Classic Spring Wedding at The Ryland Inn | Rose + Sebastian

What's In My Camera Bag?

My Favorite Tools

Meet Francesca

Based in New Jersey, Francesca is a wedding photographer specializing in Catholic, estate, and coastal weddings throughout New Jersey and the East Coast. She is drawn to weddings rooted in family and tradition.

Her approach blends gentle direction with genuine moments, creating photographs that feel natural yet refined. She photographs weddings with the understanding that the people in the photographs matter just as much as the photographs themselves. The result is imagery that feels just as meaningful years from now as it does today.

proposals

Engagements

weddings

Explore The Blog

Ryland Inn | Whitehouse Station, NJ

I had the best time photographing Rose and Sebastian’s romantic spring wedding day at the breathtaking Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, NJ. I had the pleasure of photographing their wedding day for Jennifer Larsen.

Rose and Sebastian were college sweethearts who found love on the campus of Loyola University Maryland. (Shoutout to my fellow Jesuit-educated friends!) From the moment I met them, it was evident that their connection was truly special.

The day was sprinkled with sweet nods to Rose’s grandpa, who recently passed. His presence was felt in every detail – from his name on the seating chart to a touching table setting with his photo. Speeches echoed with memories of him, adding an extra layer of sentimentality to the celebration.

Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Wedding Ceremony

In an unexpected plot twist, Rose’s vintage car broke down on the way to the ceremony at Saint Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church! You would never know it from the photos, and thankfully, this hiccup did not impact their timeline too much and made for a memory they can hopefully look back and laugh on! The day continued with a lovely Catholic wedding ceremony where Rose and Sebastian opted for the tradition of bringing flowers to the statue of Mary – a quiet, prayerful tradition I adore.

The Ryland Inn Coach House Wedding Reception

Built in 1796, the Ryland Inn is a former country home and stagecoach stop. Today, it is a redesigned space that boasts exposed wood beams, elegant chandeliers, and a romantic and luxurious feel with nods to their equestrian roots. The reception unfolded in the historic Ryland Inn Coach House, a 200-year-old barn complete with a silo. With whitewashed ceilings, dark wood exposed beams, Italian porcelain floors, French doors, and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, it was a perfect blend of rustic charm and timeless elegance.

The weather gifted Rose and Sebastian with a perfect spring day. The sunset painted the sky in shades of pink, purple, and gold, providing the backdrop for some of the most magical golden hour photos. After taking our sweet time with the beautiful sunset lighting, we returned to the Coach House for the party to begin!

Rose, a major Justin Bieber fan, chose “Lifetime” as her and Sebastian’s first dance song. To her surprise, her maid of honor then brought out a life-size cardboard cutout of Justin during her speech – cue Rose’s tears of pure joy and laughter!

The night ended in a massive dance party, thanks to the incredible sounds of The Benjamins, one of my favorite wedding bands. The dance floor was alive with energy, laughter, and the undeniable magic of two people beginning their journey as a married couple.

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Rose and Sebastian!