In a way, Sarah and Jared have online dating and Rita’s Italian Ice to thank for their union. The newlyweds caught each other’s attention in June 2014, and after chatting a while and realizing they lived just five minutes apart, they planned an in-person meeting at the sweet spot.
Recalls Sarah, “Jared picked me up, and I knew from the moment I saw him that he was the person I was meant to spend my life with! I was so nervous that I didn't even look at him as I walked out to his car, but the moment I opened the door and saw him for the first time face-to-face, it was like I knew already that he was going to be my husband.”
The pair hung out for hours talking about their families and their interests, really getting to know each other. Their dating life moved quite quickly. They met in June and moved in together at the end of July. Explains Sarah, “Living together, we were able to really get to know each other better and we were also forced to grow up together. I was living with my parents and he was living with his mom and brother, so it was our first time out on our own as adults. We talked about marriage a lot, and we both wanted the same things in our future.”
The Proposal
Jared popped the question on July 2, 2016, on a walk in Nolde Forest. A total surprise to Sarah, he had contacted her childhood friend, Courtney Armistead, a photographer, and asked her to take photos of the occasion. Upon reaching the forest’s wooden bridge, he got down on one knee and asked Sarah to be his wife! Courtney came from around the corner and got photos of the entire proposal.
The Big Day
Sarah and Jared were married in an outdoor ceremony at the Barn at Flying Hills, with the bride’s parents, Megan and Andy Singerling, and the groom’s parents, Lori Felty and Terry Thomas, smiling on along with their closest friends and family. Sarah’s best friend since pre-school, Steph Sponagle, was her Maid of Honor, and her sister, Leah Singerling, was her Matron of Honor. Jared’s Best Man was his brother, Jeff Brown.
At the reception, guests enjoyed a buffet spread from Mission BBQ, Wyomissing, and a 4-tiered cake featuring layers of pink champagne with fresh strawberries, chocolate raspberry and salted caramel apple. The couple’s first dance was to Love Me Like You Do by Boyce Avenue, and floral decorations were in the form of baby’s breath, eucalyptus, dahlias and roses.
As a unique and personal twist, attendees could also spend time at a tattoo station. Because both Sarah and Jared have tattoos, they wanted to add that touch, and the temporary art featured images of their faces, as well as other fun designs. Says Sarah, “It was a huge hit and a great way to pass the time for our guests during cocktail hour!”
As for the newlyweds’ favorite moment of the big day? Sarah recalls, “The moment we got to kiss as husband and wife for the first time was a pretty amazing feeling, and being announced as Mr. and Mrs. Brown after waiting more than two years to hear that made us so happy!”
The Honeymoon & Future Plans
Due to busy work schedules, the Shillington residents haven’t jetted off for their honeymoon yet, but a trip to Cape May is in the works. Jared is employed at East Penn Manufacturing and works in the Gel Fill Department. Sarah is employed at Utilities Employees Credit Union as a Member Service Representative. In May, they purchased their first house and are working on making it a home. They hope to start a family in the near future.
The Details
Cake: The Well Dressed Cake, West Reading
Dresses & Tuxedos: Sweetheart’s Bridal, Sinking Spring
Hair & Make-up: United Artists Salon & Spa, West Reading
Rings: Van Scoy Jewelers, Wyomissing
