• Real Weddings

With hints of blue, white and terracotta scattered throughout the day, Vanessa and Alex's Ryland Inn wedding day felt like a Mediterranean dream without leaving New Jersey. And Vanessa carried that theme from the first looks to the reception exit with her Grecian goddess look brought to you by Stella Fatalé (Hair), Makeup by Stacy Suarez, and that gorgeous dress by Willowby Watters! 

Keep scrolling to find more beautiful blue and white wedding ideas, and don't forget to check out the full gallery where you'll find all of the photos from Lauren Brimhall Photo.

CEREMONY & RECEPTION LOCATION: 

The Ryland Inn, Somerville, NJ, "Romantic and luxurious, rustic yet refined, the new Ryland Inn is an inspiring setting for dinner, private event, or to mark your new life together." - EXACTLY the style Vanessa and Alex were envisioning!

FROM THE HAIRSTYLIST:

When Vanessa first reached out, she described her vision of "gorgeous formal hair, but with a bit of a bohemian flair." I was instantly captivated by her style and was flooded with inspiration and ideas for her wedding and hairstyle. I wanted to create a romantic and comfortable style for Vanessa that looked effortless and natural on her. 

When meeting her for her preview session, I designed a loose and textured updo. By including a subtle fishtail braid and sweeping her hair to the side for the final wedding day look, it instantly transformed her style into the "breezy Mediterranean look" she was going for. 

What made it even more suitable and gorgeous was how Vanessa's hairstyle complimented her detailed Willowby Watters dress. The ornate, v-back cut of her dress was perfectly matched with the size, style, and texture of her updo, including the pearl-embellished comb to finish. 

FROM THE BRIDE:

Our wedding day at The Ryland Inn was a gorgeous affair full of joyful laughter and elegant fun without losing our unique personalities. Prior to choosing our venue, we had a few practical considerations. We wanted great food and music somewhere that could comfortably host two large extended families. The Ryland Inn delivered all that and much more with fabulous farm to table cuisine and an airy dining room with a high ceiling, cream-colored walls and big glass windows. 

the Style

When planning the look and feel of our day, I wanted to build upon the neutral tones already in the venue. I love the Mediterranean and decided to focus on white and cobalt tones with rusty red accents. Our fabulous florist ran with the idea and in addition to amazing florals, she incorporated olive branches, dark blue and turquoise vases, and terra cotta flower pots. My dress and my two bridesmaids’ gowns also carried a graceful Grecian quality and our wonderful hair and makeup stylists helped to complete our looks with gorgeous braids and curls that lasted all day and night. 

The Personal Touches

In addition to the visual aesthetic, it was important that our wedding felt like us. We hired a great officiant who helped shape a ceremony that incorporated elements of both the Jewish and Catholic faiths for my husband’s and my family respectively, as well as fun readings that we loved (from unlikely sources such as Tina Fey and Winnie the Pooh). Music is super important to us, so we splurged on a seven-piece band that kept our guests on their feet all night long. In order to capture all of these great moments, we collaborated with a spunky talented photographer who was all about getting quirky and moving images alike. 

My husband and I will always be grateful for everyone who came together to help us celebrate our union in style!

Budget Breakdown

Hair 600
Makeup 600
Photo 4,000
Stationery (Save the Dates and Invitations) 1,000
Florals/Decor 3,500
Ceremony, Reception, Caterer, Baker, Planner Combined 41,000
Brides Dress 1,600
Grooms Dress 650
Accessories 150
Ceremony/reception accessories 100
Officiant 500
Band 7,000

We partnered with Stella Fatalé LLC to share their amazing hairstyling service, as well as this fabulous wedding day!

• Band: Ernest Mills Band of Hank Lane Music
• Cakes & Catering: La Bonbonniere
• Dress Designer: Willowby Watters
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Stella Fatalé LLC
• Makeup: Makeup by Stacy Suarez
• Officiants: Christina Turner Ward
• Photographers: Lauren Brimhall Photo
• Venues: The Ryland Inn