Krista and John at The Ryland Inn

Details of the day: I always wanted to get married where I grew up in Hunterdon County, NJ. It’s such a natural beautiful place with a quiet, elegant, yet rustic feel. My fiance and I felt like The Ryland Inn reflected our tastes the best. My family and I had actually celebrated my baptism there back in 1988 and were so happy when we saw it was recently rebuilt and reopened. It was the perfect venue for what we were envisioning, a mix of indoor/outdoor elegance and natural beauty. We decided on Oldwick Lutheran Zion Church because of the history behind the church. My childhood pastor and family friend was able to officiate which made the ceremony extra special. Being able to marry my husband and begin our lives in the same area where I grew up as child (and loved) made the wedding intimate, personal and nostalgic.

Your favorite part: We both loved our signature drink the most. We served our version of Sangria which has a little bit of a hillbilly twist. We named it “STANgria” after John’s father who invented the recipe but unfortunately passed away a few months before the wedding. It was the best way to honor such a fun, care-free, southern and loving father.

One word to describe your wedding: Charming

Advice for other brides: On the day of the wedding don’t think about anything else but having fun with your family, friends, and (of course) husband. Your hair may get messed up, your makeup smudged, and your ride may arrive a little late but the memories you have surrounded by hundreds of people you love are the moments you’ll remember forever.