Nikki & Ryan
May 6, 2023 | Reading Public Museum
How They Met
It should have been so many other ways, but Nikki and Ryan met on Tinder. You see, they went to the same college (Kutztown University) and even had the same major — but were four years apart. They then went on to work for the same newspaper group but in different offices: one in Hamburg and Kutztown, the other in Boyertown. The two finally connected online and had their first date at the West Reading Tavern.
Tell us about the Proposal!
After two years of dating, Ryan accompanied Nikki on a work-related trip for a travel article on The Ivy, a fabulous, all-inclusive hotel in Baltimore, MD. While Nikki was at the spa for a planned massage, Ryan declared he was going to take a nap in the suite. Upon returning, Nikki walked into the living portion to see the double doors to the bedroom closed and didn’t want to interrupt Ryan resting, but they were already running behind for a planned lunch. So, she opened them, and there he was, on one knee, ring in hand. “I was completely shocked and of course said yes,” says Nikki. Side note: she was beyond impressed with the rose gold pear-shaped engagement ring he selected for her.
The Big Day
You might say the pair’s wedding was a big Berks County, and Berks County Living, affair. On a perfect 70-degree, sunny day in the Reading Public Museum’s Trudy’s Garden, Nikki was escorted down the aisle by her father, Herbert Murry, to the tune of Stand By Me as performed by Florence & The Machine, following her sister, Kelley Murry, to the alter to meet Ryan. Absent, but there in spirit, were her mother, Carole Murry, and Ryan’s mother, Lee Yohn. Also present were Ryan’s father, Glenn Gray, and his brother, Adam Gray. They wrote their own vows and were wed by Berks County Living publisher and friend, Robyn L. Jones, who was ordained especially for the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and guests enjoyed a reception catered by Devour Catering and Event Design, Oley, in the Stone Terrace Tent. Hors d’oeuvres included candied bacon, caprese skewers, pierogies, shepherd’s pie cups and raspberry and brie puffs. Dinner was a stationed meal including lemon garlic chicken and carved flank steak with au jus. A beautiful cake adorned with flowers from event florist The Rustic Bunch, Fleetwood, was created by Fresh Cake by Suzy, Wyomissing. The three-tiered masterpiece included layers of chocolate/peanut butter, banana dulce de leche and strawberry on top. Special nods were given to the couple's French Bulldogs at the event on the cake topper, on take-home treat bags and on the bar sign, crafted by Rubi and Lib Design Studio, Reading.
Their first dance was to Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) by Rufus Wainwright.
Highlight for the Bride
Says Nikki, “Ryan’s vows had me in tears. He was nervous about whether or not they would match up to mine, being a writer, but he has a writing background as well, and it showed. More than that, though, I was touched at the sentiment of them. They clearly showed he cherished the many moments we’ve spent together and that he looked forward to the ones yet to come. Others commented on just how wonderful they were, too.”
Highlight for the Groom
Says Ryan, “The highlight for me occurred during pre-ceremony pictures. The photographer had Nikki approach me from behind for a first-look picture. I turned around, and there she was, stunning in the dress I'd been imagining for months. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, and in that moment the rest of my life was beginning.”
The Honeymoon
The Hamburg-based couple enjoyed a week in South Carolina — three nights in historic Charleston and three more in the Isle of Palms in an oceanfront room. They visited sites like the famed Pineapple Fountain and Rainbow Row and dined on wonderful food from the likes of Halls Chophouse. In Isle of Palms, they relaxed on the beach and jaunted to daily breakfasts and a quaint nearby café. The final night of their honeymoon, they stayed in Baltimore and took in an Orioles/Pirates baseball game.
Future Plans
Nikki, Editor-In-Chief for Berks County Living, and Ryan, employed with Allied Wire and Cable in Collegeville, are enjoying an empty nester life of sorts as Nikki’s son, Riley, recently graduated from high school shortly after the pair wed. They share their home with their two French Bulldogs, Shelly and Figgy, a rescued tabby cat named Tibby and an axolotl named Tyrone.
Advice for Future Couples Planning Their Big Day
Plan time for yourselves on your big day. You’ll be pulled in so many directions, so it’s important to make it a priority.
Vendors
DJ
A Time for Music & Memories, Douglassville
Wedding Bands
Van Scoy Jewelers, Wyomissing
Hair
Kim Siegel, United Artists Salon & Spa, West Reading
Makeup
Theresa Violette, The Beauty House, Shillington
Balloons
Mon Balloon by Montse, Berks County
Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott, Wyomissing
