Smooth sailing at lake wedding: The Mail-Journal/InkFreeNews.com

On a day filled with both warm sunshine and drizzly rain, Pamela Marks and Tom Brescia were able to celebrate their unique wedding with friends and family.

Trading in the traditional flowers and a chapel for lake-themed décor, the setting of their nuptials took place not in a church, but on James Lake, or Little Tippy Lake as it is also called, behind their home. The couple arranged for pontoon boats to transport themselves, the wedding party and their guests to the lake location.

Love songs crooned from the deck as the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked from the house down to the boat. Marks and Brescia followed the wedding party as a couple, and made their way down a makeshift aisle onto their waiting pontoon.

Members of the honor party and wedding party included friends and family. First came the women of the honor party, and included Glynis Hill, Sherri Dullea, Tina Wyatt and Karen Lieser. Marks’ maid of honor was Abby Marks, wearing a long white and light blue gown. Brescia’s best man was Cole Brescia.

Bridesmaids included Krista Lieser, Marie Driscoll, Beth Lipscomb, Jodie Dziuba, Katie Brescia and Sarah Brescia.

Groomsmen were Kyle Peterson, Bob Koscicki, Brian Lipscomb, Dave Dziuba, Tim Brescia and Rick Brescia.

After everyone had safely made their way to the wedding site, the ceremony began and was officiated by Deacon Derkson. Derkson is a friend of the couple and a lawyer who also works with Marks.

Light rain came and went during the short ceremony, but never spoiled the beautiful scene. Guests watched from their respective pontoon boats as the happy couple said their vows and then said “I do.” Cheers erupted from all around as they kissed for the very first time as a married couple.

The Brescias and their guests celebrated at a reception following the ceremony in the North Webster American Legion Post 253. Their honeymoon was originally going to take place a year or two after the wedding, but is now scheduled for November. They will set sail on a Carnival cruise to visit Key West, Fla.; Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico.

All of the bouquet and centerpiece “flower” arrangements were created by Beth’s Designs in Syracuse. The cake was made by Betty’s Cakes in Warsaw. All videography was done by Ken Strong Productions, and photography was by Gunther Photos from Logansport.