Wedding: Vela-Bertini

Cristina Helena Vela and Aldo Bertini were united in marriage on December 17, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. Father Carlos Davalos officiated the double-ring nuptial mass.

The bride’s parents are Dr. Efraim Vela, Jr., and Mrs. Patricia Vela of McAllen, TX. Grandparents of the bride are Dr. and Mrs. Rafael Garza of McAllen, TX, and Mr. and Mrs. Efraim Vela, Sr., of Red River, NM. Parents of the groom are Mr. and Mrs. Aldo Cesare Bertini of San Antonio, TX. Grandmother of the groom is Mrs. Tanina Bertini of Livorno, Italy.

The bride was lovely in a designer gown created by Alvina Valenta. The softly fluted silhouette was made of a rich champaigne silk duchess satin with an imported ivory Alencon lace overlay. The chapel length gown featured satin covered buttons and loops to the end of the sweep train. For the nuptial mass, the bride added custom made long sleeves to the strapless sweetheart neckline. The sleeves were delicately constructed of fine English tulle and trimmed at the cuffs and collar with ivory Alencon lace. For the reception, she wore a jeweled short sleeve bolero and added a jeweled satin ribbon at the waist.

The bride’s veil was cathedral length imported English net trimmed at the edge with a wide band of delicate Chantilly lace A short blusher veil of the same English net was attached to the long veil at the crown of her head.

The bride carried a gorgeous collection of vendela roses, white anemones with green centers, lisianthus, ranunculus, tiny cymbidium orchids and multiple ivory spray roses tied together in a perfectly round shape with ivory ribbon.

After the exchange of vows, the couple walked to the altar of the Holy Family and offered the Blessed Mother a bouquet of bright red roses.

Maid of honor was Sofia Patricia Vela, sister of the bride.

Bridesmaids were Arantzazu Garcia of McAllen, TX, Erica Bertini McMahon of New Orleans, LA, Marisa Kathryn Reynolds, cousin, of Dallas, TX, and Kerrie Noel Steil of Austin, TX.

Flower girls were Elisa Katherine Bertini, Addielade Noelle McMahon, Isabella Mackenzie McMahon, and Gabriella Judith Reynolds.

Best man was Nicholas Dominic Barboa.

Groomsmen were Adrian Bertini, Ian Bertini, Chad Michael Knies, Thomas James McMahon, IV, Andrew Thomas Rodriguez, Efraim Tomas Vela, and Luis Emilio Vela.

Ushers were Aaron Thomas Reynolds, Matthew Edward Lewis, Aaron Christopher Rodriguez, Brandon Michael Rodriguez, Derrich Xavier Rodriguez, Jason Andrew Rodriguez, Jeffery Scott Jimenez, and Rene Valles.

Pages were Ethan Vittorio Bertini and Michael James Lewis.

Ring bearers were Andrew Garza Reynolds and Jacob Thomas Reynolds.

Several family members and close family friends assisted in the nuptial mass as follows: Greeters-welcomed guests upon arrival to chapel: Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lewis, aunt and uncle of the bride, and Mr. and Mrs. David Rodriguez, aunt and uncle of the groom. Worship Aide Distributors: Maria Patricia Garza, Danielle Christina Black, cousins of the bride, and Nicole Katherine Rodriguez, cousin of the groom. Lectors for Liturgy of the Word: Asa Eldred Cozad, Elizabeth Petroff, and Karesa Reynolds. Bearers of Offertory Gifts: Ana Sofia Garza, Elizabeth Calendar Garza, and Leslie Marie Lewis, cousin of the bride. Soloist at Offertory: Matthew Edward Lewis, cousin of the bride, sang the Prayer of St. Francis. Carried bouquet of flowers for the Virgin Mary to the bride: Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Garza, uncle and aunt of the bride. Eucharistic Ministers: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Vela, friends of the family. Altar Server: Luis Emilio Vela, brother of the bride.

A reception was held at the McNay Art Museum of San Antonio, TX.

For a wedding trip, the couple will travel to the California Wine Country this summer. They will reside in San Antonio, TX.

The bride is a 1999 graduate of McAllen Memorial High School and graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Incarnate Word.

The groom is a 2000 graduate of Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Helotes, TX, and is currently attending San Antonio College. He is employed by VisionWorks.