Sweethearts since high school
DATE: May 7 HER STORY: Cindy Clark, 27, was born in Baltimore and grew up in Finksburg. She works as a pediatric nurse practitioner at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Her parents, Debbie and Michael Clark, live in Finksburg.
HIS STORY: Kyle Howes, 28, was born and raised in Westminster. He works as a mechanic at Mr. Tire in Shrewsbury, Pa. His mother, Cathy Howes, lives in Westminster.
THEIR STORY: The two met at Westminster High School in Carroll County in 2004.
They became high school sweethearts after Kyle spotted Cindy in the school’s lobby. It was love at first sight, he said. Cindy said that she fell in love with Kyle “slowly and then all at once.”
Cindy worked at a grocery store in town and Kyle would come in and buy something just to talk to her. Cindy said she secretly adored this.
“I loved his sense of humor, how he seemingly effortlessly could make me laugh and keep a smile on my face,” she recalled, adding that Kyle’s smile and spontaneity won her over.
Their relationship continued as Cindy pursued her college degree; she said Kyle was there every step of the way through her time at Stevenson University and the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
Cindy could not have done it without “his constant love and support,” she said.
The two live in their “dream home,” which they built in Hanover, Pa.
THE PROPOSAL: Kyle proposed at Ruth’s Chris Steak House on Water Street on Oct. 5, 2014. It was Cindy’s birthday.
“He got down on one knee and opened the ring box,” Cindy recalled. “Almost before he could even ask, ‘Will you marry me?’ I grabbed the ring from the box. I was speechless and in awe of the ring.”
Cindy said she was flooded with emotion.
“I was completely surprised and extremely elated to be starting this next chapter with my soul mate and best friend,” she said.
VENUE: Seventy-five guests attended the wedding and reception at Gramercy Mansion in Stevenson.
FLOWERS AND DECOR: Flowers consisted of peonies, ranunculus and garden roses in blush tones.
HER DRESS: Cindy wore an ivory, lace and tulle dress with a sweetheart neckline and floral appliques. She purchased the Enzoani gown at Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection.
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Bridesmaids wore quartz-colored dresses from David’s Bridal.
MEN’S ATTIRE: Kyle and the groomsmen wore traditional black tuxedos by Vera Wang from Men’s Warehouse.
MUSIC: Music Masters provided the music. The couple’s first dance was to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.”
FOOD AND DESSERT: Chef’s Expressions catered the reception. The menu consisted of chilled, Old-Bay rubbed black angus and chicken Honfleur.
The couple served a cake with layers of yellow cake with lemon curd and fresh blueberries, and chocolate cake with a chocolate hazelnut mousse.
FAVORS: Guests received wild flower seed packets that read “Let love grow” and “Watch love bloom.”
SPECIAL TOUCHES: The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica.