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Melissa and Sean at The Ryland Inn

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Melissa and Sean at The Ryland Inn

Posted on August 11, 2022 by New Jersey Bride

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How did you meet?
It’s quite a funny and interesting story if I do say so myself! On October 24, 2015, I decided to attend a concert by myself in NYC. No one was able to go with me and I didn’t want to miss out so I ventured off by myself. I just had my hair done earlier in the day, I was tan from being in Aruba, and I was wearing a new outfit so I was feeling on top of the world! After the concert ended, I decided I wasn’t ready to end the night. Anyone who knows me knows this is not like anything I would ever (or have ever) do but I decided to venture off to my favorite bar, solo! I’ve never in my life been to a bar by myself and as someone who is fairly reserved and shy, it’s just not something I would ever do! I will admit it was definitely fueled by some light liquid courage thanks for the concert, but I remember still feeling a bit nervous!

As I approached the bar, a guy approached me and asked who I was with and what I was up to. I told him I wasn’t with anyone but was looking to go into the bar (The Mean Fiddler) as it was my favorite spot in the area. We chatted for a few minutes and ended up going inside together. We took a seat at the very crowded bar and after maybe 15 minutes or so, there was no chemistry so he headed off. I ended up having a much older (and very polite and respectful) man approach me and we sat there just chatting about life. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my now husband approaching the bar. He immediately caught my eye and I remember looking at him and thinking, I wish I could find a guy like that to be my boyfriend!

We locked eyes and smiled at each other. I continued the polite conversation with the other guy, being sure not to take my eyes off my future husband! Sean approached the bar again and this time I decided to gently hit his leg with mine to get my attention. I told you I’m shy! When he looked at me, I looked away, had to play hard to get! A few minutes later Sean handed me his phone, with a new contact screen opened for me to put my information in. I put in my name and phone number and in the notes I wrote “HELPPP!!” (my cue to get me away from the guy who was chewing my ear off) and handed him back his phone. Sean and I didn’t speak a single word to each other the night we met! Unfortunately for me, Sean never saw my memo and never came in to help! I ended my night shortly after, hopping in a cab back to Brooklyn. The next morning Sean texted me and, well, the rest is history!

How did you get engaged?
Sean proposed to me in front of The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow, NY. I will admit that I knew it was coming as we had discussed getting engaged and the ring, etc. We designed it together and I knew it had to be picked up in Connecticut. One weekend he told me we were going to Connecticut to pick up the ring and then we were going to meet his mom and sister for lunch. His family lives in Yonkers, which isn’t too far. I had absolutely no idea that his mom had actually already picked up the ring the week prior and he was actually bringing me to Sleepy Hollow to propose! I was completely surprised. As we were on our way to Connecticut from our home in New Jersey, he told me had to stop at a construction site nearby to pick up a tool his dad had purchased from someone. Sean and his family work in construction so I thought nothing of this. We drove up to an active construction site and he was driving around and then said his sister texted him saying we had to drive elsewhere to pick it up. We pulled into a park-looking parking lot and Sean made me get out of the car. I couldn’t understand why he needed me to go with him. Mind you at this time we were still able to see the construction site so everything was making sense. I hastily got out of the car and followed him and all of a sudden the butterflies started to hit, and I thought “Oh my gosh, wait, is he going to propose?!”

We walked for a bit until we approached the lighthouse where Sean got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! His sister was hiding a few feet away with her camera, capturing the beautiful moment. I was in total shock and so surprised and over the moon. It turns out that the week before he finished up work early and met with his mom and sister to scope out the area and find the best spot for him to propose and for his sister to hide and photograph it. But the surprise didn’t stop there. After we walked around and she took some additional photos of us, Sean still made me think we were just going to go meet his mom for lunch but as it turns out, both of our families were waiting for us at a beautiful restaurant to celebrate. It was such a special, thoughtful and memorable day. My husband is very generous but surprises and planning aren’t really his thing so I was incredibly touched and shocked, to say the least.

Details of the day!
Our wedding day was absolutely spectacular. Despite getting married on March 11, we had the most beautiful, sun-filled, gorgeous weather! I was going for a whimsical, romantic and slightly rustic theme, keeping “early spring” in mind when thinking of the overall vibe. The weather totally delivered! Our colors were cream, ivory, blush and a touch of mauve with gold accents and a ton of greenery. Our flowers included tons of beautiful ranunculus, roses, anemones, hydrangeas and more. My bouquet included a few very special peonies as they were my late godmother and aunt’s favorite flowers. I felt this was a way to include her in our special day.

