Nicole Bell & Ryan Chmura
Though they worked in the same community for years – Ryan Chmura as a police officer, Nicole Bell as the school district’s director of special education – their paths never crossed. Even after they were introduced by a mutual friend, the timing wasn’t right, because Nicole was dating someone else.
Ryan, however, remained hopeful and persistent. A few months later, they shared a first date, where, after ordering ribs, Ryan learned that Nicole is a vegetarian.
“I like glitz and I am a bit of a girly girl. He likes tractors and farming,” says Nicole, who realized that, in the end, those differences didn’t much matter. “Ryan’s just the sweetest guy and that’s what won me over. He was the nicest gentleman and still is.”
The couple was engaged at The Tara Country Inn in Sharon, Pa. Although every sign that evening pointed to yes – Ryan running mysterious errands in the afternoon, a romantic dinner at their favorite restaurant, a bottle of Champagne – Nicole began to doubt. (Plus, she checked for a ring box and couldn’t find one!) It wasn’t until after dinner, as they strolled around the property, that Ryan proposed.
They returned one year later, on a sunny day in June, to be married in that same spot.
Nicole’s father escorted her down the aisle, to Pachelbel’s Canon in D, to the grand staircase at The Tara, where they were wed by Pastor Wayne Rapp. Promising to be each other’s “partner in life and my one true love,” Nicole and Ryan said “I do” in front of 135 guests.
The animal-loving couple honored their beloved Weimaraner, Jasmine, who had passed away earlier that year, by lighting a candle in her memory.
Next, it was time to celebrate on The Tara’s tented patio. The theme? “Purple bling!” Everything shimmered, from the three-tier bedazzled cake and glittery cookies, to the crystal-adorned centerpieces and chandeliers lighting the evening. Not to mention Nicole’s high heels, completely covered in rhinestones!
The evening included sunset photos at the lake at Tara, and a first dance to “Johnny Cash” by Kid Rock.
Nicole credits her mom, sister and friends for making the wedding day run so smoothly. “My advice to any bride is super plan so that you can take in every moment,” she says.
The next day, the couple donned their wedding attire once more for a photo session with Nicole’s show horse, Only Mist Once, affectionately known as Roger.
Rather than leaving for their honeymoon, the couple headed off to a horse show on Monday morning. They hit the beach in July, unwinding in Riviera Maya.
The Dress: Bling Bridal Boutique, Sharon. The bride first saw her Allure gown, a sweetheart style with cascading ruffles, in a bridal magazine and tracked it down locally.
The Makeup Artist: Kiss and Makeup, Greensburg. The bridesmaids and moms gathered for a relaxed primping session at the Tara.
The DJ: Steve Vance Entertainment, Allison Park. There was beautiful music, from the violinist at the ceremony, to the lively reception, where guests “danced until midnight.”
The Rings: Goldstock Jewelers, Downtown Pittsburgh