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Melissa Marie Gerken and Charles David Goff were united in marriage on Feb. 28, 2015 under the Banyan tree at the El San Juan Resort in Puerto Rico. The services were officiated by the groom’s childhood friend, Chris Arnone, from the Universal Life Church of Christ.

The bride is the daughter of Albert and Lynne Gerken, East Rockaway, New York. She is the granddaughter of the late James and Mildred Powell, West Hempstead, New York, and Albert Gerken, Franklin Square, New York.

The groom is the son of Charles and Mary Goff, Kingston. He is the grandson of the late Edward and Margaret Balz.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Standing alongside the bride was her cousin, matron of honor, Mrs. Heather Scheu. The remaining bridesmaids included, Mrs. Jill Hill, Ms. Jennifer Fuerch, Ms. Claudia Langsner, Mrs. Patricia Gerken, Mrs. Michelle Kopczynskie, Mrs. Kendall Frulio and Mrs. Helen Allen, followed by the flower girls; Kayla Scheu and Beyleigh Gerken.

The groom chose to have the support of his childhood friend, Brett Liese, as his best man. The remaining groomsmen included Mr. Nick Bidding, Mr. Michael Zekas, Mr. Kevin Gimble, Mr. Robert Gerken, Mr. Patrick Hannon and Mr. Michael Aldax; followed by the ring bearer, Nicholas James Gerken.

The wedding festivities began with golf in Puerto Rico on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015. The rest of the wedding events were at the El San Juan Resort, Puerto Rico. Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, was a cabana pool party followed in the evening with a welcome cocktail party. The wedding ceremony was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2015, under the banyan tree but was slightly delayed by a small rain shower. Cocktail hour and dinner dance followed on the rooftop with 360 degree views.

Family and friends from the states of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, DC and Connecticut attended the ceremony.

The bride is a 1997 graduate of East Rockaway High School where she was involved in volleyball, cheerleading, badminton, band and the school paper. She then graduated in 2001 from the University Of Delaware where she held office in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management. She is currently employed at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York.

The groom is a 1996 graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School where he participated in water polo, swimming and baseball. He graduated from Fordham University in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology. He is employed by Sheltering Arms in Bronx, NY.

The happy couple resides in Lynwood, New York.

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