About Our Journey

In 2025, destiny quietly and unexpectedly brought Peter and Tara back into each other’s lives. What began as a simple scroll through LinkedIn turned into something far more meaningful when Tara came across a photo of Peter receiving the Creativepool award for Novagram's creative work for a customer.

She paused. She smiled. And then she hesitated. Should she reach out?

With a mix of curiosity, courage, and something she couldn’t quite name, Tara sent a simple message: “Hi.”

What followed was anything but simple.

That one small word opened the door to a flood of memories, emotions, laughter, and long-forgotten conversations that suddenly felt as natural as ever. The connection they once shared hadn’t faded - it had simply been waiting. And as days turned into hours-long conversations, and hours into something deeper, it became clear that this was no ordinary reconnection.

Perhaps they didn’t know it in that exact moment…
Or perhaps, somewhere deep down, they always did.

Because that one quiet “hi” soon became something much greater - 

“How about forever?”

And just like that, two paths that had once diverged found their way back together - stronger, wiser, and ready for a love story that was always meant to be.

Peter and Tara’s story began long before swipes and apps. They found each other in 2002, in the early days of online dating, when connection meant patience (dial up internet!), intention, and a leap of faith.

Peter was living in London, though often traveling to New York, and thought it might be an adventure to meet someone in the U.S. With a bit of charm (and strategy), he listed his location as “Texas”- placing himself, conveniently, just a little closer to possibility.

Tara had returned to Alabama after living in Malta, when she came across Peter’s profile. She was immediately struck - not just by how handsome he was, but by something deeper she couldn’t quite explain. 

They began to write. And write… and write…

In a time before texting, before FaceTime, before instant everything, their connection unfolded through words - long, thoughtful, beautifully crafted emails (and handwritten letters!) that became the heartbeat of their relationship. Phone calls were expensive, saved for moments that simply couldn’t wait. But it was their writing - their shared love of language, wit, and expression - that drew them closer than distance could ever keep them apart. And, letter by letter, they fell in love.

In January 2003, after months of anticipation, they finally met in person at London Gatwick. The moment was electric, undeniable - everything they had felt across the ocean suddenly stood before them, real and unmistakable. They were, without question, madly and passionately in love.

For years, they held onto that love - navigating time zones, distance, and the complexities of two lives unfolding on different continents. But in 2009, with heavy hearts and impossible choices before them, they made the difficult decision to part ways, each pursuing their careers and futures across an ocean that felt just a little too wide at the time.

At last, fate stepped in once more.

Because some love stories aren’t meant to end - they’re simply meant to wait and mature… until the right moment to begin again and endure. 

Beginning in 2025, Peter and Tara set out on a whirlwind journey across the globe - making up for lost time and savoring every moment together. 

Their adventures took them from the dazzling skyline of Dubai to the charm of Portugal and magic of Scotland, then onward to the breathtaking beauty of Oslo and Tromsø, Norway - where, on a private beach along a fjord beneath the dancing Northern lights, Peter got on one knee and asked Tara to marry him. (She enthusiastically said "Yes!")

From there, their story takes them to Japan to celebrate Tara’s 50th birthday, then back to Portugal and beloved St Albans,  and then later to the vibrant landscapes of South America. Along the way, they continue to explore the U.S. as well - from Broadway in New York to day trips around Texas.

Together, they’ve turned the world into their shared and resumed love story - one journey, one memory, and one beautiful chapter at a time.

 Peter’s UK-based company, Novagram LLC, established a U.S. subsidiary, Novagram USA LLC, in 2026 to expand into the American market. While he remains deeply committed to his work in the UK, he is excited to explore the opportunities and creative potential offered by the thriving U.S. market. 

Tara continues to be part of the BW Energy team in Houston, having a distinguished career of more than 20 years in maritime and oil and gas law. She finds her work both fulfilling and inspiring, embracing each new challenge with the same passion that has guided her throughout her journey.

What makes that journey all the more meaningful is sharing it with Peter. In the very beginning, he was one of her greatest champions - encouraging her, believing in her, and standing beside her as she first set out on her legal path.

In turn, Tara has been a steady source of guidance and support for Peter, offering both her legal insight and business counsel throughout his endeavors. Just as he has championed her, she has been - and will always be - his greatest supporter.

Today, that unwavering support remains a constant source of strength, pride, and partnership between them.

For itinerary and other information:

On Friday, Peter and Tara invite you to join them for a special evening together - an opportunity to gather, unwind, and begin this celebration in the best possible way. The evening will start with a casual dinner at [The Hub on Verulam], where the couple looks forward to treating you to a lovely meal, flowing drinks, and the simple joy of being surrounded by people they hold dear.

