Forgey, Ponte nuptials

Special to the Herald

Alban J. Ponte and Melissa R. Forgey of Nevada, Mo., were married March 5, 2005. Shelby Brandt, pastor, joined together Alban and Melissa in holy matrimony at the Pentecostal Assembly Church in Nevada. After a lengthy engagement, the couple took their vows before family and friends and most importantly, they note, before God. It was a very special day for all who know them. Parents of the groom are his father, Carlos Ponte, of Minnesota, and his mother, Janet Bivens, and stepfather Terry Bivens of Idaho. The bride's mother is June Crowley of Horton, Mo. Her father, Ray Crowley, is deceased.

Maid of honor was the bride's daughter, Ashley Forgey, of Nevada. Bridesmaids included the groom's daughter, Jessica Ponte, of California; the bride's sister, Peggy Swink of Lamar; and friend Iris Abbate of Nevada.

Shane Kafer of Milo, Mo., served his friend as best man. Groomsmen included friends Jimmy Crews of Nevada, Clancy Nowak of Horton and Garth Arvin of Nevada.

The groom's daughter, Sabrina Ponte of California served as flower girl.

Nicholas Forgey, of Nevada, the bride's son, served as ringbearer.

The bride was escorted down the aisle and given in marriage by her son, Brandon Forgey, of Nevada.

Ushers were friends, Joe Judd of Nevada and Shannon Petitt of Horton.

A wedding reception, at the Pentecostal Assembly Church, immediately followed the ceremony.

The newlyweds expressed a special thanks "to all who came and all who helped and all who were a part of this most blessed day. God bless you."