I Do!: Sarah Reilly and Andrew Ryan of Brightwaters

Sarah Reilly and Andrew Ryan never thought they’d get married. Not just to each other — at all.

Growing up, Ryan, now 33, said he didn’t want kids and didn’t think he’d ever fall in love. “I thought I’d be the fun uncle,” he said.

Reilly, 31, had a 4-year-old daughter when she and Ryan met. She said after her daughter was born, she focused on raising her and didn’t see marriage in her future.

But then, in 2018, Ryan responded to a comment Reilly left on a photo he had posted on the Bumble dating app. Soon after, they met up for a drink at The Cortland in Bay Shore. The next weekend, they had their first official date at Blackstone Steakhouse in Melville.

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Ryan said he knew for sure that he was in love two months later, as he drove to Alabama to meet up with college friends. Alone with his thoughts, he said he started tearing up: “It was emotions I’d never felt before. . . . It was only two months in, and I knew she was the one.”

As for Reilly, it was his love for her daughter — whom he later adopted — that touched her heart. They now have two sons as well.

“He is the best dad and the best role model,” she said. No matter what else is on his schedule, he makes sure to attend their children’s games and other events. “He always shows up,” Reilly said. “He’s wonderful.”

Their daughter was with them when Ryan proposed on Oct. 15, 2019, at the Fire Island Lighthouse. “She absolutely adores him,” Reilly said.

They had planned to get married in March 2020 but postponed the wedding several times due to the pandemic. They finally wed on March 18, 2023.

“He definitely changed my entire life. . . . I couldn’t be more in love with him,” Reilly said.

The couple share a special moment on their wedding day. Credit: Lasting Moment Films & Photography Long Island

WEDDING VENUE

The couple wed at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and held their reception at Captain Bill’s Restaurant & Catering, both in Bay Shore.

WINE AND DINE

Captain Bill’s catered the reception. The couple had 252 guests.

HONEYMOON

The couple plan to vacation in Ireland.

LET’S DANCE

“Before You,” by Benson Boone

FAVE RAVES

Five things Ryan and Reilly love about each other: How understanding they are of each other, Reilly’s compassion, how Ryan puts “110% effort” into parenting their children, their support of each other’s dreams and aspirations, and how they agree to disagree on what is on the menu for dinner.

HOME BASE

Brightwaters