Wedding bells ring in the new year

By SUSAN WADE
Posted 1/13/21

While most of the world was anxious to whisper “goodbye” to 2020 and possibly give it a kick in the butt on its way out, Megan Payne and Joe Gorton chose to mark the end of this most …

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Wedding bells ring in the new year

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While most of the world was anxious to whisper “goodbye” to 2020 and possibly give it a kick in the butt on its way out, Megan Payne and Joe Gorton chose to mark the end of this most negative year in a most positive way.

After postponing wedding plans earlier in the year due to COVID-19 and other issues, they determined that they would not let the year pass without making their vows to each other. That decision was made three weeks before the big day. They would tie the knot on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve.

But the scarcity of planning time did not impede the end result. Megan and Joe celebrated their big day in grand fashion, with a wedding on the Lake DeVenoge beach, as ice floes crackled on the shoreline.

The couple met on a blind date set up by mutual friends three years ago. Megan has resided in Glen Spey, NY for years and Joe is originally from Scranton, PA.

Their parents are Bill and Dawn Payne of Glen Spey and Les and Celeste Gorton of Scranton.

The beach was free of the precipitation that had rained down earlier in the day and was decorated with an arch of birch wood, under which the couple stood while they took their vows. Two rows of pews were set up to accommodate the families that had gathered to witness the service, which was presided over by the Honorable Kathryn Sweeney, Highland Town Justice.

The wedding party was a family affair, with sisters-in-law Kristin Payne and Jennifer Payne serving as matron of honor and bridesmaid. Daughter Aurora spread rose petals in her mom’s path while ably serving as flower girl. Standing up for Joe were brothers Matt and Scott Gorton, who were best man and groomsman. Lukas Holocher was the ring bearer.

Megan wore a cream-colored floor-length gown with a short train. It was the first gown she saw when she set out to find that perfect dress, and was the only one she tried on. As with Joe, Megan knew what she wanted.

The brief ceremony included the exchange of vows and rings, and applause after the couple was introduced as husband and wife. Following the ceremony, the wedding party and guests sought the warmth of Megan’s parents’ home on Lake DeVenoge, which had been transformed into a reception venue complete with a dance floor, where they celebrated new beginnings.

The couple enjoyed a brief honeymoon at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, after which they returned to their home, also on DeVenoge.

DeVenoge families, whose roots go back generations, believe that this wedding was the first to have taken place at the beach.

wedding, new year

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