We had custom drink stirrers, napkins and signage all purchased from Etsy. Our mirrored welcome sign and seating chat were by the ever-so-talented Sarah Henry from Scripted Swirls. Our florists, Stephanie & Jesse from Whisper & Brook, brought every vision I had to life. When I say they nailed it, I truly mean it! I was blown away by how they were able to bring everything to life. They supplied all of the florals as well as tons and tons of candles. I wanted candle overload and they delivered! The warmth of the candles really tied our entire wedding together. You will also see in some of our photos there is a handkerchief made out of my mother’s wedding gown as well as some small floral details from my mother-in-law’s wedding gown. Our favors were custom cookies from Emily’s Bake Shop. She also did my bridal shower cookies and her talent is mind-blowing.

Why did you choose your venue?
I chose the Coach House at The Ryland Inn because immediately upon entering the room, it just spoke to me! It was everything I was envisioning in a venue and I knew it would be easy to tie in everything I wanted. The gorgeous fireplace, original woodwork, stunning chandelier and beautiful hardwood floors is all just so timeless and romantic. Their food is also highly, highly rated, which of course was super important to us.

What was on your menu?
We had tons of different options during our cocktail hour including lamb chops, disco fries, truffle fries, a mac & cheese station, pulled pork, salmon tartar and so much more! We offered a delicious rose wine apple salad with goat cheese and for entrées, filet mignon, roasted chicken and short ribs. Our desserts included waffles and ice cream, zeppoles and warm, soft pretzels! We also had passed desserts such as tarts, cheesecake shooters and more. And of course, fireside s’mores! Our wedding cake was simple but we went with simple, simply because it was truly delicious! We did a vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream and it was the kind of cake that just melts in your mouth. We got so many compliments on not only the taste but the overall design of the cake, too!

All about your gown!
I chose an A-line gown by Justin Alexander Signature. They were having the last day of their trunk show at Castle Couture and it was the only dress I put onthat I just loved—I tried on many, many dresses! The beautiful train and sparkle underlay was just so incredibly me. I might be shy but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t born to sparkle! I knew the dress would be perfect with a simple yet long cathedral veil, which is what I always envisioned. I had custom sleeves made for the dress with appliqués from the dress itself (we were able to custom order these). I always loved sleeves on a wedding dress, so this was a must for me!

What was your favorite moment?
Am I allowed to say the entire day?! So many people talk about different memories as “the best day of their lives,” but I truly don’t think I ever experienced that until my wedding day. I had no idea that it was possible to feel just so incredibly and genuinely happy and loved. It was honestly the best feeling and the best day. If I had to pick one specific moment I think I would say our first look. My husband is not an emotional person but when he saw me and we locked eyes, I knew he was moments away from tears. In that moment all of my nerves left my body and I just felt so genuinely loved and happy. The moment was so raw and authentic. I’m tearing up just typing this! Another favorite moment would have to be just dancing with everyone during the reception. We had a packed dance floor the entire night and there was just so much happiness and love in the room. It was amazing!

One detail you couldn’t live without?
The candles and the flowers! They really tied every vision I ever had for the wedding together to a T!

Did anything go wrong?
The few things that did go wrong were so small that I really can’t complain. I had a minor faux pas with my makeup because one of my eyes wouldn’t stop tearing! This delayed us about an hour, which definitely made me nervous. I was super excited for our photo booth but when I say I completely forgot about it (as did everyone else), I completely forgot about it! I was super bummed but thankfully I was able to snag a few pics in it right after our reception ended. Our bar signs also weren’t situated properly when they were made. The way the company made the stand for them, one sign covered the other (it was a two-part sign), which was disappointing but again, not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things! I should’ve checked beforehand but I didn’t.

First dance song?
Our first dance song was “These are the Days of our Lives.” by Queen.

Any advice for future brides?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, keep calm and just enjoy the planning process as well as your special day! It goes by so quickly and it’s not worth it to stress. Truly let yourself enjoy every moment of the big day and soak it all up. Focus on yourself and your husband and what you both want! And most of all, do not compare! One of the worst things we can do to ourselves not just as brides but just in life in general is to compare our special moments to others. When you do that, you lose focus on everything that made your day unique, special and happy!

Honeymoon location:
We will be going very soon on our honeymoon to Austria and Germany! We are so excited.

the details

Hometowns

NYC

Reception Location

The Ryland Inn

Photographer

Emily Wren

Officiant

Catherine Bondar

Bride’s Gown

Justin Alexander Signature

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Melissa and Sean at The Ryland Inn

the details

Hometowns

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Groomsmen Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Videographer

Transportation

Favors

Rentals

Honeymoon

Brides Jewelry

Brides Accessories