Deborah Chan
Tom Hanks has made a habit of surprising couples on their wedding day. From crashing a wedding in Santa Monica to photobombing a bridal party in Pittsburgh, he's even been known to offer to officiate the ceremony. In 2022, he did just that for a couple in Pittsburgh, taking time away from filming to make their special day even more memorable. So, will Tom Hanks officiate your wedding? It's hard to say, but if you're lucky, he might just make an appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 20 March 2022 |
| Location | The couple's Bellevue home in Pittsburgh |
| Couple | Krisna Poznik (Stahl) and Tyson (Stahl) |
| Guests | The couple's two children and their mothers |
| Reason | Krisna Poznik is a fan of Tom Hanks' movie "The Money Pit" |
| Preparation | Hanks met the couple on 4 March 2022 |
| Previous experience | This was the third wedding Hanks had officiated |
Explore related products
![My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71FVRChikBL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Tom Hanks is an ordained minister
Hanks has a certificate to perform marriage ceremonies, which he obtained several years ago in order to officiate at the wedding of friends. He told E! News, "I studied as a minister for nearly $35". This was not the first time Hanks has been involved in a wedding. In 2016, he surprised a couple getting married in Central Park while out for a jog, even asking if he could officiate the ceremony. In 2018, he responded to an Alabama couple's wedding invitation, although he was unable to attend.
Hanks has been spotted at several weddings over the years, often photobombing happy couples on their big day. In 2022, he took a break from filming in Pittsburgh to officiate the wedding of Krisna Poznik Stahl and Tyson Stahl. The couple kept the news a secret from their friends and family, except for their mothers. Poznik Stahl wrote a letter to Hanks, telling the story of her and her fiancé and explaining that their house, which was over 100 years old, was reminiscent of the home in Hanks' 1986 movie The Money Pit. She said that she never imagined her wedding would be officiated by an Oscar-winning actor.
Hanks shared advice about love and marriage with the newlyweds and toasted them with a cider before leaving. Poznik Stahl said that the experience was "perfection" and that she couldn't have asked for anything more. The couple even made a final vow to each other: "Every anniversary from here on out, we'll have to get dinner and a bottle of wine and watch a Tom Hanks movie."
Irish Weddings: When Will They Return?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Krisna Poznik and Tyson Stahl's wedding
Krisna Poznik and Tyson Stahl got the surprise of a lifetime when Tom Hanks agreed to officiate their wedding. The couple, who live in a 102-year-old house in Bellevue, Pittsburgh, had been renovating their home, reminiscent of the house in Hanks' 1986 movie, "The Money Pit". Krisna, who had always dreamed of her wedding day, decided to write to the actor, explaining that it would be a dream come true if he would officiate her wedding to her fiancé, Tyson. To their surprise, Hanks accepted the honour.
The wedding took place on March 20 at the couple's Bellevue home. Hanks met with the couple a few days prior to the wedding and was told that the event would be small, with only immediate family in attendance. Krisna and Tyson kept the news of the Oscar-winning actor's involvement a secret from their friends and family. The only people who knew were their mothers and Grace Ruiz, a photographer who was invited to capture the special day.
Hanks shared advice about love and marriage with the newlyweds and even posed for photos with the couple, their children, and their mothers. The bride and groom were overjoyed and described the experience as "perfection" and "surreal and wonderful". Krisna and Tyson made a final vow to each other: to watch a Tom Hanks movie every anniversary from then on.
This was not the first time that Hanks has officiated a wedding. In 2016, he offered to officiate a couple's wedding in Central Park and has since crashed several wedding photos, including one in Santa Monica and another in Pittsburgh while filming "A Man Called Otto".
Who Will Attend Harry and Meghan's Wedding?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to get Tom Hanks to officiate your wedding
So, you want Tom Hanks to officiate your wedding? Well, you're not alone! The Academy Award-winning actor has a history of officiating weddings and even crashing them!
Location, Location, Location!
Tom Hanks has a history of crashing weddings and offering to officiate ceremonies when he is in the area. Keep an eye out for any movies that are filming in your town or city, especially if Tom Hanks is in the cast! If you happen to live in a place where he is filming, like Pittsburgh, you may have a higher chance of having him crash your wedding or even officiate it!
