Crosby Commons in Shelton hosts couple's 65th wedding anniversary celebration

Crista Hernan, UMH Director of Spiritual Life at Crosby Commons, performs a wedding vow renewal ceremony for Vito and Barbara Scodese. 

Crosby Commons residents Vito and Barbara Scodese celebrate 65 years of marriage during a special wedding vow renewal celebration hosted by the community. 

SHELTON - Wedding bells were ringing at Crosby Commons Senior Living Community during a recent vow renewal ceremony and wedding reception Aug. 30 for Crosby residents Vito and Barbara Scodese, who celebrated 65 years of marriage in the company of family and friends. 

With the help of members of the Crosby team and under the direction of Activities Director Lauren Donovan the community hosted a series of wedding festivities which culminated with a vow renewal ceremony in the community’s front lobby and a reception in the resident dining room.

The entire Crosby community, along with members of the Scodese family, was invited to attend the wedding celebration. 

“We sent out invitations, we sampled champagne and hosted a cake-tasting, we arranged flowers and photos and even had a special wedding ‘reveal’ event to announce the bride and groom,” said Donovan. “There was a great sense of anticipation; everyone was very excited.” 

Arrangements were made for the bride to have her hair and nails done at the Crosby spa, and make-up applied by Crosby team member and C.N.A., Jailene Pellot. 

A special chef-prepared luncheon was held in the Crosby bistro for the Scodese family, who traveled from across the local area to attend the event. Rows of chairs were set up in the Crosby front lobby and the dining room was prepared with centerpieces, wedding favors, and entertainment by D.J. Jeff. 

Piano music by Rosemary Allen welcomed guests to their seats while the room filled with applause at the arrival of Vito and Barbara, who walked down the aisle together to renew their vows.

Crista Hernan, Director of Spiritual Life, performed the ceremony, which began with a few heartfelt words from the Scodese’s daughter, Lori Todice, and a flower presentation to the bride from flower girl, Addison Fife, daughter of Crosby Commons Executive Director David Fife. 

Hernan presented the renewal of wedding vows, followed by a kiss shared by the couple and a champagne toast.

“Married life over 65 years has lots of ups and downs,” Todice said, “but here we are today, remembering all the lives you’ve touched and wishing you many more years together.”

Following the ceremony, guests mingled in the Crosby Dining Room for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, the customary cake-cutting and dancing. As a special surprise, Crosby Chef Manager, Hector Velez, prepared a favorite dish of the groom’s (frog legs!) and presented it to the couple during the reception before they cut the wedding cake.

Crosby residents, staff, and family members danced together to classic wedding favorites, from The Twist to The Chicken Dance, along with musical hits from Motown to Frank Sinatra. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the day, however, was the dance Vito and Barbara shared in the center of the room as their wedding song played, “Because of You” by Tony Bennett.  

“Moments like these are what life at Crosby Commons is truly all about - a shared celebration of relationships, memories, special lives, and special people. It was an honor for our entire community and team to be part of this wonderful day for Vito and Barbara and their family,” said David Fife, Crosby Commons Executive Director.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. Crosby Commons is at 580 Long Hill Ave.