Once Upon a Time…
George and Sarah met in high school at Wyomissing Area in 1999. He was two grades younger than Sarah, but their social circles overlapped and sometimes they found themselves at the same places. They separated when attending college, Sarah at the University of Pittsburgh and George at St. Joseph’s University, but reconnected in Philadelphia later, where they both settled post-graduation. Their friendship eventually took a turn for the best and they started dating in 2013. Says Sarah, “Once our relationship turned into more than friendship, we both knew in our hearts that we would be together forever.”
The Proposal…
Those who know George know he likes to go all-out for special occasions. By doing quite the opposite for his proposal to Sarah, he totally threw her for a loop. Recalls Sarah, “On Oct. 22, 2015, we walked to a local restaurant and had a casual Thursday night dinner. After returning home and getting ready for bed, George called me into the other room because he had to ask me something. When I walked in, he had a huge, nervous smile on his face, said ‘No time is better than right now,’ got down on his knees, and then [said], ‘Sarah, I love you. Will you marry me?’ I was shocked!” She excitedly agreed; they immediately called their families to spread the good news, and the rest – as they say – is history!
The Big Day…
Almost a year later, on Oct. 8, 2016, the couple celebrated what they deem “our absolutely perfect wedding.” The ceremony was at Bausman Memorial United Church of Christ in Wyomissing with Sarah’s parents, John and Linda Nickey, as well as George’s parents, George and Maryann Combs, in attendance. The pews were filled with 200 of the couple’s closest friends and family members. Sarah had 10 beautiful bridesmaids, five adorable flower girls (nieces Lucia, Ginger, Siena, Vivian and Gianna), and her matron of honor — sister/best friend Alissa Carlino — all standing by her side. George was joined by 11 groomsmen and two best men (his brother John and his father) standing by his side.
The After Party…
After the ceremony, everyone headed to the beautiful Berkshire Country Club to celebrate. An open seating arrangement and food stations allowed guests to dance, eat, and socialize at their leisure. The band, Back2Life, played their hearts out the entire night and the dance floor was packed. Flowers were provided by The Rustic Bunch, Leesport, and sat atop wooden boards made by the groom. Dave Reppert of Wishes Entertainment & Event Design (Boscov’s) added the perfect touches with four real trees, bringing the outside in, along with draping from the ceiling and gorgeous tree candle holders. The talented Heidi Reuter and her crew did an amazing job photographing the very large bridal parties and guests. Recalls Sarah, “I don’t know what we would have done without their direction and amazing photography skills.”
Sarah’s favorite part of the big day, though she admits choosing is hard, was a creation by her husband – a 6-foot wooden sweetheart tabIe he crafted for his bride and himself. “George worked so hard to make us the perfect table for the wedding, and it was beyond my wildest dreams,” explains Sarah. “It was an honor to be sitting with my new husband at our table made with his own two hands. His talent is immeasurable. He also made a giant monogram that hung above the grandiose fireplace that was directly behind us. We now have some incredible, to say the least, items in our home that carry so much importance and that we will cherish for our entire lives.”
The Honeymoon…
The newlyweds enjoyed a mini-moon in Key Largo and Key West, Florida, following the wedding festivities. They enjoyed relaxing by the water and taking a road trip through the Keys for a few days. A larger honeymoon celebration is planned for this spring when they will visit France and Italy.
Future Plans…
George, a contractor and the owner of Combs Development, LLC, and Sarah, a document management associate for PRA Health Sciences, currently reside in Philadelphia. Their hope is to move to the suburbs in a few years and start a family.
Details
Flowers: The Rustic Bunch, Leesport
Design: David Reppert of Wishes Entertainment & Event Design, Boscov's
Reception site: Berkshire Country Club, Reading
Photos by Heidi Reuter Photography
