Julia and Pete got married on January 24, 2025, at Park Chateau.

Their Story

Julie and Pete met at their CrossFit gym. “I used to call him ‘the cute guy at the gym’ to my friends,” says Julia. After a boat day with their gym crew, he slid into her DMs, and things moved slowly from there.

Their first date was all-you-can-eat sushi right after a workout. “We bonded over takeout, puzzles and great conversation,” says Julia. “From the start, he made me feel loved, prioritized, and totally like myself.”

The Proposal

Everyone thought the proposal would be at the Penn State Whiteout game—koozies saying “WE ARE engaged!” were even made. But the ring didn’t arrive in time. Instead, Pete proposed at the Homecoming game instead.

“My dad, a chef, handed things over to Pete before dinner, and in the rain, Pete got down on one knee,” says Julie. “We were both crying—it was emotional, personal and so perfectly us.”

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Details of the Day

Their colors were black and white with gold. The flowers were white with greenery.

They had signature drinks (even one for their cat), a fireball shot entrance, bubble guns, glow sticks, and mini cutouts of their heads on sticks for fun on the dance floor.

Penn State Creamery ice cream was served during dessert, and guests signed two PSU jerseys instead of a guest book. “It was so us from start to finish,” says the bride.

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Choosing the Venue

Park Château was the first venue they toured and nothing else compared.

“We loved the elegant chapel, the gardens, and the mix of light and moody details,” says Julia. “It had plenty of space for our big guest list, and the service was unmatched.”

“We toured again with my parents while they were setting up another wedding, and that sealed the deal,” says Julia. “I’ve joked I want to get married there again!”

Favorite Moment 

“Our first look and private vows were unforgettable,” says Julia. “I was nervous walking down the stairs to meet him, and he was already crying when he turned around. Pete hadn’t seen my dress or any details, and the moment just felt so personal and emotional.”

“We both mentioned Penn State football losses in our vows, of course,” says the bride. “It was calm, real, and the perfect pause in such a big, joyful day.”

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without 

“Our DJ, Christian from SCE, was non-negotiable,” says Julia. “He DJed my Sweet 16 and so many events for my friends and family after that. I always said he’d do my wedding one day.”

“The second we got engaged, I reached out to him—before we had a date or venue!”

“The whole day was full-circle with him there,” she adds. “No one else could’ve brought the energy and heart like he did.”

Wedding Day Attire 

Julia thought she wanted sparkle and lace, but when she put on the Pronovias Luna gown, she just knew. “It was simple, elegant and felt like me,” she says.

Pete wore a white jacket with black trim, and they debated tie colors until the guys voted for gold the morning of!

The bridesmaids wore black satin in styles of their choice.

Advice for Other Couples

“We did a date night every month on the 24th during our engagement to stay connected,” says Julia.

“Pete was part of every planning call and decision—we treated this as our day, not just mine.”

“Yes, wedding planning is stressful,” she adds, “but the goal is always the same: becoming husband and wife. The wedding is just the beginning. The real magic is in the life you build together afterward.”

Honeymoon

The newlyweds went to Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica.

They climbed Dunn’s River Falls, had a couples massage, breakfast in bed, and a romantic beach dinner. Renting a poolside cabana with a bed, shade, and a butler was a highlight.

The food, drinks, and time together were perfect.

“It was the exact mix of adventure and relaxation we needed after the wedding whirlwind,” says Julia.

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