Overlooking the St. Johns River in Avondale’s Elizabeth Park, two of Jacksonville’s most influential residents, Marty Fiorentino and Mary Baer, recently tied the knot.

Mary is a lead news anchor for WJXT TV- 4, highly favored among Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia’s television news audiences. Marty is the president of The Fiorentino Group, a government relations and business development firm. He’s particularly well-connected and considered a prominent political fundraiser. In fact, during a recent visit to Jacksonville, former President George W. Bush congratulated the couple on their marriage with a firm handshake and an enthusiastic “Yee-haw!” Marty also received a pair of presidential cuff links as a wedding gift.

Despite the pair’s local power roles, connections and shared comforts, like travel, fine dining and massages at the Ponte Vedra Club, their decision to marry in a public park was a choice that actually speaks volumes about each of their characters. They’re incredibly down-to-earth people, driven not only by each other, but also their families and the community.

I am able to make this clear and tender observation, as I worked especially close with the couple as their wedding planner. Of the planning process, one thing was clear from the very beginning. Mary and Marty had found pure joy in each other. Joy, in fact, became the underlying theme of their entire wedding celebration.

Inspired by one of her father’s paintings, the wedding theme made perfect sense to Mary. “I grew up with this painting in my house. It has such sentimental value,” she said. And for her and Marty, she added, “Joy is what happened in our life.” From there, the image of the Joy painting went on to grace the cover of the wedding invitations, programs and celebration décor.

Blissfully, there in the tiny pocket park, the couple stood before a few very close friends and family. Standing beside them was Mary’s daughter, Lizzie, as the maid of honor; Marty’s daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth, as bridesmaids; and Marty’s son, Martin, as the best man. Mary’s goddaughter, Brookie, was the flower girl. “A wedding with our family was important,” said Marty. Especially meaningful were the roles in which the couple’s parents played in the ceremony. Both of their mothers shared special readings, and Mary’s dad walked her down the aisle. She said, “It felt so right having my dad there. He was holding my hand like he used to when I was a little girl.”

Marty remembers his bride as she walked down that aisle. “I could not believe how beautiful she was. I was unbelievably taken,” he said. Mary wore a custom couture gown by Linda Cunningham. Designed with a simple line, the gown was sleek, sexy and sophisticated. “I wanted Marty to feel proud,” said Mary.

Proud indeed, but mostly, Marty was just thrilled to be sharing marriage vows with his “MB,” a woman he describes as “smart, fun, nice and very giving.” To help guide them through their nuptials, Scott Makar, solicitor general for the state of Florida and close mutual friend of the bride and groom, was the ceremony officiant. It was actually Scott’s idea to introduce the two to each other in the first place. He thought they would make a great match, and now, “They share a spiritual love for each other and the lives given to them, always mindful to include their children, whom they love dearly, in all that they do,” said Scott.

Following the ceremony, guests made their way to a nearby brunch reception held at Scott and Nancy Hogshead-Makar’s home. Aside from the beauty and distinctive architecture of the home, Mary said, “Their home is very important to us. There’s so much love in that house, and it’s a special place since Scott and Nancy are the ones who brought us together.”

Elements of the Mediterranean Revival-style home were drawn upon for planning and designing the event. Rich jewel tones, such as deep red, olive green and orange spice, were pulled from original pieces of art and other existing décor in choosing the colors of the flowers, bridesmaids dresses, table linens and drapery. A grand piano lent itself to light entertainment on the inside, while outside, the formal garden welcomed a violinist.

“Marty is a very elegant man, and I come from a creative family. I wanted to blend Marty’s elegance with a creative flair,” said Mary. Sure, this power couple is sophisticated and artistic, but I’ve also learned they’re a lot of fun. Their wedding guests literally got a taste of this with playful touches like “M&M’S” and signature calamondin drinks, made fresh from the Makar’s formal garden. Mary said, “We had guests tell us they had never been to a more comfortable wedding.”

This was a milieu quite fitting since Marty has said about his new wife, “I am just so comfortable when I’m with her.” And when she’s with him, “I love going places with him. He’s so fun and cute and spontaneous,” said Mary. She added, “Marty is so many different people. He’s a pleaser. He wants everyone to be happy. He does it with grace and can relate to everyone in the room.”

Most apparent, these two relate to each other. Mary said, “We found each other. Now we want to be a positive force together for our children, community and each other.” So it’s here the phrase “power couple” takes on new meaning. Tight relationships, community presence and notable arm candy are all still part of the formula, but in a refreshing new way. Suddenly, it’s less about who you know and what you do for a living and more about taking on greater meaning in life, which is precisely what happened when Marty and Mary said, “I do.”