Hockey themed wedding features custom jerseys and a skating bride and groom at Hersheypark Arena

In the 81-year-history of Hersheypark Arena, it’s rare there are many “firsts” left in the building. But Saturday afternoon, a little bit more history was added to one of the oldest working hockey arenas in North America.

Kym Hamilton and Corry Hartmoyer met playing hockey. “I was actually on a breakaway,” said Kym. “I think I was distracted by his eyes looking through the goalie mask. And then he poke-checked me.”

“I knocked your stick out of your hand as well,” Corry added.

After getting to know each other, the two knew they shared a deep love for hockey. “She started coming to some of my games, I came to some of [hers] as well; just supporting each other while playing on our individual teams.”

The two knew they were perfect for each other and soon would be engaged. Then it came time to plan the wedding, and an idea came to them. “I always thought of getting married in an arena,” Kym said, “but because I coach for the Jr. Bears and this is the arena I pretty much live in; I always thought ‘Why not?'”

Corry’s reaction to a hockey-themed wedding was filled with excitement. “I’ve played here a million times. It’s one of these places, you come in here, and you’ll hear it from anybody — you come in here, you look around, doesn’t matter if you’ve played here once or a thousand times — it keeps you in awe.”

While it wasn’t the first wedding in arena history, it was the first wedding to feature the bride and groom on skates, along with some members of the wedding party skating out. “It’s definitely a different atmosphere when you’re skating out of a tunnel in a wedding dress made out of a hockey jersey than your coaching attire,” said Kym. “And then seeing your future husband at the other end, standing in front of his net and not in his goalie gear — my heart was racing.”

Along with Kym’s hockey jersey-converted dress, Corry sported a custom black jersey with “Hartmoyer 18” on the back, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen all wore custom hockey jerseys of their own.

Family and friends in attendance got in on the action as well. Almost all at the wedding were wearing hockey jerseys from their favorite teams and players, from St. Louis Blues sweaters to Hershey Bears uniforms. “I’ve played in front of crowds,” said Corry, “but this is a different feeling than that. It was amazing seeing her come out and then just knowing we’re adding to the arena is incredible — just tops everything off.”

Now the Hartmoyers will enjoy a life together filled with their love of hockey, and a wedding filled with memories to last a lifetime.