GENERAL
Couple’s Name: Tanya Piehl and Rob Hoar
Wedding Date: July 21, 2012
Wedding Location: Central Park, New York City
ABOUT THE COUPLE
How they met: On a choir field trip to New York City in 2001, Rob and Tanya hit it off immediately, becoming friends and sharing a dance on a dinner cruise in New York harbor. When the trip was over, the two lost touch, but were reunited in January 2010.
How he proposed: On January 1, 2011, after spending the holiday with friends, the couple spent the day at home together. Around 5 p.m., Rob nervously got up and said he “needed a cigarette.” Upon returning, he took Tanya’s hand, got down on one knee and told her that he wanted to spend their lives together. He slipped his late mother’s heirloom wedding ring onto her finger and then surprised her by saying she could choose her own wedding ring set in addition to the family keepsake. The couple intends to keep both families’ wedding rings in this way; the bride’s maternal grandmother’s heirloom ring has since been added to the collection for future generations. The couple then spent the evening together, watching a beautiful light snow while they relaxed at the Racine Radisson hot tub and pool.
Bride’s occupation: Pediatric nurse practitioner
Groom’s occupation: Recreational musician
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony: The ceremony was held in New York City to commemorate where the couple met. In line with the wedding theme, guests traveled to the ceremony through the John Lennon memorial, Strawberry Fields. The ceremony took place at Wagner Cove, a small covered arbor at the water’s edge of Cherry Hill. It was a private and secluded location, down a cobblestone path, which made the event very intimate. Acoustic musicians played “Across the Universe” and “All You Need is Love” for the procession and recession, respectively.
The gown: The bride wore a custom-made, pear- colored satin dress by Lili Isaac, a fit-and-flare style with a sweetheart neckline and a balloon hemline. This was accompanied by a replica of Kate Middleton’s hairpiece and a waltz-length veil, with Swarovski crystal accent jewelry chosen by the groom.
The bouquet: Silk orange hibiscus and pink frangipani with stephanoitis and crystals bordered by banana leaf, bound by teal ribbon.
The theme: “The Beatles.” Both the bride and groom are music lovers. It was the movie “Across the Universe” that inspired the couple’s first kiss. Other touches, like an acoustic Beatles cover band, custom-made invitations that resembled a record in a sleeve, an electric guitar used as a guest book, and custom-made guitar pick boutonnieres added to the special touches.
THE WEDDING PARTY
Maid of honor: Amber Petersen
Bridesmaids: Deanna Brookins and Jeanette Hessefort
Best man: Kyle Petersen
Groomsmen: Brandon Brookins and Travis Wilson
THE RECEPTION
Number of guests: 20
The reception: Orsay
The cake: A two-tier, New York style cheesecake with strawberry glaze and a chocolate “record” as a cake topper that read “All You Need is Love.”
First song: The Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere” for the first slow dance, immediately followed by a choreographed dance to “Tonight I’m Lovin’ You” by Enrique Iglesias. The couple was also lucky enough to get to sing and play for a few songs themselves (totally impromptu).
The menu: Canape selections included gruyere cheese puffs, mini burgers, croque monsieur, caramelized chicken wing, and crab cakes. Dinner included an appetizer of French onion soup or salad and entree choices of pan-seared scallops, rotisserie chicken, or roasted rack of lamb. Strawberries stuffed with cheesecake accompanied the wedding cake.
What made the day unique: In remembrance of the late father of the bride and the late mother of the groom, memory lockets containing their cremains were present with a memorial plaque, along with a commemorative drink to honor each parent.
Most touching moment of the day: The personalized vows. In addition, the photo board, created by the mother of the bride, showing Rob and Tanya growing up and then growing together was a beautiful labor of love.
Honeymoon destination: A Caribbean cruise to Grand Bahama Island. There, they went snorkeling and swam with dolphins, but also took time out to relax in a hammock on the ocean shore and stargaze.