Real Wedding: A Stylish Estate Wedding with Unexpected Twists

Nicole and Ryan first met at Ohio State, but their love story did not truly begin until years later in New York City. After matching on a dating app and reconnecting at a mutual friend’s party, the rest fell naturally into place. It felt only fitting that the city where they built their life together would inspire the way they celebrated with their favorite people.

Instead of following tradition, Nicole and Ryan chose to host cocktail hour before the ceremony, instantly creating a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere. Guests were welcomed with specialty drinks, roaming magic from Opus 216, and an impressive spread of food. Interactive stations featured pasta, flatbreads, sushi, and an abundance of passed bites.

The couple celebrated a traditional Jewish ceremony beneath a stunning chuppah. Using an existing arbor on the property, the floral team completely transformed the space with lush greenery and vibrant blooms in warm, sunset inspired colors. To ensure everything felt cohesive, colorful annuals and perennials were planted throughout the grounds, blending the design seamlessly into the landscape. Reserved ceremony seats were finished with single stem florals, a subtle detail that tied everything together beautifully.

For the reception design, Nicole knew she did not want anything to feel overly coordinated or matchy. Instead, the reception tables were layered with mixed linens, napkins, glassware, and candles, creating a space that felt collected and inviting. Florals on the tables were kept intentionally minimal, allowing the natural beauty of the property to shine through.

Dinner was inspired by Laser Wolf in Brooklyn, one of the couple’s favorite restaurants, and reflected bold flavors, shared plates, and an emphasis on incredibly fresh ingredients. Nicole’s background working with Pop Up Grocer played a major role in shaping the menu, with careful attention paid to quality and sourcing. From cocktail hour to dinner to dessert and late night snacks, the food never stopped coming. Guests were treated to a full dessert display including a s’mores bar, followed later by chicken tender fries and soft pretzels served warm as the party continued.

As the night went on, the reception tent came alive. Disco balls, draped greenery, glowing purple lights, and a flower meadow in front of the DJ stage created a fun and immersive atmosphere. A custom built tree over the main bar, adorned with disco balls and glowing from within, became a standout feature. The lighting and movement throughout the space felt almost cinematic. One guest even joked that he felt like a movie star walking through the room.

Nicole’s love for Taylor Swift showed up in thoughtful ways throughout the night. The couple was married on September 13 and sat at table 13 with their closest friends. Disco balls and purple lighting made an appearance later in the evening, subtle nods that felt personal without being over the top.

Once the dance floor opened, a tequila cart rolled in, with Nicole’s brothers enthusiastically helping pour shots for guests. The energy only grew from there, eventually leading to one final unforgettable moment when Nicole and Ryan jumped into the pool together in their wedding attire.

With family in town watching the property transform throughout the week and friends filling every corner of the space, the entire day felt warm, intentional, and full of joy. It was exactly what Nicole and Ryan hoped for — a wedding that felt gorgeous, fun, and truly delicious from start to finish.