Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Nalepa Jr.

Karen Ann Makuch and Edward James Nalepa, Jr. of Portland were united in marriage on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016 at Noble Winery in Westfield. To keep with the charming atmosphere of the venue, the couple chose a classic theme of grapes and wine for their outdoor double ring ceremony and reception. Vanessa Buck of Fredonia officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Michael and Christina Makuch of Sheridan. The groom is the son of the late Louise (Seekings) Will.

Escorted by her father, the bride looked stunning in an elegant form-fitting white satin sleeveless gown. A royal purple satin sash was added to the waistline and complimented her matching open-toed satin heels, while adding a sophisticated splash of color. To complete this regal look, the bride donned a veil with a diamond-encrusted crown. The bride carried an intricately mixed bouquet of fresh cut flowers consisting of white daisies, pale blue hydrangeas, and white and purple carnations. As a tribute to the memory of the bride’s late grandparents, the wedding rings of both of the bride’s grandmothers and military medals of both of her grandfathers were intertwined with the flowers in her bouquet.

The bridesmaids wore modern Grecian style sleeveless long flowing gowns in a deep royal purple and were adorned with custom-made jewelry gifted to them by the bride. Their bouquets were a beautiful mix of fresh flowers, designed by Flowers by Anthony, Dunkirk,  and matched the bride’s bouquet. Beth Waite, friend of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were: Stacy Hennigh of Spartansburg, Pennsylvania, friend of the bride; Lindsay Killion of Brocton, friend of the bride; Elizabeth Bauza of Cheektowaga, cousin of the bride; and Elizabeth Stelmack of Fredonia, friend of the bride. The flower girl, Cora Marshall, cousin of the bride, wore an elegant white junior bridal gown with royal purple capped sleeves. Dried petals saved from flowers given to the bride during the couple’s courtship were scattered down the aisle by the flower girl.

The groomsmen were sharply dressed in charcoal three piece pinstriped suits with royal blue bowties. A classic white daisy boutonniere with splashes of blue ribbon completed their look. Ethan Nalepa, son of the groom, served as best man for his father. The groomsmen were: Matt Przytula of Dunkirk, cousin of the groom; James Farnham of Lewis Run, Pennsylvania and Daniel Farnham of Portland, brothers of the groom; and Kyle Bestine of Mayville and Scott Johnson of Stockton, friends of the groom. Dustin and Benjamin Farnham, twin nephews of the groom, served as ring bearers.

The bride and groom took time during the ceremony to light a candle in memory of loved ones who have passed away. They chose to further remember their loved ones with a remembrance table at the reception, which featured a beautiful floral arrangement, a touching remembrance poem and photographs of those being remembered.

A lovely early evening outdoor reception was also held at Noble Winery. Guests were treated to a breathtaking view of Lake Erie and the vineyards surrounding the property. A full buffet style dinner was provided by Super Duper Catering, of Dunkirk. The bride’s featured beverage of choice was Sexy Sangria Pink Wine, a specialty of Noble Winery, while the groom’s featured beverage of choice was 2X IPA, a craft beer made by Southern Tier Brewery in Lakewood. The newlyweds and their friends and family celebrated and danced the night away under a starlit summer sky with a hand-picked dance mix played by DJ Joe Gould.

The bride is a 1998 graduate of Fredonia High School and a 2003 graduate of Fredonia State University with a master’s degree in elementary education. She is employed by Brocton Central School as a substitute teacher and is an independent director with Thirty-One Gifts.

The groom is a 1994 graduate of Brocton Central School and attended Jamestown Community College. He is employed by Nestle Purina.

The newlyweds spent time at the William Seward Inn in Westfield, then honeymooned in Boston, Massachusetts. They have made their home in Portland.