A Romantic Spring Ryland Inn Wedding: Emily and Matthew

When a couple chooses a venue as elegant and timeless as The Ryland Inn, you know the wedding is going to be something special. Emily and Matthew’s early spring celebration had all the elements of a beautiful wedding day—thoughtful details, meaningful family moments, and stunning portraits full of motion, light, and joy. With 125 guests and a carefully curated timeline, the day flowed seamlessly from the first look to the last dance, and we were honored to be there to capture every moment.

Photographers: Ryan and Anna
Venue: Ryland Inn

Getting Ready at The Ryland Inn Cottages

The Ryland Inn’s Kimblewick and Pelham Houses provided the perfect getting-ready locations for both Emily and Matthew. These cottages offer natural light, stylish interiors, and the convenience of being just steps away from the venue’s grand ballroom and ceremony space.

Our lead photographer, Ryan, captured Emily’s final hair and makeup touches in Kimblewick House, along with detailed shots of her bouquet, rings, invitations, and accessories. Anna, our second shooter, photographed Matthew and his groomsmen in Pelham House. We always recommend having everyone nearly ready when we arrive so we can focus on candid, meaningful shots—like the bride laughing with her bridesmaids or the groom adjusting his cufflinks with help from a groomsman.

Having both getting-ready locations onsite allowed us to efficiently cover both sides of the wedding party and keep the day running on schedule.

A Joyful First Look and Editorial-Inspired Portraits

One of our favorite parts of the day was Emily and Matthew’s first look, which took place outside the Ryland Inn cottages. With soft natural light and a touch of early spring chill in the air, the moment was both intimate and cinematic. We then moved into a portrait session with the couple, and this is where some of our favorite images of the entire day were captured.

In front of the iconic Ryland Inn grand ballroom, we photographed Emily and Matthew walking, laughing, and even running hand-in-hand. These shots had a sense of movement and spontaneity—effortlessly glamorous, full of joy, and anything but posed. We love creating portraits that feel alive, and this location offered the perfect architectural backdrop to complement their energy.

Our goal is always to mix timeless portraits with dynamic, editorial-style images, and this session struck that perfect balance. These photos didn’t just document the couple—they captured their spirit.

The Ryland Inn has two distinct locations which both host weddings, the Grand Ballroom pictured here, plus the Coach House which you can see a lovely example of in this gorgeous wedding gallery.

Bridal Party and Family Photos

With 16 members in the bridal party, we moved efficiently through group shots while still keeping the energy fun and light. The soft outdoor lighting helped create flattering, clean portraits of the entire wedding party. Emily’s bridesmaids in classic gowns and Matthew’s groomsmen in tailored suits looked perfectly coordinated against the venue’s crisp white exterior and lush grounds.

Family photos followed, and Emily and Matthew provided a detailed list to ensure every important grouping was captured. Having a point person (in this case, the maid of honor and groom’s sister) made the process run smoothly. From intimate shots of the bride with her mother and father to extended family groupings during cocktail hour, each moment was thoughtfully planned—and well executed.

Ceremony Outside the Grand Ballroom

The Ryland Inn has a lot of beautiful outdoor space, the patio outside the grand ballroom is the perfect location for a spring or summer wedding ceremony. We were blessed with good weather and the ceremony was held outdoors. I just love how beautiful the floral arches look in these wedding ceremony shots!

Our photographers captured the ceremony from multiple angles, including the couple’s expressions, family reactions, and wide shots that showcased the venue in all its grandeur.

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour was both festive and functional. While guests mingled and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, we used this time to photograph extended family groups. By listing these photos in advance and assigning specific times, Emily and Matthew were able to ensure all their loved ones were included without missing much of the fun.

Meanwhile, our second shooter focused on capturing the ambiance—candlelit tables, champagne toasts, and genuine smiles as guests reconnected. This is one of the benefits of having two photographers: one can work through formal shots while the other documents the mood and details of the event.

Reception and Golden Hour Portraits

Before guests entered the reception, Emily and Matthew took a moment to themselves to sign the marriage license. We then brought them into the reception room for a few quick photos with the fully set space—capturing every detail before guests were seated.

At golden hour, just before dinner, we stepped outside for a few more portraits. The light was perfect—warm, flattering, and just soft enough to add that signature glow. These are always some of our most cherished images of the day, and Emily and Matthew were completely at ease in front of the camera.

The reception was lively and joyful, with dancing, heartfelt toasts, and a beautiful cake cutting at 8:30 PM. The couple opted not to do formal table photos, so our team focused on candid guest interactions, posed groupings on the dance floor, and emotional moments as they unfolded.

Final Thoughts on This Ryland Inn Wedding

Emily and Matthew’s Ryland Inn wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, elegance, and personal style. From the candid moments during the first look to the sweeping portraits outside the ballroom, every part of the day reflected who they are as a couple—fun-loving, stylish, and full of joy.

The Ryland Inn continues to be one of our favorite venues in New Jersey, offering both refined architecture and natural beauty. It’s a dream to photograph here, and our team was thrilled with how the images turned out.

Whether you’re planning a spring wedding or considering The Ryland Inn for your celebration, we hope this post provides some inspiration—and a reminder that the best wedding photos are the ones that reflect you at your most joyful and in love.

Thinking about booking your Ryland Inn wedding? Schedule a call with me today! We’d love to help you tell your story.