White House Correspondent April Ryan Marries at Historic Mansion: 'My Second Chance Love Story' (Exclusive)

On Oct. 14, the veteran White House reporter tied the knot with her fiancé James Ewing at the The Carriage House at Gramercy Mansion in Baltimore

April Ryan never planned on getting married for a second time, but her wedding day couldn't have been any more perfect.

On Oct. 14, the veteran White House reporter, 56, tied the knot with her fiancé James Ewing at the Carriage House at Gramercy Mansion in Baltimore, MD.

"This is my second chance love story," Ryan told PEOPLE ahead of her big day. "I'm divorced and didn’t plan on getting married again. I even vowed never to do it again. I never thought someone would sweep me off of my feet and make me realize I shouldn’t put myself on a shelf. There is more to give and more to do."

She continues: "I was content with being alone the rest of my life, but James changed my outlook. I'm excited for the entire thing because it is going to be a moment of covenant, a moment of music, a moment of friends and dancing – a moment of celebration. A bunch of moments wrapped into one."

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Ryan and Ewing were already connected on social media when they coincidentally met in the Baltimore Washington airport.

They messaged back and forth online following their chance airport meeting and on their third date, "he told me he loved me," recalls Ryan. "Shortly after, I returned the sentiment."

The theme of their wedding celebration was "romantic garden" with a color scheme that included blush, white, ivory and gold. The duo worked with their florist Bella Fiori Events to decorate the space with hydrangeas, roses, garden roses, spray roses, lisianthus, soft greenery and cherry blossoms.

Ryan also shares that she and Ewing, a retired Naval officer of 25 years, incorporated candles and lighting throughout the historic space. The pair created a candle company together called Jare candles and guests will be going home with candles as a wedding favor. Guests at the affair included  Sheryl Lee Ralph, Valerie Jarrett and Jonathan Capehart.  Jarrett brought a handwritten note from Former President Obama and Erica Loewe, Special Assistant to the President, delivered a handwritten note from President Biden.

"I wanted guests to be comfortable the entire time," she says. "There was a great emphasis on guest experience, and I, alongside my wedding planner (Cashmere Events,) wanted to be immersed in the planning process. I've been relaxed throughout most of the process and wanted the ceremony and weekend to be more intimate and smaller."

Among those in attendance were Governor Wes Moore, Melba Wilson, Jawn Murray, Susan Rice and Ronnie DeVoe.

For the ceremony – which was officiated by Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and Congressman Ed Towns – Ryan wore a Terani Couture Dress from Ransom's Boutique with beading and floral work. When trying on dresses she knew right away she had found her dream gown. "When I first saw the dress, I was drawn to it. It was the first one I tried on."

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Ryan walked down the aisle to "What About Love" performed by Ronald McFadden and Jade Madden with keyboard accompanist Janee Johnson. She met her daughters Ryan and Grace halfway down the aisle, who walked her the rest of the way to the altar, where she and Ewing exchanged handwritten vows and rings from Radcliffe Jewelers.

The bride also placed flowers on the seats on her side to honor her late parents.

"I incorporated some tradition into my vows, and also had some input from my oldest daughter, Ryan, who thought the vows needed a little bit more fun in them," she says.

After the ceremony, Ryan changed into a white, silk Paul Rekhi jumpsuit for the reception. The newlyweds hosted a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres including fresh fruit, warm crab and cheddar fondue and bourbon street shrimp before a dinner of harvest salad with chicken azel, salmon with an Asian glaze and vegetarian paella from Simply Elegant.

As a sweet touch they went with a 4-tier almond buttercream cake with swiss raspberry and vanilla custard filling from Artistic Desserts.

The cake design featured Swarovski crystal ribbon bling with gold backing plus, edible beads and hand painted gold design topped with fresh flowers.

At the reception the married pair shared their first dance to "You Put a Move on My Heart" by Quincy Jones and Tamia. Ewing also joined his mother and danced to "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men. The evening also performances by Wayne Bruce, The Spur of the Moment Band, Ronald McFadden, Jade Madden, Dr. Chelsey Green and gospel singer Brian Courtney Wilson.

As a final send off, guests gathered in the garden for sparkler photos at Sunset.

"James is willing to work with me on my dreams, cook with me, solve issues that I'm perplexed about – all the big and little things. He’s a family person. His commitment, involvement and 'togetherness' is hard for me to express. He’s one of a kind, really," Ryan says.

Now, the couple is celebrating their marriage with a honeymoon to Italy.  "I’m excited to experience Italy with all the senses, alongside my husband," she says.

"We’re writing the future – we want to make memories. He’s adventurous and creative with activities, restaurants and shops. We do fun things together, simple things and just living our lives. In the midst of everything, we want to live our lives together – laughing, moving, being together."

"We found one another after giving up on love. Now, our story is a forever love story."

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