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Elena and Steve at The Ryland Inn

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Elena and Steve at The Ryland Inn

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Allison Dupree

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How did you meet?
According to Steve: We first met in New York City while I was living in New Jersey. I was introduced to Elena through our mutual friend Dipika, who I have known since high school. It was a great New York summer night filled with plenty of bar hopping and laughs. Fast forward about seven years and we are now living together in Oakland, surviving the week-long car ride from coast to coast.

According to Elena: Our two best friends from high school were roommates in college. After college, his friend, my friend, and I all moved to New York. We started hanging out together and his friend organized a ski weekend for the larger group of friends. We first met there and had a great weekend. But we didn’t get together for another few months, in the summer, when we reconnected at a friend’s birthday party. Before he got there, my friend and I were talking about the group that will be joining and started talking about him. I realized he’s super cute and a lot of fun so decided to make a move. And then here we are!

How did you get engaged?
According to Steve: I wanted to keep the proposal simple as I know Elena would like it that way. We took Luna, our dog, for a walk along the water near our apartment. We took Luna out on one of the piers in the marina and I let Elena walk ahead. I got down on one knee and said Elena’s name. When she turned around, I presented the ring.

According to Elena: Steve asked about making dinner together on a Sunday night. Something about how he said it made me think he was going to propose (we had been talking about it for a bit). I already had plans with friends and I canceled saying I thought it might happen. During the day on Sunday, I second-guessed myself because he seemed so calm. But then, after dinner, he started acting weird. He then suggested we take the dog for a walk. We live on the water so we walked along the shore then onto a small pier, where he got down on one knee and proposed. It was a really beautiful setting. He had organized a photographer friend to come photograph it so we could have a memory of it, which was sweet.

Details of the day!
We were originally to be married in 2020, but of course, due to covid, postponed to celebrate later in 2021. After a year of waiting, we were married on a sunny and unusually warm March day at The Ryland Inn. We chose the coach house at The Ryland Inn because of the beautiful chandeliers, fireplace, and high ceilings. Our day was an intimate affair of 50 guests with touches of candles, wildflowers, and greenery. Sitting in the sun, guests enjoyed an outdoor ceremony before heading inside for a dinner reception. While we had originally planned for a much larger group, we really loved having the more intimate wedding. We felt they could spend time with everyone who was there in a meaningful way.

Why did you choose your venue?
We loved the Coach House space because of the beautiful chandeliers, fireplace, high ceilings

All about your gown!
Loved the mix of lace at the top to bring texture and then the simplicity for the bottom

What was your favorite moment?
Dancing with everyone we hadn’t been able to see since the beginning of 2020. It was a reunion and celebration all in one. Also walking into the fireplace room before we went into the cocktail hour. Twisted Willow did an amazing job creating such a beautiful and romantic feeling to the room The ceremony of course! And then walking into the dining room together and getting introduced for the first time as husband/wife (intro after the cocktail hour). Lastly dancing with all our family and friends. We felt so much joy to be able to celebrate this moment with our close family and friends. We were grateful for everyone who joined despite everything going on.

Did anything go wrong?
No. While we had originally planned for a much larger group, we really loved having the more intimate wedding. We felt we could spend time with everyone who was there in a meaningful way

Any advice for future brides?
Found my dress at Lovely Bride! They have shops throughout the US. Had a great experience and loved their selection of dresses

the details

Reception Location

The Ryland Inn

Photographer

Bri Johnson Photography

Officiant

Franne & Bob Demetrician

Bride’s Gown

Made with Love

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Elena and Steve at The Ryland Inn

the details

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Flowers

Invites

Music

Videographer

Wedding Planner

Brides Jewelry