Nice Day for a White (Castle) Wedding In the Bronx
A New York City couple sealed their love with sliders.
— -- Many women dream of getting married in a castle, but how many can say that theirs came with complimentary chicken rings?
You get the best of both with a White Castle wedding, as two newlyweds have now learned.
Mariana Pugliese and Jasmine Dimovski, winners of an all-expense paid wedding hosted by New York City radio station Z100, declared their unending love for one another Friday--as well as a deep affection for 2X2-inch, steam-grilled sliders--in an intimate ceremony held at the White Castle restaurant near Fordham University in the Bronx.
"I figured why not go for it," said Dimovski, of signing up for the contest. "That's pretty much how we are about everything."
Her bride agreed.
"It seemed like a great story to tell our grandkids," said Pugliese of her fast-food fantasy wedding.
Dressed in a floor-length royal blue gown, Dimovski walked side by side with Publiese, who wore a coordinating royal blue pants and slacks, from the restaurant entrance to the ceremony area.
Holding matching pink and white bouquets, the brides exchanged their vows in front of the glowing lights of the checkout counter, which had been decorated with balloons and other festive accents. DJ Greg T from Z100 officiated as a group of 20 teary-eyes family members and friends looked on.
"I've never been to a wedding at White Castle before," said Pugliese's grandmother Barbara Lenoire. "I'm from the country, but it's fun! Whatever."
After the brides were pronounced spouses for life, the couple took the floor for their first dance, along with their 8-month-old daughter Sophia, to Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud."
Meanwhile, guests munched on a catered menu that included chicken rings, mozzarella sticks, an array of beef, fish and veggie sliders, French fries, as well as cheesecake on a stick.
Familiar comfort foods, all.
"We like the food, definitely," said Dimovski. "If it's something where we can't decide on what to make for dinner, we are definitely going to White Castle."