Mr and Mrs Diego Avanzato

Melissa Araya, daughter of Mr and Mrs Esmeraldo M. Araya of Sandy Hook, and Diego Avanzato, son of Mr and Mrs Vincenzo Avanzato of Oneonta, N.Y., were joined in marriage at St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, on October 15. Father Joseph Prince officiated.

The bride is a 1996 graduate of Newtown High School and of Syracuse University, Class of 2000. She is employed as promotion manager for Child Magazine in New York City.

The groom graduated from Oneonta High School in 1996 and from Syracuse University in 2000. He is sales manager of the fine wine division of Southern Wine and Spirits of New York.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a strapless gown of ivory silk by Romona Keveza and carried a bouquet of miniature white calla lilies.

Stella Araya-Weil, sister of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Jeanette Avanzato and Giuliva Avanzato, sisters of the groom; Azelia Crisostomo, cousin of the bride; and Kelsey Lyddy, Meaghan Smialowski, Corinne Cervasio, and Megan Baroni, friends of the bride.

Flower girls were Angelene Carranceja and Sofia Valenzuela.

The flowers for the bride and bridal party, and the church and reception decorations, were by Diane Gaudette of Newtown.

Music was by Joseph Jacovino, organist; Adham Azab, violin; and Donna Hendrickson and Bob Boncoddo, vocalists.

The groom’s best man was his father. Eric Araya, brother of the bride; Antonio Avanzato, uncle of the groom; and Christopher Zoog, Neeraj Choppa, Krishna Gurnala, Alex Bradley, and Jason Baroni, friends of the groom, served as ushers.

Ring bearer was Massimo Avanzato, with Gianluca Avanzato as coin bearer and Eric Chan as bible bearer.

A reception in honor of the couple was held following the ceremony at The Waterview, Monroe. Music was provided by the band, LLiquid, from Manhattan.

Mr and Mrs Avanzato are at home in Manhattan after a wedding trip to Kauai and Maui, Hawaii.