Write a Letter
Krisna Poznik Stahl, whose wedding was officiated by Tom Hanks, wrote a letter to the actor. In the letter, she explained who she and her fiancé were, and drew connections to one of Tom Hanks' movies, "The Money Pit." She also mentioned that their wedding would take place in their unfinished home, which was reminiscent of the movie. Krisna's letter was delivered to Tom Hanks via a crew member and his security guard. So, if you know Tom Hanks is in your area, try writing him a heartfelt letter and see if you can get it to him through a similar method!
Be Persistent
While this may be a long shot, it's worth trying! If you don't hear back from Tom Hanks or his team after your first attempt, don't be afraid to try again. Send another letter or try to reach out to him through other means, such as social media or email. Remember to keep your communications respectful and concise, and don't be pushy.
Make a Connection
In your letter or communication with Tom Hanks, try to make a personal connection. Share a story about yourself and your partner that might resonate with him. Talk about why his presence would make your wedding extra special. You can also mention if you have any connections to the film industry or if there's something unique about your wedding that aligns with his interests or past roles.
Be Flexible
If Tom Hanks agrees to officiate your wedding, be prepared to work around his schedule. He is a busy actor, so you may need to adjust your wedding date or time to accommodate his availability.
Remember, even if you follow these steps, getting Tom Hanks to officiate your wedding is a long shot, and it may not be possible due to his schedule or other commitments. But if you try some of these strategies, you might just increase your chances of having this beloved actor play a special role in your big day!
Wedding March 5: When to Expect it on Hallmark
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tom Hanks' history of crashing weddings
Tom Hanks has a long history of crashing weddings. The actor has made a habit of photobombing fans' weddings in recent years. On an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Hanks jokingly admitted that he loves crashing weddings because "it's my ego, unchecked".
Hanks has also officiated several weddings. In 2022, he officiated the wedding of Krisna Poznik and Tyson Stahl in their unfinished home in Pittsburgh. Hanks was filming "A Man Called Otto" in the area and the couple reached out to him by letter, explaining that they would love to have him marry them. Hanks, who is an ordained minister, happily accepted the honour.
Hanks has also been known to accidentally crash weddings. In one instance, a filming crew was unaware that a wedding party had booked the same location on the same day. Hanks recalled knocking on the limousine window and asking the bride and groom if he could escort them to their bridal altar.
In another instance, Hanks photobombed a couple's wedding photos in Central Park. The actor has been described as "the celebrity who shows up at weddings invited or not".
Kaitlyn Bristowe's Wedding: ABC Host or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tom Hanks' other acting roles
Tom Hanks is an American actor and filmmaker known for his comedic and dramatic roles. He is one of the most popular and recognisable film stars worldwide and is regarded as an American cultural icon. Hanks has had an extensive career in film, television, and stage, and has portrayed many beloved characters and real-life figures.
Hanks made his professional acting debut on stage, playing Grumio in a 1977 Great Lakes Theater production of The Taming of the Shrew. He made his film debut with a minor role in the 1980 horror film He Knows You're Alone. In the same year, Hanks appeared in the television series Bosom Buddies, which led to guest appearances on several shows, including Happy Days with Ron Howard. Howard cast him in his first leading role in the romantic comedy Splash, in which Hanks played a merman.
Hanks' breakthrough role was in Penny Marshall's age-changing comedy Big, for which he garnered his first nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He won two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor for his performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. In the former, he played a gay lawyer suffering from AIDS and fighting discrimination in his law firm, and in the latter, he played a man with a low IQ but a good heart.
Hanks has also starred in Nora Ephron's romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle, Clint Eastwood's Sully, the science fiction drama The Circle, and the biographical film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, in which he portrayed Fred Rogers. He has voiced the character of Sheriff Woody in the Toy Story franchise and played Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code and Inferno. In addition to acting, Hanks has also directed and produced films and founded the production company Playtone.
Winter Weddings: A One-Season Wonder?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Tom Hanks has been known to officiate weddings, but it is not a service he offers or performs regularly. He has previously officiated the weddings of couples he has met while filming on location.
Tom Hanks has officiated weddings for couples who have reached out to him via letter.
Tom Hanks has previously officiated weddings in Pittsburgh, Santa Monica, and New York's Central Park.
Yes, Tom Hanks has been known to photobomb weddings. He has crashed weddings in Santa Monica, Pittsburgh, and on the beach in New York.
There are no known instances of Tom Hanks refusing to officiate a wedding. However, in 2018, he was unable to attend an Alabama couple's wedding to whom he had sent an RSVP.
