Real Weddings
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Meg and Adam at The Ryland Inn

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Ariana Baio


We became engaged on a beautiful Saturday in April at Carl Schurz Park. Adam was hell-bent on going to this park in the early afternoon, and when we walked into the park he asked to go to a bridge we have liked to walk to. When we got to the bridge I sat on the ledge and looked over at him. He seemed very nervous and appeared to be trying to get his thoughts in order, so I gave him what I hoped was an encouraging hug. While neither of us remembers what was said we know the outcome! Afterward, we walked to our favorite bar where all of our friends had come from near and far to celebrate with us. It was the most fun, memorable day and I wish I could relive it a million more times.

Adam and I were joined in marriage on a warm fall day at St. Brigid’s Church in Peapack, NJ. Our wedding took place 30 minutes from where we both grew up, in an area that we love. The church has a 18th century European charm and is beautifully understated making it the perfect backdrop for our ceremony. When we saw St. Brigid’s Church we knew we wanted to get married there. Once we tied the knot, we left the church through a Marine Corps sword arch and headed to our reception at The Ryland Inn in a Rolls Royce. Our reception was decorated in a color palette of greens, whites and Mediterranean blues. The fresh, clean, classic look inspired by the Italian Riviera felt otherworldly. We kicked off our reception with an epic first dance, toasted with my family’s loving cup, and danced into the evening.

We only looked at three venues- I like to keep things simple- and the Ryland Inn made the process so easy. They are extremely organized, thorough, and professional, not to mention the food is incredible.

I found my dress at Elizabeth John’s in Morristown. My favorite features are the silk taffeta skirt (with pockets!) and the beautiful lace on the bodice.

Seeing Adam for the first time at the altar; Saying our vows and our first kiss; taking our pictures at the Ryland Inn with Bri; Spending the night with our family and friends.

I wish I had been less stressed an anxious about the day! I needed to relax and I didn’t. But other than that the day was everything we could hoped it would be. It was absolute perfection.

Look at the big picture. This is a stressful time and we had the weight of our own, and others’ expectations on us, which was often overwhelming. It’s important to take a step back and remember that this is just one day of your lives – what follows is more important.

Tulum, Mexico

the details

Hometowns

New Bern, North Carolina

Reception Location

The Ryland Inn

Photographer

Bri Johnson Photography

Officiant

Msgr. Ed Puleo

Bride’s Gown

Oscar De La Renta

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