What struck me most about Beth and Ryan’s wedding, was how utterly excited they are to be married. Their enthusiasm for each other and the commitment they made is inspiring and makes me feel like theirs is a marriage that will stand the test of time. Here’s more about their Big Day from Beth.
Beth & Ryan June 12, 2009, Brooklake Country Club, Florham Park,New Jersey
What you did on your first date
Ryan and I went NYC and had drinks and dinner. I had one to many cocktails and got sick on the train. Ryan had to take care of me and get me home to my parents. (yes, my parents house because we were only 17 years old) I knew from that moment that he was a great guy.
How you knew he was the one
To start, Ryan and I are high school sweethearts. Ryan and I were friends for four years of high school and then took our relationship to the next level when Ryan finally got the guts to ask me out our senior year. He is my best friend. We have been through so many different stages and life changes together (fat, skinny, fat, skinny, college, new careers, loss of jobs, loss of parents). He is my backbone, my best friend, the person I think about when I wake up and the person I want to kiss goodnight. I could not image my life without Ryan. I can honestly say that I love him more and more everyday. We have been together for ten years and finally got married June 12, 2009.
The ceremony
We were married outside of the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, NJ at 6 pm. My friend’s father who is a minister performed the ceremony. It was absolutely gorgeous overlooking the water on a golf course. There were 150 guests present that consisted of family and close friends. Even though Ryan’s parents were not able to be with us, they were there in our hearts and there were two bright rainbows that appeared after the ceremony for all of our guest to see during cocktail hour. I think everyone had goose bumps. It was magical.
The moment Beth will never forget:
Seeing Ryan for the first time and saying my vows to him was my favorite part. There was a moment when I was short of breath right before I walked down the aisle, but then I remembered that I was going to stand next to my best friend and say “I DO”
The reception
The venue was fabulous, the food was superb and the champagne was flowing! Everyone had such a great time! We are one of the first of all our friends to tie the knot, so it was a very enthusiastic young crowd, which made the bouquet toss and garter toss so much fun. Everything was our style from the mashed potato martini bar to dancing to Phish with my father on the dance floor.
Beth’s favorite detail
It was so great to see everything come together. Once I had the place and my dress picked out, I set a “Victorian” theme. My colors were peridot, gold, pink and ivory. The flowers really brought everything together! After planning a wedding for so long, it is so wonderful to see everything work.
Advice for other brides
Enjoy your engagement. It goes by so fast! I was engaged for 1 year and 8 months and it still seemed to fly by. It is easy to get carried away with planning because it is so much fun. I think the photographer is the most important because you are going to see the picturs forever! Do not get into debt over your wedding. You can still have a fabulous wedding and not spend a lot of money. I had the most amazing day, but what really matters is the man you are marrying:) I wish I knew a lot of things that I know now. I should have considered a preowned wedding dress. I am happy to help another bride out!
