Cranberry couple exchanges vows in Tolkien-inspired wedding
The gold rings symbolize more than forever joining two lovers.
Exact replicas of the circular bands made for the “The Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy, they embody the underlying theme of the Nov. 6 wedding of Christopher Rooney and Dylan Brozich.
The film series and its prequel, “The Hobbit,” inspired the couple to re-create everything from lembas bread (a special food made by elves) to the mystical land of Lothlorien (a kingdom of elves) for their nuptials at Marriott Pittsburgh North in Cranberry.
“It's pretty cool to think our rings were made by the same person as the one who made the rings for the movie,” says Brozich, referring to designer Jens Hansen. “That means a lot to us.”
Having such a theme was a given if you know these two. Their original bond grew through their shared interest in the fantasy game Dungeons & Dragons, which they still play with friends today.
“The major thing we have in common is our love for all things fantasy,” Rooney says. “We know it's wonderfully geeky, but it's something we always turn to and enjoy. That's why we decided to incorporate our passion for fantasy into what became the most magical day of our lives — our wedding.”
The only thing missing was the guys' outfits — they planned to be characters from the movie.
Rooney, 23, hoped to be Gandalf and Brozich, 23, was going to be Thrandil. The clothing designer from Berlin who was making the costumes suffered a medical emergency that required hospitalization, so the costumes didn't arrive in time. The couple scrambled to find white tuxedos with jade ties and vests.
“Things happen, which are out of your control,” Rooney says. “And this was one of those things. Everything else was perfect.”
The 140 guests inscribed wishes for the couple on stones, which were placed in a goblet that will be displayed at their Cranberry home. Many in attendance donned costumes, including members of the bridal party who were dressed as hobbits and elves, wearing ear cuffs Brozich made and boutonnieres created by Green-Sinner in Lawrenceville.
”Love the ear cuff,” said wedding party member Alyssa Dreihaup of Edinboro, on the big night. “And look at our boutonnieres! I am happy to be a part of their amazing night. And I am also a fan of ‘Lord of the Rings.' This is a great night.”
Disc jockey Andy Hutelmyer incorporated music from the soundtracks of the movies to help set the scene.
“This was an opportunity to do something different,” Hutelmyer says. “I thought it would be a cool wedding to be a part of. I have been involved in themed weddings, but not one like this one.”
“Everyone from our wedding specialists to our chef were dedicated to ensuring that Chris and Dylan's wedding was even more perfect and magical than they ever dreamed of,” says Rick Antestenis, the hotel's general manager.
It was a fun night for wedding designer Sara Arvay, president of Arvay Event Design & Rental in Springdale, who handled the decor by transforming the room from ceremony to reception.
“Chris and Dylan were great to work with,” Arvay says. “They knew what they wanted, and it really was a space that reflected their personalities. I was happy to be a part of it.”
For the ceremony, the hotel's banquet space was decorated in lush greenery and a rural backdrop inspired by The Shire in the fictional land of Eriador in Middle-earth, the setting for J.R.R. Tolkien's books and, later, the film adaptations.
For the reception, the room was transformed into the mystical land of Lothlorien with deep blues and purples and sparkling jewels. There were symbolic leaf place cards, table assignments named after geographical places in Middle-earth and a tree-planting ceremony reminiscent of the White Tree of Gondor during the ceremony.
After dinner, Rooney and his mom, Tammy Rooney of New Sewickley, Beaver County, danced to Rascal Flatts' “My Wish,” and then Brozich joined his mother, Denise Brozich of Economy Borough, Beaver County, on the dance floor to Phil Collins' “You'll Be in My Heart.”
“This was what they wanted, and I am not surprised they chose ‘Lord of the Rings,' ” Tammy Rooney says. “They wanted a modern fantasyland, and that is what they created for the evening. … They are happy.”
The couple, originally from Beaver County, met in high school. They were engaged in 2013. Brozich took Rooney's name. They are saving for that one-of-a-kind themed honeymoon, and it's not a surprise where.
“We hope to go to New Zealand,” Rooney says. “And see where the movie was filmed. That would be our perfect honeymoon. It's expensive ... but we will get there … eventually.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at jharrop@tribweb.com or 412-320-7889.