As the evening continues, everyone will set out on a gentle pub crawl through a few favorite local spots. Along the way, please raise a glass (or many!) in Peter and Tara's honor, share in the laughter, and experience a bit of the charm that has made this place so meaningful to them. Prior to the crawl, you will receive a list of the bride and groom's pub stops and when they will be at each one!

You will eventually find your way back to St Michael’s Manor, ready to rest before the excitement of the day ahead.

But more than anything, this evening is about bringing together two worlds - friends and family from Peter’s side and Tara’s side, many meeting for the very first time. It is a chance to connect, to share stories, and to discover the wonderful, varied group of people who have shaped and supported them along the way.

By the end of the night, Peter and Tara hope it will feel a little less like two sides… and a lot more like one circle. 

On the morning of October 24th, Peter and Tara will be married at St Michael's Manor in a private ceremony shared with their family.

As they prepare for the evening’s festivities, guests are invited to enjoy a restful day or explore the many delights of St Albans. A curated list of optional activities will be provided in your rooms - from walking tours and spa visits to exploring Verulamium Park, the Verulamium Museum, and the beauty of St Albans Cathedral. You might also want to check out the volume of pubs in St A as this place has more pubs per capita than anywhere else! But don't go to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks as that is strictly reserved for the night's events!

At 5:30pm, look forward to coming together again to celebrate at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks - a place saturated with timelessness and charisma. 

For this special night, Peter and Tara have taken over the entire pub and its garden, creating a space just for you to gather, celebrate, and lose yourselves in the moment. An eight-piece band will fill the air with music, the food and drinks will flow freely, and there will even be cigars in the garden if the weather cooperates!

The evening promises to be full of laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories. The attire is "come as you wish" which means there is no dress code. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dean will be in jeans, so please feel free to be as casual (or not) as you like!

So, rest well beforehand… it’s going to be a magical - and wonderfully late - night. 

Nestled just beyond the bustle of London, the timeless city of St Albans feels as though it was made for love stories. With its cobbled streets, centuries-old architecture, and quiet, enduring beauty, it carries a sense of history that whispers through every corner.

At its heart stands the magnificent St Albans Cathedral - a place of reflection, grace, and breathtaking beauty. Its ancient walls have witnessed countless moments of devotion over the centuries. Surrounding the cathedral, the city unfolds into charming streets, cozy corners, and the peaceful greenery of nearby parks, where time seems to slow just enough to savor each moment. It is a place where past and present meet effortlessly - where history, romance, and possibility intertwine.

For Peter and Tara, St Albans is more than just a destination - it is a place that captures the spirit of their journey: rich with history, filled with meaning, and quietly, beautifully enduring. It is here, in this remarkable city, that their next chapter begins - surrounded by love, history, and the promise of forever.

Tucked quietly within the historic heart of St Albans, St Michael's Manor is a place of timeless beauty - where elegance, history, and serenity come together. 

Surrounded by five acres of lush gardens and overlooking a peaceful lake, the manor feels like a hidden sanctuary, steeped in charm and gentle romance. With roots that trace back centuries, it carries the quiet grace of the past while offering an intimate and welcoming setting - perfect for moments that matter most. 

Found in a gorgeous park setting, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks feels like a place where time lingers a little longer. Said to be one of the oldest pubs in England, its low wooden beams, uneven floors, and glowing hearth carry centuries of stories - of laughter, of gathering, of moments shared over candlelight and conversation.

There is something quietly magical about it. Perhaps it’s the way history settles into every corner, or the way the soft hum of voices and clinking glasses create a warmth that feels instantly familiar. It is the kind of place where strangers become friends, and where memories are made without trying.

For Peter and Tara, it is far more than just a pub. For Peter, it encompasses years of memories; for Tara, it is a place discovered in decades-spread moments that quickly became meaningful. Together for them, it is a place of joy - where their stories linger and laughter comes easily.

So, raise a glass, and celebrate together with the happy couple in a setting that has graciously welcomed so many before.

There is truly nothing Peter and Tara desire more than a lifetime together.

Your love and presence in their lives are the greatest gifts they could receive. While they are deeply touched by your generosity, they would be honored if, in lieu of gifts, you might consider making a donation to causes that are close to their hearts.

In this way, their celebration can extend a little further - sharing joy, kindness, and care with others. Links will be shared here soon where you can donate in the name of the couple.

But in the meantime, check them out at:

www.smartpetz.com

 www.willowfoundation.org.uk