Shannon Marie Leavitt of Fredonia and Eric Michael Near of Dunkirk were united in marriage Aug. 7 at Harvest Chapel in Fredonia. The double-ring, sand ceremony was officiated by the Rev. William E. Leslie.
The bride is the daughter of Harold and Elizabeth Leavitt of Silver Creek. The groom is the son of Larry and Suzanne Near of Dunkirk, Denise and Edward McAteer of Chester, S.C.
The bride was escorted by her father. Serving as maid of honor was Rachel Leavitt of Silver Creek, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids included Courtney Near of Dunkirk, sister of the groom; and friends of the bride Jessica Albright of Honeoye Falls, Samantha Decker of Worcester and Ivelisse Ilarraza of Rochester. Flower girls were Meghan Cloos of Fredonia, cousin of the bride, and Hailey Near of Dunkirk, niece of the groom.
Article Photos
Mr. and Mrs. Eric (Shannon) Near
Serving as best man was Juan Valle of Dunkirk, friend of the groom. Ushers included Larry Near of Brocton, brother of the groom; Justin Leavitt of Fredonia, brother of the bride; Kelvin Taylor of Albany, friend of the groom; and Ryan Nytz of Angola, cousin of the groom.
A reception was held at the Dunkirk Moose Lodge.
The bride graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a part-time teacher at Silver Creek Central School. The groom is attending Jamestown Business College and is employed as a food service assistant manager at Country Fair.
The couple resides in Fredonia.
