Desteni Lynn Smallwood and Israel Antonio Sanchez were united in marriage at 2 p.m. May 16, 2009, at Rock Hill Congregational Holiness Church in Gainesville. The bride is the daughter of Lynn and Steve Dale and Lamar Thomas, all of Gainesville. The groom is the son of Erasmo and Isabel Sanchez of Gainesville. The Rev. Anthony Bailey performed the ceremony.

The bride was presented in marriage by her mother, stepfather and father. The bride’s sister Shay Dale of Gainesville was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were the bride’s friends Ashley Biggerstaff of Gainesville and Joni Abercrombie of Dahlonega. The bride’s niece Maddison Dale and the groom’s niece Ashley Garcia, both of Gainesville, were the flower girls.

The groom’s brother Moe Sanchez of Lula was the best man. Groomsmen were the groom’s brothers-in-law Jorge Garcia of Gainesville and Waylon Adams of Dahlonega. The bride’s nephew Jackson Whitmire of Gainesville and the groom’s nephew Westley Adams of Dahlonega was the ring bearers. Ushers were Marty Thomas, Matthew Whitmire, Chase Martin and Nicholas Whitmire.  Karen Miller was the wedding coordinator. Haven Garland kept the bride’s book.

The bride’s mother gave a rehearsal dinner at Chili’s in Gainesville on the eve of the wedding.

The bride’s parents gave a reception at Rock Hill fellowship hall in Gainesville following the ceremony.

Following a honeymoon to RiverMist Resort & Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the couple reside in Gainesville.