Christen Batson & Will Bakke
Christen Arin Batson and Wilbur Eugene “Will” Bakke IV were married May 13, 2017 at the Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens in Waco, Texas. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her brothers to her father’s song “Heaven Song,” by Phil Wickman. A single rose was placed at the altar to symbolize his spiritual presence. Music was performed by Michael Allen and Doug Congdon officiated their ceremony. Andrew Montgomery did a reading of Holy Scripture. An outdoor reception of dining and dancing to In10City followed in the Pape Gardens. Their first dance was “Better Man” by Leon Bridges.
The parents of the groom hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Baylor Club at McLane Stadium in Presidential Suite overlooking the stadium, the Baylor campus and the Brazos River. During the cocktail hour Will, the enterprising filmmaker groom, surprised his bride-to-be with a slideshow of their childhood pictures on the Jumbotron inside the stadium. Guests were awestruck and entertained at the sight.
The bride is the daughter of Joanne Batson and the late Mark Batson of Waco. She is the granddaughter of the late Floyd and Katherine Hudnall of Ft. Worth, and the late George and Peggy Batson of Waco. The groom is the son of W.E.”Burr” Bakke III of Sarasota, Fla. and Dodie Bakke Foxworth and Jack Foxworth of Preston Hollow. He is the grandson of Betty and Werneth Avril, formerly from Cincinnati, Ohio, who now live in Dallas, and Patty and the late W.E. Bakke Jr. of San Antonio.
The bride’s gown, by Elizabeth Dye, featured a fitted bodice with satin straps, scoop back and billows of luxurious linen gauze in the skirt.
Assisting the bride as maid of honor was Daley Olson. Her bridesmaids included Jessie Batson, Kimberly Batson, Brittain Bakke Ewert, Ramie Baker, Katy Cranfill, Jenni Dumas, Kelsey Huerta, Kelsey Lee, Jennie Pitts, and Katharine Tuel.
Attending the groom as best man was Austin Pitzer. His groomsmen included Michael Allen, Blake Batson, and Jordan Batson, Lawson Hopkins, Austin Meek, Baker Johnson, Alex Reed, West Ray, and Brooks Shanklin. Serving as ushers were Kyle Adams, Alex Carroll, Matt Owen, Andrew Montgomery, and Ryan Simpson.
The bride is a 2010 graduate of Lorena High School in Waco. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2014 from Baylor University, where she made the Dean’s List and the President’s List. Christen is a residential real estate professional with Keller Williams in Austin, Texas.
The groom is a 2006 graduate of Highland Park High School. He received a film and digital media degree from Baylor University in 2010. Will is an award winning movie director and writer for Riot Studios in Austin.
Following their wedding trip to Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Paris, the newlyweds have made Austin their home.
