Jennifer Pedranti and Ryan Boyajian have been meticulously planning their romantic nuptials for months: envisioning a beach setting, perhaps donning a white bikini rather than a traditional dress, and holding a ceremony in the summer surrounded by their children as they exchange vows. However, their plans have encountered a slight hiccup.

“We’re considering moving the wedding sooner because you’re heading off to boot camp,” Jenn explained to her 18-year-old son, Dawson, who recently enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, during an episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 19, Episode 3.

The enlistment put unexpected pressure on Jenn and Ryan’s plans, as Jenn expressed they needed to think about “pulling the trigger” on a date.

“I’m not getting married without Dawson being there,” she had previously insisted while wedding shopping with Ryan, who replied, “I agree.”

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Jennifer Pedranti opens up about her “casual” wedding plans with Ryan Boyajian 

In a November 2024 interview with The Daily Dish, Jenn shared her excitement for her upcoming wedding. 

“I could just go to the courthouse and sign papers. I’m not aiming for something grand,” she noted. “Our chosen spot is in the Bahamas; we just returned from there, having taken 10 kids. It’s a trip we make every summer, so we’re thinking of next summer. It will take place at Baha Mar, our beloved resort there. The event will be casual, just us and our children. I am extremely close to my family.”

During the RHOC Season 19 premiere, Jenn shared how her kids are feeling about the upcoming ceremony, explaining they “are really excited about the wedding.” 

Jennifer Pedranti and Ryan Boyajian’s blended family dynamic

Jenn shares five children with her ex: Dawson, Harrison, Greyson, Everleigh and Dominic.

Although they are not married yet, Ryan began getting a taste of becoming a stepfather after he and Jenn moved in together and blended their families during RHOC Season 18. 

“You move in with someone, and you think you know how they parent, and then you realize you parent very different,” Jenn said during the Season 18 premiere. “So, there is an adjustment period. We definitely went through an adjustment period.”

A year later, in RHOC Season 19, Jenn admitted: “Ryan and I are still working on the whole parenting thing.”

The couple worked out a few parenting issues when Jenn talked to her 11-year-old son Dominic about getting in trouble at school for talking. Ryan joked Dominic got “sixteen” warnings and laughed, much to Jenn’s dismay.

“You shouldn’t laugh,” she chided him on the July 24 episode. “You’re like a fun uncle.”

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Ryan admitted that it hasn’t exactly been a smooth transition. “Being a stepdad isn’t easy, because they do have a dad,” he shared.

Jenn believed Ryan was taking his new role in stride. “It is a fine line you walk as step-parents,” she said. “There’s been issues with not respecting curfews. I do think when it matters or it’s a teachable moment, Ryan steps in. I just want him to be in addition to, not in place of their dad.”