There are a bajillion reasons why I love this celebration, but the absolute winning factor is the couple and their story. It’s one of strength, courage, and concluded with a seriously elegant affair. From the portraits amongst paddocks to the gorg reception space, Kay English captured all the loveliness here!
From the beautiful Bride… Zack and I met online after a series of unsuccessful relationships for us both. We talked for over a month before meeting, having some hysterical conversations. When finally met there was an instant connection, we were inseparable ever since. Six months into the relationship he was sent to Virginia for work. We were long distance for about 2 years before I decided to move down to be with him.
A few months later, the autoimmune disease that I was diagnosed with many years back progressed at an aggressive rate – sending me back home to NJ to be with my family for the support of the grueling process that was ahead of me. Fast forward 3 years, one failed treatment after another, eventually resulting in a 3 stage surgery which was my only option left. Zack proposed a year and half before our wedding, when we still had such high hopes that one of the many treatment options would eventually work. We never imagined I would end up where I am now. But we made it through! If I learned anything from this process it was that the love and support of loved ones can get you through anything. The wedding was extra special to us to not only be celebrating our union, but celebrating getting through the hardest time in our lives, our never ending love, commitment, support for each other, as well as my determination to move forward with my life.
Our ceremony at St. Teresa of Avila in Summit, NJ started with the Stafford Horne Music by Claudia Wigent and her ensemble filling the grand church with their alluring classical instrumental and vocal music. One of my favorite moments was me standing in the back, waiting for it all to begin, my arm in my fathers and my mother in front of us telling me to listen. I heard the most beautiful rendition of one of my favorite songs, “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge that my mother surprised me with. My eyes started to fill with tears as I always think of Zack when I hear it. I walked down the isle to their instrumental version of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. I wore a beautiful crystal adorned gown by Enaura Bridal with a cathedral length veil from Jaehee Bridal. We then made our way to the reception in a vintage 1950’s Rolls-Royce.
Our reception was held at the very unique and special, Ryland Inn, there is honestly no other place like it. It embodied every thing I always envisioned for my wedding, elegant but not over the top traditional, just the perfect amount of rustic with an equestrian feel. In front of the Ryland there is a fenced in area that gave my mom and I the idea to hire horses to ride there. We were able to get four horses with their handlers in full equestrian attire from Liberty Farm. My photographer, Kay English, was able to get the most gorgeous photos of Zack and I with two of the horses. We were all so excited but Zack eventually had to force me to go inside to enjoy the cocktail hour.
In my experience, having such great vendors to work with helped make everything flawless. I am so glad I found the Ryland Inn after searching for months for that one special place. It was exquisite – from the people who work there, the service, the food, the décor and setting, it was all just breathtaking.
Everything was so much better than I ever dreamed it would be – We could not be happier! People are still talking about how amazing everything was and that it was the best wedding they have ever been to. Much thanks to all of the amazing people and vendors I had the pleasure to work with, we appreciate everyone very much! But mostly thank you to my incredible family, especially my mother for her patience and putting up with me and my ideas for over a year. Thank you to my loving parents for their incredible generosity in giving me this exquisite day, the best day of my life! I can not think of a better way to spend this most unforgettable day than to be surrounded by our loved ones and closest friends. Thanks to Kay English for capturing all of the beautiful moments and details so I can cherish them for a lifetime.
Photography: Kay English Photography | Cinematography: Willow Tree Films | Floral Design: Magnolia | Wedding Dress: Enaura Bridal | Cake: Palermo's Bakery | Stationery: The Honour Of Your Presence | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Your Day Your Way | DJ: Elite Sounds Entertainment Group | Venue: Ryland Inn | Horses: Liberty Farm