Their Wedding Day: Jack’s Barn, Oxford, NJ

These are my people. Nikki and Ryan are some of the kindest, raddest, and most thoughtful people I have the pleasure of knowing. I remember feeling literal butterflies and SO much excitement when Nikki inquired with me (feels like forever ago!), and how quickly we connected when we met for coffee together. I could seriously just tell that they were full of so much support and passion for one another, and in turn, that made it so incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to work with them from their engagement session to their wedding day. These two tied the knot at the stunningly unique Jack’s Barn in Oxford, New Jersey – a venue that has so much charm and personality to it!

Nikki and Ryan chose their details with so much attention and care, and it was so much fun getting to highlight them! Nikki included some special heirlooms like her grandmother’s handkerchief, a purse passed down for generations, and the lace from her mother’s wedding dress wrapped around her bouquet. Ryan’s grandmother’s broach was placed on her bouquet, as well, and it was such a special moment when Ryan’s father showed Nikki the broach that morning and placed it on the bouquet himself! She also spiced up her details with a gorgeous customized MRS Box for her ring! It was THE cutest thing ever when Nikki was fully ready and her flower girls were in AWE of her – they kept saying “Nikki is so beautiful” over and over.

Ryan had some really awesome, unique details like his gold pocket watch with the coolest detailing and his wooden pipe! What was actually really fun and different for me was that the guys were getting ready so close to where the girls were, my second photographer, Tori (yes!!! 2 Toris!), was able to shoot details alongside of me, so we got to share some details, like rings and even just the authentic barn wood flooring! Might not seem special but usually details are separated and the groom’s ring stays with me, but I’m so glad Tori was able to capture it along with all of Ryan’s details, also!

Their emotional first look was such a reminder of why I adore that part of a wedding day, not only for the ease and flow of the timeline, but also just for a quiet, special, intimate moment for my couples to be present with one another. On a day where you really have very little alone time, it’s the perfect way to ensure that you get to just take some time to hold, cry, hug, laugh, and just BE with your person. Ryan was crying, Nikki was holding his hands so sweetly. It was everything I adore about first looks and more.

Portraits blew me away. These two are friggen ROCK STARS, and they are so stunning together. They are fierce, adorable, sweet, and truly just best friends. It shows in everything they do. I can’t get over these portraits!!! Their wedding party and family gathered for portraits and then got ready for the ceremony! Under the string lights in the barn and surrounded by their loved ones, Nikki and Ryan vowed forever to and with one another. It was emotional, special, and so magical. Ryan broke the glass, the crowd cheered, and these two kissed for the first time as a married couple. I was smiling so much behind my camera, my cheeks were hurting so badly, haha! Then, WE PARTIED!

There were so many fun decor details like the handmade globe that Nikki DIYed for their guests to sign, the vintage-style handkerchiefs in a basket for the ceremony, the hand-drawn chalkboard name sign on the wall (yes, someone free-handed that Nikki & Ryan sign!), the vintage books to honor their love for books and their first date at a bookstore, and the adorable picture of their furbabies, Cooper and Rya!

Side note: When we first met, we immediately connected over our shared love for our Boston Terriers. At the time, they only had little Cooper and I had my babe, Sam! Since then, they adopted Rya into their fam, and unfortunately, my sweet boy passed away. I cannot even explain how supportive and thoughtful these two have been through that hard time from the kindest messages to inviting me over to play with their Bostons, to gifting me an engraved ’S’ necklace on THEIR wedding day. Like, come on!!!! I am beyond touched by their love. Dog parents just get it. <3 Thank you both so much, I am beyond words with how much this means to me.

One of the many moments that stood out to me from their day was when Ryan’s Jiu Jitsu coach and friend got up to give a little toast to them. He spoke so highly of Ryan’s maturity and character. He praised Ryan for his strength, respect, old soul, and ability to just truly be there for the people he loves. With the loss of his son, Ryan became like a son to this coach and helped him get through such an incredibly tough loss. It was emotional and so special to see the way Ryan has impacted so many lives, and how lucky these two are to be the ones who get to support one another forever. I loved peeking over at Nikki to see the way she was admiring her guy and the way he would peek back at her in admiration. They were are truly just meant for each other, I think anyone who knows them knows that is true.

OKAYYY, let me stop bragging about how much I adore them and let you look at these photos!! If you want to see more of their cuteness, you can check out one of my fave engagement sessions ever! Their in-home session in New Hope, PA is always going to go down as an absolute favorite for me.

Nikki and Ryan,

If I haven’t said it enough already, I am endlessly grateful for you two. Your love inspires me, your character ignites so much creativity and excitement into what I do, and I am just so thankful you two chose me to be the one to tell this piece of your story. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. I am wishing you a lifetime of quiet nights in reading with each other and your pups, so much adventure, and all of the love and laughter you could ask for. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Rizco! I love you two so so much!! Xoxo