An Intimate Wedding at Nashville’s East Ivy Mansion

As all good love stories do, Robert Redman Laser III and Pirjin Tayip’s began with breakfast conversation about humanitarian and civil rights discussions, human psychology and moral philosophy and religion. “You know, all the light topics (ha!),” Pirjin tells us. “Neither of us intended the gathering to be a date, but within 20 minutes, we were both trying to figure out how to see the other again.” It was a charity event that brought the pair together, and the stimulating conversation that kept them together.

A year later, Rob and Pirjin were dating long distance, and Rob decided to take their relationship to the next level. Together, Rob and Pirjin met in Nashville for a weekend away from their jobs in Louisville and Cincinnati, respectively. “Rob had booked the most adorable little cabin along the Cumberland River for the weekend,” Pirjin tells the story. “The cozy home featured a private pool overlooking the river, and after we got engaged, we had several friends and family members join us for a gathering to celebrate the occasion. An interesting wrinkle to the engagement was Rob intentionally proposed on Eid, a holiday based on the lunar calendar — meaning that the anniversary of our engagement changes dates each year.”

An Intimate Wedding at Nashville’s East Ivy Mansion

Robert Redman Laser III & Pirjin Tayip got married at Nashville’s East Ivy Mansion on October 6, 2017.

Two years later, on October 6, the couple said “I do.” They chose East Ivy Mansion, an 1867-built mansion in East Nashville. “We loved the history surrounding the home and that the venue had the feel of an oasis away from the city inside the mansion walls (reminding Rob of walks he took in Central Park while in law school). I adored the lovely gardens and koi ponds, as well as the elegant and beautiful architecture of the historic mansion,” the bride shares.

The subtle elegance of the Italian Renaissance-style mansion was heightened with the addition of a blend of white garden roses with various types of greenery, such as silver dollar eucalyptus, seeded eucalyptus and salal. Donning a silk and tulle beaded wedding gown, Pirjin embodied the same subtle elegance of the setting. “I fell in love with my dress at first sight,” she tells us. “At first glance, I knew it was the dress without even trying it on. I had not a single ounce of doubt that I would ultimately walk down the aisle in that dress and wanted to buy it immediately.” Convinced by family and friends to explore her options, Pirjin shopped around, but no dress ever compared to the first. “By the time I had tried on enough dresses to satisfy my family and friends, the dress I wanted was sold out everywhere. I called every BHLDN store across the country about the Lorelei gown and several wedding dress boutiques across the country (to see if they had the Harlow Gown, which is almost identical to the Lorelei Gown). Finally, I found an unworn sample size dress at the BHLDN store in Chicago. The very next day I went to Chicago to get the dress. I do not regret it a bit. It was the perfect dress, my dream dress really.”

The couple shared this special moment on their big day.

Smitten with his bride, Rob was all smiles.

“My favorite aspect of the dress was the unique and beautiful neckline. I decided to wear the dress with a beaded sash, cathedral veil and nude heels,” Pirjin tells us.

“My something old was a vintage double heart ‘sweetheart’ ring from the 1970s that belonged to my mother. My something new and blue was a crystal brooch with deep blue-toned crystals. My something borrowed was the set of lovely pearl and diamond earrings that belong to my mother-in-law.”

Pirjin carried a stunning boutique that was simple, yet elegant.

Rob getting ready to meet his bride at the end of the aisle

The happy couple!

On the evening of the wedding, 100 guests assembled in East Ivy’s garden for the celebration of Pirjin and Rob. With the guests as witnesses, they became husband and wife. Two sets of vows were exchanged: personal vows, as well as (slightly modified) traditional vows. “We really liked the idea of exchanging two sets of vows in recognition of both the tradition of marriage and also our endeavor to define our lifelong commitment on our own terms.”

The smallest guest just so happened to be the cutest.

The gardens of East Ivy Mansion made for the most stunning backdrop.

Mr. and Mrs. Laser!

Every corner of the historic mansion was photo-worthy.

With guests arriving from New York and California, Pirjin and Rob liked the idea of a Southern dinner. Through a menu of brisket, hot chicken, mac and cheese and grits, they introduced their guests to some of Nashville’s most popular flavors. A simple moment that the newlyweds will never forget is a private dinner they shared after the ceremony. “It was a perfect opportunity to escape, enjoy dinner and really appreciate the joy of the wedding day.”

Dinner was followed by dancing, including a first dance for the newlyweds to a medley of Tim McGraw’s “My Best Friend” and “Where the Green Grass Grows.” The newlyweds cut into a vanilla cake, with fresh strawberries and vanilla buttercream, and guests indulged in treats from the candy bar (a nod to Pirjin’s love of candy). After the festivities, the couple and their closest friends enjoyed a late-night swim.

Customized glass coasters were given as wedding favors.

A Southern-style dinner gave the couple an opportunity to show off Nashville cuisine.

The couple chose a naked vanilla cake with fresh strawberries and vanilla buttercream.

The newlyweds share a first dance!

“We will also always recall the late-night swim we shared in the venue’s pool with many of our closest friends long after the bustle of the reception had died down,” Pirjin says of the most memorable moments from the wedding day.

Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Laser!

After the wedding, the newlyweds set out to explore the shore and surrounding ocean of Jamaica. “We spent our mornings scuba diving and our afternoons relaxing, walking beaches and eating sushi and jerk cuisine. It was a fantastic mix of peacefulness and adventure.”

Here’s to many happy days ahead! Congrats, Rob and Pirjin!