Cheli Smith & Peter Montalbano
St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Roosevelt Hotel
May 4, 2013
Financial manager Peter Montalbano first spied model Cheli Smith in 2009 outside a concert at Madison Square Garden. But, as he recalls, “it took about six months of convincing to get her to go out with me.” Two years later, he proposed at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve at Daniel on the Upper East Side. The two wed in the Lady Chapel at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and after the ceremony, the 170 guests walked six blocks to the reception at the Roosevelt Hotel. To set the scene, the couple opted for a romantic, whimsical feel—subtle colors, delicate cherry blossoms, dim lights—and an impressive culinary spread that included island-spiced scallops and harissa-rubbed strip steak, all catered by the Roosevelt. “It was a happy eating festival,” remembers Cheli. Once the feasting subsided, the couple danced to “As” by Stevie Wonder, before their friends and family flooded the floor. “I never had a specific vision for my wedding,” says Cheli, “but it ended up being the most memorable day of my life.”
The Details
Flowers: Ned Kelly & Company
Band: Star Talent Inc.’s All Stars Dance Band
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock Cakes
Dress: Junko Yoshioka
Suit: John Varvatos
Photography: Erik Ekroth Photography
“The chapel is so beautiful, and it really felt like a fairy-tale wedding, but I was definitely nervous walking down that aisle.” Photo: Erik Ekroth Photography
“We felt like superstars. Everyone on the street was congratulating us. It was like the whole city was giving us love.” Photo: Erik Ekroth Photography
