Katie Gaudreau and Devin Joyce’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love—it was a testament to resilience. Nearly a year after tragedy struck her family, Katie walked down the aisle in a deeply emotional ceremony, carrying both the grief of losing her brothers and the warmth of the love that surrounds her.
A Year of Heartbreak and Healing
Katie had been eagerly planning her wedding with her brothers, Johnny and Matthew, by her side. But on August 29, 2024, their lives were tragically cut short when a drunk driver struck them while they were biking in New Jersey. Johnny, 31, a former NHL star, and Matthew, 29, a beloved hockey coach, were set to serve as groomsmen at her wedding the very next day.
The tragic loss forced Katie to cancel her wedding, and the family was left to grapple with an unimaginable grief. Katie’s wedding, now rescheduled for July 11, 2025, marked not just a new beginning with her high school sweetheart, Devin Joyce, but a moment to honor the brothers she lost. Despite the pain, Katie’s commitment to celebrating the love and memories they shared was unwavering.
A Ceremony Filled With Love and Tribute
Katie and Devin’s wedding was held at St. Mary’s Church in Gloucester City, N.J., followed by a reception at The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. While this day was meant to be joyous, it was also deeply emotional. Katie and Devin found creative ways to honor Johnny and Matthew, ensuring their spirits were present throughout the ceremony.
Devin, understanding the profound absence of her brothers, wore socks embroidered with their hockey jersey numbers—13 for Johnny and 21 for Matthew. Katie’s bouquet included 13 spray roses and 21 standard roses, a subtle yet powerful tribute to the brothers she lost. Her veil even featured handwritten notes from Johnny and Matthew, carrying their presence with her as she walked down the aisle.
Healing Together Through Love and Loss
Katie reflected on the deep transformation she had undergone in the past year, saying, “It’s hard to put into words how much has shifted. I still carry the grief in my heart, but I know Johnny and Matty would want us to feel love—not just their love, but all the love surrounding us.”
As Katie walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, she felt the overwhelming sense of both sorrow and the comfort of knowing her brothers were with her in spirit.
Despite the profound loss, the day was still filled with joy, as friends, family, and the couple’s tight-knit community came together in a collective celebration of love. Katie’s wedding wasn’t just the union of two people; it was the union of grief, love, and healing.