Samantha Jo Bajdas and David Gambino Jr. were united in marriage on Aug. 4, 2012, at First United Methodist Church in Fredonia. The double-ring ceremony was performed by Pastor Steven Wiggers. Music was provided by pianist Barbara Faxlanger and vocalist Leslie Brelsford. Readings were done by Pamela Bajdas, aunt of the bride, and Donna Morse, aunt of the groom.
The bride is the daughter of Mark Bajdas of Dunkirk, and Carleen and Dennis Pastor of Cassadaga. The groom is the son of David and Polly Gambino of Fredonia.
The bride was escorted by her father. She wore a strapless, fit-and-flare, ruched satin gown. The back of the gown was adorned train length buttons, a crystal and pearl broach and cathedral length bow. She carried a bouquet of purple freesia and white roses.
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Mr. and Mrs. David (Samantha) Gambino
Serving as maid of honor was Jena Schrantz of Buffalo, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids included friend of the bride, Adrianna Lohnes of Boston; cousin of the bride, Alicia Manning of Sumter, South Carolina; and sisters of the groom, Heather Palmer of Blasdell and Marcy Merchant of Whitesboro, N.Y. The bridesmaids wore knee-length lapis gowns. Flower girls were Virgina, Samantha and Madeline Palmer of Blasdell, nieces of the groom.
Andrew Palmer of Blasdell, brother-in-law of the groom, served as the best man. Groomsmen included brother-in-law of the groom, David Merchant of Whitesboro; and brothers of the bride Cale Bajdas of Dunkirk and Hunter Pastor of Cassadaga. Ring bearers were Benjamin Morse of Buffalo, cousin of the groom, and Dominic Merchant of Whitesboro, nephew of the groom.
An outdoor reception was held at the lake-front home of Jeff and Melanie Gambino, cousins of the groom.
The bride is a graduate of Cassadaga Valley and Fredonia State University with a bachelor's degree in childhood education. She will be completing a master's degree in curriculum and instruction in inclusive education in December.
The groom is a graduate of Fredonia Central School. He attended Westminster College majoring in business, and served in the United States Marine Corp Infantry. He is currently self-employed, working as a wholesale buyer for DM Northwest.
The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They are residing in Dunkirk.
