We’re thrilled to share our latest wedding inspiration with you, featuring the stunning Katie May dress collection. As soon as we laid eyes on Kate’s breathtaking backless gown, we knew her and Michael’s special day was going to be nothing short of exceptional.
Bri Johnson Weddings captured their elegant New Jersey celebration with impeccable precision, showcasing a perfect blend of classic and timeless elegance. From Kate and Michael’s own stylish flair (we’re big fans of that beardy groom charm!) to the preppy navy and white color palette and lush blooms throughout, every detail exuded effortless sophistication.
The ceremony was marked by a beautifully crafted DIY arbour, serving as the perfect focal point amidst the 200-year-old estate at Ryland Inn’s stately backdrop. We can’t help but swoon over the result – understated yet striking, requiring minimal decoration to let the natural beauty shine through.
As you scroll down, get ready to be inspired by timeless style and clever ideas that will leave you wanting more. The dream sunset portrait session is simply not to be missed – a must-see for anyone looking to emulate perfection on their own special day.
Our Love Story
It was a chance encounter that brought Mike and me together, on a blind date arranged by mutual friends who were also navigating the ups and downs of romance. The scene was set against the backdrop of a bowling alley, a humble beginning to our journey. Despite growing up just a few miles apart, we attended different high schools and never crossed paths during our formative years. Fast-forward to the summer when Mike had recently completed his college degree in Philadelphia and I was wrapping up my first year of studies there. Our meeting sparked an instant connection, and we quickly became inseparable. As fate would have it, Mike returned to Philly around the same time as I resumed school, allowing us to establish a new home base in the city. Seven years later, Mike popped the question on the same beach where my parents first met – also on a blind date! The serendipity was not lost on me.
The Inspiration
In creating our design scheme, we deliberately steered clear of forced themes or rigid color palettes. Instead, we opted for a predominantly white and neutral aesthetic, punctuated by judicious uses of navy and gold accents where they felt most organic. The venue’s inherent beauty was so striking that it didn’t require an abundance of decorative elements to elevate the space.
The Attire
For our wedding, we opted for timeless and classic attire. The ladies were able to choose their own dress styles from Navy J. Crew dresses, while the gentlemen donned dark grey suits courtesy of The Black Tux – an excellent choice that I would highly recommend. In fact, the groom himself wore a dashing navy three-piece suit from J. Crew.
The Venue
Although we’ve relocated to Philadelphia, our roots run deep in Hunterdon County’s picturesque landscape, particularly around the Ryland Inn, which holds a special place in our hearts due to its proximity to our childhood homes.
The Decor & Details
The Ryland Inn’s natural charm is what truly makes it special – its rustic beauty shines without the need for elaborate decorations. What I’m most proud of, however, is the stunning arbor that we exchanged our vows beneath. Michael and his best man Tom crafted it from cedar boards with meticulous care, while our talented florist Tony added a touch of elegance with his exquisite flower arrangement. The result was nothing short of breathtaking. Today, we’ve repurposed the arbor in our own backyard, and we’re already counting down the days until next summer when we can surround it with lush ivy and vibrant blooms.
The Flowers
We opted for an all-white flower arrangement with pops of greenery, entrusting our florist to bring our design concepts to life. The result was breathtakingly beautiful, exceeding even our highest expectations. The centerpiece featured a stunning assortment of garden roses, while hydrangeas, orchids, and various foliage elements added depth and texture to the overall décor. Throughout the process, our florist played a pivotal role in translating our creative vision into reality.
The Ceremony
Our wedding ceremony was officiated by Dr. Sheila Gay Gross, who brought a unique touch to the proceedings. Instead of traditional readings or quotes from literature, she decided to make the day even more meaningful by asking close friends of ours to share their thoughts about us during the ceremony. This intimate approach not only made the event feel highly personal but also lent an air of authenticity that would be hard to replicate with more formal or scripted elements.
Favourite Moments
In retrospect, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single highlight from my wedding day, as everything felt like perfection from start to finish. I used to be skeptical when people claimed their special day was the best they’d ever had, but after experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say that it truly was the pinnacle of joy for me. Every moment, from the initial preparations to the final farewell, was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Photography
When evaluating photographers, Michael and I were thoroughly impressed by Bri Johnson’s portfolio. Each of her photos exuded a level of quality that could easily grace the cover of a magazine. Moreover, her professionalism, responsiveness, and warm demeanor made her an ideal choice for our project. Her exceptional talent was matched only by her pleasant personality, making the collaboration a seamless experience.
We were already familiar with Majestic Creative Films, whose videography work we admired. Given their successful partnership with Bri in the past, it was an effortless decision to trust them with our visual storytelling.
The Refreshments
The star of the evening was undoubtedly our signature bourbon mule, a clever twist on the classic Moscow mule. This innovative drink was just one aspect of an unforgettable night at The Ryland Inn, where the emphasis is always on using only the freshest farm-to-table ingredients in both the drinks and the culinary creations. As we sipped and savored our way through a comprehensive cocktail hour, it was clear that the evening’s culinary delights would be a major highlight – and indeed they were, with many of our guests raving about the exceptional sit-down dinner that followed.
Advice for Other Couples
Prior to booking, invest the necessary time to thoroughly research and get acquainted with your vendors. This crucial step will ensure that you have a dependable team in place, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy your special day. By doing so, you’ll be able to entrust the execution of your event to capable professionals, freeing you up to simply soak up the experience alongside loved ones.
The Music
As we exchanged vows, the harmonious sounds of Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles filled the air as the bridal party and family made their way down the aisle. This timeless classic set the tone for a day that would be filled with love, laughter, and music. Later in the ceremony, the bride’s processional was accompanied by the elegant and serene Pachelbel’s Canon in D, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. As we sealed our union, All You Need is Love by The Beatles provided the perfect recessional soundtrack, leaving us beaming with happiness.During the reception, City Rhythm, a talented group based out of Philadelphia, PA, had the crowd enthralled with their incredible performance. We spared no expense in hiring this exceptional band, and it paid off in spades as our dance floor was packed all night long. Without a doubt, investing in City Rhythm was an absolute highlight of our special day, and we would highly recommend them to any couple looking for a truly unforgettable experience.
The Honeymoon
Our journey took us to the vibrant continent of Africa, where we spent two weeks exploring the beauty of Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and the stunning island of Mauritius. This extraordinary trip is a must-visit for honeymooners seeking a mix of adventure and romance. The perfect blend of excitement and intimacy, it’s an experience that will leave you breathless. We had the privilege of capturing a truly unforgettable wedding, one that exudes timeless elegance with modern twists. I was particularly enamored with the beautiful arbour, while Kate’s stunning engagement ring caught my eye. It was an honor to be a part of their special day, and we’re grateful to Bri Johnson Weddings for allowing us to share it with you. The love and joy that filled the air were palpable, and we can’t wait to inspire more couples with real weddings like this.