Modern Spring Wedding at The Ryland Inn by Sarah Canning Photography

If you’re someone who is wanting to keep things modern & classic for your wedding day, then you’ve come to the right spot. Kirsten and Colin’s Modern Spring Wedding at The Ryland Inn will seriously light you up and give you all the modern inspo you’re ever going to need.

The Ryland Inn

So if you’re someone looking for rustic elegance, then The Ryland Inn is the wedding venue for you. This New Jersey wedding venue is located on lush farmland and preserved wilderness but is completely decked out to fit all of your modern needs. What used to be a stagecoach stop has now become one of the finest New Jersey wedding venues. While it still holds its quaint charm from the original build, after a decade-long renovation, The Ryland Inn has since been restored to its former glory. Offering farm-to-table meals, exquisite landscaping, and supreme service, The Ryland Inn is IT.

There are several different event spaces to choose from at The Ryland Inn, as well as two getting-ready locations. To see more about what The Ryland Inn has to offer for your wedding day, click here! To inquire about hosting your wedding at The Ryland Inn, click here!

Getting Ready

We began this beautiful day with Kirsten in the bridal suite located at The Ryland Inn. As soon as I arrive I will typically begin with detail photos as the bride and her bridesmaids finish getting ready. It’s during this time that I will ask to have all of your wedding details in order to organize them into the perfect flat lay. For more info on what detail photos are and what to include in them for your wedding photographer, check out this blog here!

Kirsten and Colin kept their wedding theme very modern and elegant, which definitely reflects in all of the details throughout their day. Kirsten’s dress by Reem Acra was simple, classic, and oh so elegant. While many times you may think you need to go above and beyond with your wedding dress for such a special occasion, that isn’t the case. There is beauty in simplicity and Kirsten proved just that.

Kirsten and her bridesmaids all wore these beautiful matching sets as they popped champagne on the bed. While we all love a good champagne pop, you can also use props like confetti, balloons, streamers, and flower petals. The morning of your wedding can get pretty hectic and the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed on what’s supposed to be a joyous occasion. To be fully prepped and ready to go, click here for some morning prep tips.

Why You Should Have A Second Photographer

While I was with Kirsten and her bridesmaids in the bridal suite, Colin was over at the Groom’s Cottage with his pals. Thankfully we were able to have a second photographer hang out with Colin and his groomsmen as he got ready, while I was with Kirsten. Having a second photographer on your wedding day, in my opinion, is essential. When you have a second photographer on your wedding day you can:

Capture both the bride + groom as they get ready
You’re able to have different angles captured throughout different moments of the day
You can receive more dancing & party candids
(Sometimes) You are able to have more photos than just having one photographer

You may call me biased, which I probably am. However, I truly believe that having a second photographer has all the pros and little to no cons. Just something to think about when you’re looking to book your wedding photographer!

Grandfather/Daughter First Look & Bride/Groom First Look

Shortly after getting ready, Kirsten met up with her grandfather outside for a first look. I could go on and on about how amazing first looks are and why everyone should do them. While not everyone will want to do a first look on their wedding day, it’s always something I ask my couples to consider. You don’t always have to do a first look with your partner, but it could also be with your wedding party or parent/guardian/grandparent. To read more about the benefits of having a first look on your wedding day, click here!

After an emotional first look with her father, Kirsten then met up with her soon-to-be husband. It is evident that both Kirsten and Colin were flooded with emotions as soon as they saw each other. It was such an emotional moment and one that is truly impactful on your wedding day. Just remember to always pack some tissues and/or wear some waterproof mascara. The waterworks really start flowing! During this time Colin and Kirsten also started reading their personal wedding vows to each other, which is also a major benefit to doing a first look prior to the ceremony.

Portraits

Since The Ryland Inn is fully restored, the landscaping and architecture of this entire wedding venue are stunning. The rest of the wedding party met up with us outside as we began taking portraits. I fell in love with the beautiful deep blue bridesmaids’ dresses which were the perfect pop of color in a rather neutral color palette. The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining, and getting to work with such a fabulous group of people always lights me up on wedding days.

Outdoor Spring Wedding Ceremony

After a rather emotional first portion of the day, it was time for us to head to the ceremony. Surrounded by their closest family & friends, Colin and Kirsten stood underneath this beautiful floral arch as they made their commitment to one another. Ceremonies tend to move so fast because within a blink of an eye these two were married. When we tell you your wedding day flies by, we seriously mean it!

Golden Hour Portraits

While all of the other wedding guests attended cocktail hour, I snuck off with Kirsten and Colin for some beautiful golden hour portraits. Now keep in mind, that you do not have to be taken away from your cocktail hour for portraits. If you’re wanting golden hour photos, make sure you communicate with your wedding photographer. That way they can plan accordingly in your wedding day timeline. Golden hour is a very short window, so we were able to do these fairly quickly before reuniting them with their guests.

Reception

Kirsten and Colin’s wedding reception was held in the Grand Ballroom at The Ryland Inn. Surrounded by 30-foot windows, and a large stone fireplace, the inside decor was just as beautiful as the outside. We spent the remainder of the night witnessing beautiful first dances, some (extremely) emotional wedding speeches, and kickin’ off our dancing shoes. So honored to have been there and captured these moments for Kirsten and Colin. I would do it over and over again. Cheers to K+C!!

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