In a spectacular nod to classic cinema, a couple in New York City has chosen an imaginative Titanic theme for their wedding, creating a unique experience that paid homage to the beloved 1997 film. Deanna Director, aged 40, and her partner Billy Hiller, 41, said ‘I do’ on July 11 at the Aquarelle venue, where each detail reflected their affection for the iconic love story depicted in the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
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The couple’s fascination with Titanic runs deeper than mere nostalgia; it resonates with Hiller, who is an engineer in New York City. “The Titanic tale is more than just a film to me,” Hiller commented. “As an adult, I often reflect on its engineering implications. It illustrates the ultimate struggle against nature and is a reminder of the limits of human construction. It’s an unforgettable lesson about safety in engineering.”
Their wedding invitations encouraged guests to don Titanic-inspired attire, inviting a lively array of costumes from first-class elegance to playful representations of life in the ship’s steerage class. Among the highlights of the day was a performance by the Yacht Rock Choir, a group the couple met at a Titanic-themed art show. Dressed as sailors, the choir serenaded attendees with three poignant acapella renditions from the movie’s soundtrack during the ceremony.
A remarkable feature of the wedding was the giant replicas of the “Heart of the Ocean” necklace, which guests were encouraged to wear for a whimsical photo opportunity. Director sported a movie replica of the necklace alongside her wedding gown, which was designed to evoke imagery from the iceberg that sank the famed vessel. In addition, she presented mini versions of the necklace to selected guests from a Betsey Johnson purse shaped like a boat.
To enhance their Titanic-inspired experience, place settings were cleverly demarcated by 3D-printed lifeboats, guiding guests to their tables, a playful reference reflecting Hiller’s professional background in construction. Each table’s seating arrangement was detailed in a mock cruise line brochure, adding to the playful yet sophisticated ambiance of the celebration.
In a comedic twist to one of the film’s most debated moments, the couple creatively addressed the infamous door scene where Jack Dawson attempts to share space with Rose. A hidden prop—a faux wooden door—was dramatically unveiled during the ceremony, prompting laughter and applause from the gathered guests. “We thought it would be fun to recreate that moment,” Director explained, noting how it resonated with the audience’s shared memories of the film.
The wedding cake itself was also inspired by the iconic scene, adorned with a bride and groom figurine atop what resembled a dollhouse door, set against a backdrop of ocean-blue icing mimicking the waves below. Crafted by a chef from the renowned Rainbow Room, the cake captured the essence of their Titanic theme while delighting guests.
Not wanting to overlook any details, Hiller, whose all-time favourite film is Ghostbusters, made a grand entrance in the Ghostbusters Ectomobile, stopping at the iconic Ghostbusters Firehouse for a playful photo shoot ahead of the ceremony. The couple, who met via Hinge two and a half years prior, also incorporated a humorous engagement proposal into the wedding’s backdrop. Hiller popped the question on April 13, 2025, during a staged Titanic skit on a ferry — a nod to the original ship’s infamous maiden voyage date.
As their wedding day unfolded, both Director and Hiller expressed how rewarding it was to witness the joy and enthusiasm of their guests engaging with the theme they cherished. “Seeing everyone dressed up and truly enjoying the spirit of the event was the highlight for us,” they shared, specifically mentioning how well the door stunt was received.
Moreover, the couple constructed an elaborate Titanic funnel sculpture as an additional prop, which served as a focal point for photographs. They dedicated months to its creation in their small Brooklyn apartment, ensuring their celebration would be memorable not only for them but also for the guests. “We’ve loved seeing the online sharing of those moments,” they added, reflecting on the joyful memories their Titanic-themed wedding generated.
With a combination of humour, creativity, and genuine love for each other and their theme, Deanna Director and Billy Hiller’s wedding stands as a remarkable celebration of their shared interests and life together, ultimately encapsulating the spirit of the Titanic narrative in a truly unforgettable way.