She didn’t see it coming
DATE: Aug. 21, 2017 HER STORY: Niki Lynn Newcomb, 25, was born and raised in Glen Burnie. She works as a kindergarten teacher in Anne Arundel County. Her parents, Thomas and Linda Newcomb, reside in Glen Burnie.
HIS STORY: Zackry Philip Hromanik, 25, was born and raised in Parkville. He works as an EMT/fireman in Anne Arundel County. His parents Kerrie and Dennis Kuczinski live in Glyndon and Christopher and Stacey Hromanik live in Selbyville, Del.
THEIR STORY: The two first met Sept. 29, 2012, during their junior year at Frostburg State University. They were introduced by Niki’s sorority sister, who is Zak’s stepsister.
“My initial impression was that she was very pretty and a little on the shy side,” he recalled. “But I’m sure I came off that way too since it was a blind date.”
Neither expected a relationship to result. The blind date was a first for both of them.
“We were both timid at first, but as the night went on, we ended up having a great time,” he said. “It was one of the best nights I’ve ever had — since it was the first date I had with the woman that is now my wife.” The two live in Pasadena. THE PROPOSAL: Zak proposed to Niki on Jan. 31, 2016, in Annapolis during a stroll along the historic docks. The day seemed normal enough until he joined in on a flash mob dance.
Niki, who has danced since she was 3, was caught off guard to see Zak join in because he didn’t dance.
Without telling her, Zak had teamed with Amy Rink of the Spark Center for Creative and Performing Arts to learn the routine.
It was actually Zak’s third attempt to propose. The first time was postponed when he suffered a stroke. The second was thwarted by the blizzard on Jan. 23, 2015.
VENUE: One hundred sixty guests attended the ceremony at Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church. The reception was held at Bleue’s on the Water in Glen Burnie.
FLOWERS AND DECOR: Maher’s Florist of Pasadena provided the flowers. The colors of the wedding were pale lilac and royal purple.
HER DRESS: Niki wore a light ivory sweetheart-cut corset chiffon ball gown beaded with pearls and rhinestones by Essense of Australia from Engaged Bridal. Alterations were provided by Denise Simmons of Columbia.
BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: Bridesmaids wore long flowy light lilac chiffon dresses from Bridals By Elena in Gambrills.
MEN’S ATTIRE: Zak and the groomsmen wore light gray suits from Jim’s Formal Wear. They completed the look with lilac and dark purple ties and pocket squares, paired with gray and purple striped stocks.
MUSIC: Bo Condon and RL Productions of Baltimore provided the music as well as videotape of the ceremony. The couple’s first dance was to “Can’t Stop Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley.
FOOD AND DESSERT: Catering was provided by Bleue’s on the Water/LaFontaine Bleue. Mini pastry desserts were provided by Bakery Express of Halethorpe. Bleue’s also provided the three-tier vanilla cake with vanilla cream frosting. The cake topper depicted a fireman rescuing a dancer bride.
SPECIAL TOUCHES: The couple honeymooned at Valentin Imperial Maya in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The bride’s brother, Joshua Newcomb, built and hand-carved the couple’s envelope gift box. Niki wore her mother’s veil from her parents’ 1975 wedding, which was held at the same church. Hair was done by Salon 45 in Pasadena. Check out Zak’s Flashmob proposal here: youtube.com/watch?v=xQ1F_ckus7U.