Ryan and Melissa met in college during their junior year at Villanova University. Their rooms happened to be right next to each other and they had mutual friends who introduced them. They started out as friends and then went out on their first date right before Thanksgiving. After college graduation, Ryan moved home to New Jersey and Melissa moved back to Connecticut and they stayed long distance for several years until Ryan relocated to Connecticut to be with Melissa. They both love sailing together at Long Beach Island and traveling to see their friends who live all over the country and even abroad.

Ryan proposed at their alma mater, Villanova University. After a Saturday morning brunch, they decided to walk around campus. Ryan proposed with all their friends waiting as a surprise and ready to take pictures and videos of the proposal. He also had a bottle of champagne ready to pop and they ran around campus in excitement afterward. The next morning, their families gathered together to celebrate the happy news!

Melissa and Ryan chose the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa because they both wanted a venue that had a nautical feel and was by the water. After visiting the Inn for the first time, they fell in love with it. It captured the essence they were looking for and had a beautiful ballroom overlooking all the boats, with a cocktail hour outside that was perfect for “the beginning of summer!”

Their color palette continued the nautical feel with varying shades of blue. The bridesmaids wore a dusty blue and the groomsmen wore navy blue suits. The flowers were also blue and white to match. The decor was also very similar: lightly nautical, simple and clean, natural and comforting.

Beyond the details, much of their planning went into making sure that their guests would have fun and enjoy the day. Melissa and Ryan did this by selecting special songs that reflected memories with different groups of people, adding extra treats toward the end of the night, and donating their wedding gift to a cause very close to Ryan's cousin's heart.

We hope you love these pictures and thank you for choosing us to share in your special day!