A Fun-Loving Couple's Autumn Wedding at the Inn at Taughannock Falls in Trumansburg, New York

Meeting through mutual friends, Jane Blatz and Ryan Meissner felt a spark of connection that was rekindled time and again at various gatherings and events. Over the years, their paths crossed often enough that a deep familiarity grew between them. It was during one such intersection at a Buffalo Bills game that Ryan had an epiphany. Watching Jane laugh and hug his sister, he felt a surge of certainty about their future together. “At that moment, seeing them together laughing and embracing, I just knew that Jane was the one, and I told my friend Brett right there that one day I was going to marry Jane Blatz,” Ryan recalls.

Their friendship deepened effortlessly. “We both immediately felt happy and excited to spend time together, but there was also this instant comfort and friendship that neither of us had ever experienced before,” the groom shares. This bond led to a deeper connection, culminating in a magical proposal at Glenora Falls. “I proposed in front of the waterfall in front of both of our families. It was so important to us both that our families were present for the proposal,” he details. The engagement weekend was filled with celebrations that mirrored the joy of their union. “We all ate together, partied and danced with the people we love most until the wee hours of the morning,” Ryan reflects.

From the moment the pair began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted a celebration that reflected their vibrant, fun-loving personalities. “Our wedding hashtag would later become #JaneAndRyansSmallGathering because we would often joke that we were just having a small gathering,” Ryan chuckles, recalling their fondness for hosting large parties that inevitably grew in size. The couple drew inspiration from their love for Disney and epic tales, envisioning their wedding as a magical autumnal affair at a venue that resonated with their storybook dreams. This vision led them to the Inn at Taughannock Falls, a place that not only captivated them with its stunning scenery reminiscent of a Disney fairytale but also held sentimental value, being situated near where Ryan proposed by the picturesque Glenora Falls. The venue’s owner, a Hollywood producer with a knack for extravagant decor and a shared love for Manhattans—the couple’s favorite cocktail—sealed the deal on this serendipitous location.

As the wedding day approached, selecting the perfect attire became a pivotal part of their storytelling. Jane wanted a dress that made her feel like a princess from the tales she cherished. At Kleinfeld in New York, she found just that—a stunning Martina Liana princess ballgown that dazzled with intricate beadwork and a flowing train. “It was a dream come true, and I have never felt so beautiful,” she gushes. The groom, wanting to complement the fall theme yet stand out, chose a dark burgundy suit lined with Buffalo Bills’ ‘Zubaz’ print, a nod to their hometown and beloved football team. “That suit is, without a doubt, my favorite piece of clothing that I own,” Ryan declares.

The wedding day unfolded with cinematic perfection. Guests gathered beneath the canopy of vibrant fall foliage at the Inn, the air buzzing with excitement and the rustle of leaves. As the ceremony began, the string quartet and harpist filled the air with melodies from Hamilton and Taylor Swift, creating a soundtrack that was uniquely theirs. The groomsmen, stepping down the aisle to the Avengers theme, added a touch of heroic flair.

Ryan and Jane’s choice to have two close friends officiate lent the ceremony a blend of humor and warmth. “We never saw a copy of their script, so it was new for us as well, and it truly was like something out of a comedy routine while still being heartfelt and sentimental,” Ryan reflects on the ceremony that effortlessly mixed laughter with tears of joy. Following the heartfelt vows, the celebration transitioned to a lively reception where the couple’s signature cocktails, the Manhattan and the “Jablini,” were a hit. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the reception tent, transformed into an enchanted forest by Katharine Phillips and her team, welcomed guests with open arms. The decor featured an array of pumpkins, gourds and lush florals, embodying the essence of fall and enchantment.

Dinner featured a myriad of stations offering local delicacies like mac and cheese and pierogi, reflecting the couple’s favorite flavors. Ryan, a self-professed beer connoisseur, ensured that the local IPA and his favorite “Pumking” were on tap. The evening was punctuated with a movie montage of their favorite films, a special creation by a close friend, viewed on a big screen complete with movie popcorn, drawing everyone into the couple’s cinematic love story.

As the night progressed, the dance floor remained packed, the Buffalo Bills’ Shout song ringing through the air, and a late-night tailgate-themed feast kept spirits high. “The weekend was even more incredible than we could have ever imagined,” Jane smiles. As advice to other couples planning their weddings, the newlyweds emphasized the importance of making each moment count. “Just make sure every moment feels like something special and unique, so it never feels like work,” Ryan advises, stressing the joy found in the details. Their final piece of advice for married life was simple yet profound: “Never stop being best friends.”