Published: July 03, 2009 08:47 am      

McKenzie, Kostelansky wedding

SWOYERSVILLE, Pa. — Melissa Anne Kostelansky and Ryan William McKenzie were united in marriage during a nuptial Mass on July 5 2008, at Holy Name St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Swoyersville. The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Louis A. Grippe.

The bride is the daughter of Bernice Kostelansky of Plains and Michael Kostelansky of Laflin. She is the granddaughter of Anna Wayslow of Swoyersville and Stella Kostelansky of Laflin. She is a 1997 graduate of Bishop Hoban High School and a 2004 graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, where she earned a doctorate of pharmacy. She is currently employed by the Main Line Health System of Philadelphia.

The groom is the son of Jim and Krista McKenzie of Lonaconing. Md., and the grandson of Vivian McKenzie of Lonaconing and June Clark of Barton, Md. He is a 1999 graduate of Westmar High School, a 2002 graduate of Frostburg State University and a 2006 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. Currently he is employed as a veterinarian in Wilmington, Del.

A rehearsal dinner, hosted by the groom’s parents, was held at Kazimi’s Mediterranean Cuisine on July 4, 2008, followed by a fireworks display over downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Serving as the bride’s maid of honor was Michelle Kostelansky, sister of the bride. Also serving as bridesmaid was Cindy Kostelansky, sister-in-law of the bride.

The bride was given in marriage by her brothers, Michael and Marc Kostelansky. She wore a white strapless gown with corset closure and sweetheart neckline designed by Maggie Sottero. The gown and full train were adorned with beads, sequins and lace appliques. The bride wore a mid-length veil and carried a bouquet of white roses.

The bridesmaids wore strapless, raspberry, tea-length gowns and carried bouquets of mixed flowers.

Serving as the groom’s best man was Corey McKenzie, brother of the groom. Fellow groomsmen were Bradley McKenzie, brother of the groom, and Christopher Luke Thompson, best friend of the groom. The flower girl for the ceremony was Madeline Tan, cousin of the groom, while Jackson McKenzie, nephew of the groom, served as ring bearer. Readings during the ceremony were provided by Paula Miller-Knipple, cousin of the groom, Cindy Kostelansky and Johanna Proccaccini. Soloists for the ceremony were Mrs. Victoria Burt, cousin of the groom, and Ms. Laura Kopp.

Altar flowers and arrangements dedicated to the Virgin Mary were provided in honor of the deceased grandfathers of the bride and groom, Steven Wayslow, Michael Kostelansky, William “Bill” Clark and Harold McKenzie.

Photographs after the wedding were taken at the church as well as on the grounds of Penn State University, Wilkes-Barre Campus. A formal dinner reception hosted by mother of the bride was held at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre. The Raysuda Orchestra provided music for the evening, which included a traditional Polish Bridal Dance.

The couple honeymooned at the Riu Palace in Aruba prior to settling back at home in Kennett Square.

Ryan and Melissa were honored to have four grandmothers present for their wedding.

Ryan and Melissa would like to thank all family and friends who helped prepare for the wedding, as well as all who shared in their special day.