It was a family affair when Marsha Victoria Advento married Michael Christopher Smith. The bride’s two sons from a previous marriage, Albert Francis, now 15, and Thomas Justin, now 11, played important roles at the wedding. “They were so excited,” says Marsha. “My older one was the one who walked me down the aisle. My youngest one was the ringbearer and held a sign, ‘Here Comes My Mom the Bride.’”
The boys also gave an impromptu toast congratulating the couple and sharing in their excitement. “It wasn’t planned,” says the proud mother. “It was a surprise.” Even Zoë, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who belongs to the groom’s parents, was part of the celebration, posing for pictures.
The wedding day started out rainy but quickly cleared up. One hundred five guests attended the ceremony and reception, which were held at The Powelton Club in Newburgh. The couple chose the venue because—in addition to its outdoor ceremony location, which was a big draw—it’s where the groom’s parents had their wedding reception in 1975.
Marsha and Michael, who got engaged during a trip to Sebasco, Maine, wrote their own vows. “We wanted to recite what we truly feel for each other,” says Marsha, who admits she and many guests got emotional during the vows.
In another personal touch, the couple decided to honor the bride’s heritage (she’s from the Phillipines) by serving lumpia, a Filipino appetizer similar to an egg roll.
Marsha bought two wedding dresses before she found her Champagne-colored gown. “I fell in love the moment I saw my dress online,” she says, explaining, “And when I saw myself, I knew this was the ‘one’ for me.”
The couple used green, gold, and brown for the wedding colors. The theme revolved around “lovebirds,” inspired by a lovebird cake she saw online. It continued throughout the party with a nest cake topper, lovebird invitations and place cards, and heart-shaped birdseed favors. Although planning was stressful at times, Marsha was happy with all the details. “It was picture-perfect,” she says.
The real-life lovebirds, Marsha and Michael, honeymooned in Jamaica and live in Cornwall.
THE DETAILS: Photographer: Ulysses Photography (845) 956-1605; ulyssesphotography.com. Ceremony and Reception Venue/Caterer: The Powelton Club, Newburgh (845) 561-4481; powelton.com. Cake/Dessert: The Pastry Garden, Poughkeepsie (845) 473-5220; thepastrygarden.com and Jones Farm, Cornwall (845) 534-4445; jonesfarminc.com. Florist: Elena Costello at Wyckoff Florist, Wyckoff, NJ (201) 891-0232; wyckoffflorist.com. Music/Entertainment: DJ Bri Swatek (845) 235-0080; djbriswatek.com, and The Dorian String Quartet (845) 642-8785; dorianquartet.com. Invitations: JenSimpsonDesign; etsy.com/shop/JenSimpsonDesign. Favors: Doris Weldon at Green Doxie Events; etsy.com/shop/GreenDoxieEvents. Wedding Gown: Oleg Cassini purchased at David’s Bridal, multiple locations; davidsbridal.com; Bridal Hair/Makeup: Chrissy Simone at Main Street Cutters, Cornwall (845) 534-2278; mainstreetcutters.com. Bridesmaid Dresses: Jordan Fashions purchased at the Wedding Planners, Campbell Hall (845) 800-7603. Men’s Attire: Ralph Lauren, rented from Broadway Tailors Designer, Newburgh (845) 561-1656; broadwaytailors.com.
