn and Rob Cummings, Bemidji. Grandparents of the bride, Valerie and Arthur Moats, Ely, and Adelaide and Warren Bilben, International Falls, attended along with grandparents of the groom, Marvin and Arlene Frishmen and Jean and Ernie Cummings, all of Bemidji.

The bride and her father paddled a voyager canoe down the river to the ceremony site officiated by Dick Larsen, Bemidji.

The bride chose her sister, Dana Bilben, Hibbing, for her maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Susan Paler, Laura and Molly Cummings, Valerie Moats and Adelaide Bilben.

The groom chose his cousin, Luke Cummings, as best man. Groomsmen included Chris Makay, Weston Holand, Kynan LaLone, Sam Larsen and Matt Cummings.

Following the ceremony, the bride and groom paddled nine miles further down the river to the reception area where black powdered rifles announced their arrival to waiting family and friends.

The bride is a graduate of Bemidji State University where she received a bachelor degree in psychology. She will be graduating with her masters degree in the summer of 2009 and is presently employed at Spruce Woods Mental Health Rehabilitation Center.

The groom is employed at Sam’s Auto Body with plans on attending BSU in the spring for professional education.

The newlyweds reside in Bemidji.